10 Euros Battle of Thermopylae

Reverse

Greek hoplite (private) holding a shield in the foreground and behind him spears of a phalanx, part of greek armies strategy on the battlefield. Lettering along with the mintmark in enscribed on the inner part of the shield.

Script: Greek

Lettering:
ΘΕΡΜΟΠΥΛΕΣ - 480 π.Χ.
2020
ΛΕΩΝΙΔΑΣ

Translation:
THERMOPYLAE - 480 B.C.
2020
LEONIDAS

Engraver: Geórgios Stamatópoulos

Edge

Plain

Comment

In the summer of 480 BC, some 7,000 Greek troops under Leonidas, king of Sparta, tried to halt the advance of the invading Persian army, led by Xerxes. Though vastly outnumbered, they decided to take up position at the straits of Thermopylae, which commanded the passage to mainland Greece. When the Persian king invited them to surrender their arms, Leonidas famously countered «Μολών λαβέ» (“come and take them”). Using the narrow pass to their advantage, the Greeks managed to hold their ground for two days, until they were betrayed by Ephialtes, who showed the Persians a mountain track leading them behind the Greek lines. On the third day, Leonidas, realising that the battle was lost, dismissed the troops of the other Greek cities, but chose to stay behind with his elite guard of 300 Spartans, the helots and the remaining Lacedemonians. They were joined by 700 Thespians, who also opted to stay, and they all fell on the battlefield. With their courageous last stand, Leonidas and his comrades inspired the Greeks to continue their fight against the Persians, setting an everlasting example of heroism and self-denial.

Minting quality: Proof
Packaging: Coin box with Certificate of Authenticity (CoA)

Interesting fact

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
2020	3000	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 10 Euros (Battle of Thermopylae) 2020 coin.