Greece: 20 Drachmai 1960-1965 Paul I

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Quick Coinage Facts

Years Minted: 1960-1965
Composition: 83.5% Silver, 16.5% Copper
Diameter: 26.2 mm
Weight: 7.5 grams (0.2013 oz of silver)
Total Mintage: 20,000,000 (approximate)
Unique Features: Lettered Edge

Design

The obverse design features a bust image of Paul I, King of the Hellenes, facing left. The reverse features an image of the Greek Moon Goddess Selene riding on a horse over an ocean. Near the center of the image is the coin denomination “20 APX”.

The edge of the coin is not reeded or smooth like most modern coins but contains raised Greek lettering.

King Paul

After the death of his elder brother, Paul ascended to the throne in 1947 during a time of civil war between communists and non-communists parties. By 1949 the civil war was all but over with the communists ceasing aggressive activities allowing Paul to focus on rebuilding of Greece.

In the 1950s, Paul led Greece through a successful economic recovery, and due to his visits abroad diplomatic and trade links were also strengthened under Paul’s reign. By the mid 1960’s Paul’s health deteriorated when he contracted stomach cancer in 1964 and would die several weeks after the diagnosis.

Paul was succeeded by his son, Constantine II, but Constantine’s rule would be short as Greece would abolish the Monarchy in 1973.

Selene the Moon Goddess

Selene is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion, the sun god, and Theia, the sister of Helios. The moon goddess is known for her countless love affairs. The most famous of her loves is the shepard Endymion. Other affairs of Selene's include an affair with Zeus with whom she had three daughters, and Pan.

She is often shown riding a horse or a bull. Selene is said to wear robes, carry a torch, and wear a half moon on her head. After her brother Helios completes his journey across the sky, she begins hers. Before Selene's journey across the night sky she bathes in the sea.

Obverse Reverse
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General Market Notes

Issued for just 2 years there are no rarities and coins are readily available.

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