50 Euros Portara Naxos

Reverse

The design depicts the gate of the temple of Apoll (known as Portara). At the right lower side of the design is the signature of Maria Andonatou, at the left side is the mint mark of the Hellenic Mint and at the bottom is the year "2021". Encircling the design is the lettering "PORTARA NAXOS" (in Greek).

Script: Greek

Lettering:
ΠΟΡΤΑΡΑ ΝΑΞΟΣ 2021
M

Translation: Portara Naxos 2021

Engraver: Maria Andonatou

Edge

Plain

Comment

Portara, the trademark monument of Naxos, stands atop the islet of Palatia, connected today with Naxos by a causeway. This huge marble gate was the entrance to a monumental Ionian temple (to Dionysus or Apollo), 59 m. long and 28 m. wide. This ambitious project, left unfinished, was launched by Lygdamis, tyrant of Naxos, in the 6th century BC, in an attempt to rival similar buildings of the time, such as the Olympieion of Athens and the Heraeon of Samos. Portara, roughly 6 m. high and 3.5 m. wide, is made of four blocks, each weighing 20 tonnes. A Christian church was built on the temple’s ruins, and its building blocks were reused by the Venetians for the castle of Naxos. However, Portara remains intact and continues to greet visitors arriving at Naxos.
Minting quality: Proof
Packaging: Wooden coin box with Certificate of Authenticity (CoA)

Interesting fact

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
2021	1500	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 50 Euros (Portara Naxos) 2021 coin.