Description

George I (1845–1913) was King of Greece from 1863 until his death in 1913. Originally a Danish prince, George was born in Copenhagen. He was only 17 years old when he was elected king by the Greek National Assembly, which had deposed the unpopular former king Otto. He married the Russian grand duchess Olga Constantinovna of Russia, and became the first monarch of a new Greek dynasty. George's reign of almost 50 years (the longest in modern Greek history) was characterized by territorial gains. During the First Balkan War, after Greek troops had occupied much of Greek Macedonia, George was assassinated in Thessaloniki.

Engraver: Ch Pillet

Obverse

Crowned arms right of center hole. A simplified version of the main royal coat of arms under the Glücksburg dynasty, created in 1863, used in the kingdom until 1924, when King George II was exiled. The simplified version features the light blue cross couped of Greece.

Mintmark of the Paris Mint: Cornucopia
Engraver general's privy mark: Torch (Henry Patey, 1896-1930)

ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ
ΤΗΣ
ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ
1912

Reverse

Athena standing at left of centre hole, olive branch at right.

Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, mathematics, strength, war strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill in ancient Greek religion and mythology.

20
ΛΕΡΤΑ
CH. Pillet

Edge

20 Lepta

KM# 64
Characteristics
Material Nickel
Weight 5 g
Diameter 23 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round with a center hole
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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