200 Euros Persian Wars

Reverse

The design features a Greek hoplite (private) holding a shield, fighting a Persian. To the right appears lettering along with the palmette, the symbol of the Greek Mint. The issuing year and the engraver's signature is also inscribed. The design is encircled by Laconian shields marked with the Greek letter “Λ” alluding to the crucial role of Lacedaemonians in the victorious outcome.

Script: Greek

Lettering:
2020
ΠΕΡΣΙΚΟΙ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΙ

Translation:
2020
The Persian Wars

Engraver: Geórgios Stamatópoulos

Edge

Plain

Comment

The rapid expansion of the Persian Empire inevitably brought it into collision with the Greek world in the 5th century BC. After subduing the Greek cities of Ionia and then crushing their revolt, the Persians set out to punish Athens for having assisted the Ionian cities. Thus, in 490 BC, king Darius sent an expeditionary force under Datis and Artaphernes against Athens. The Athenians, however, under the command of Miltiades, emerged victorious from the Battle of Marathon. Ten years later, King Xerxes, determined to conquer Greece, led a far vaster army and navy against the Greeks. Although the Persians prevailed in the Battle of Thermopylae, they suffered a crushing defeat at Salamis, largely due to the brilliant generalship of Themistocles. Two further Greek victories in 479 BC, in the Battles of Plataea (on land) and Mykale (at sea), sealed the expulsion of the Persians from Greece. The defeat of the Persian invasion saved the Greek world from enslavement and enabled classical civilization to flourish.

Interesting fact

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
2020	750	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 200 Euros (Persian Wars) 2020 coin.