50 Lepta

1921 year


Copper-nickel	7 g	25 mm

Description

Issuer	Greece
King	Constantine I (1913-1917, 1920-1922)
Type	Non-circulating coin
Year	1921
Value	50 Lepta (0.50)
Currency	First modern drachma (1832-1944)
Composition	Copper-nickel
Weight	7 g
Diameter	25 mm
Shape	Round with a round hole
Technique	Milled
Demonetized	Yes
Updated	2024-10-05

References

Numista	N#26037
Rarity index	86%

Reverse

Olive branch below center hole, denomination above center hole

Script: Greek

Lettering: 50 ΛΕΠΤΑ

Translation: 50 Lepta

Engraver: Georgios Iakovidis

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Divo 101; Karamitsos 168.

Based on Law 2546 of 24/09/1920 the minting of these coins was allowed. The 1921 coins were ordered in June 1922, in Birmingham, England at two factories of Ralf Heaton and Sons Ltd. and King's Norton Metal Co. Ltd. and respectively bore the insignia: H, for the first and KN, for the second. These coins were never circulated, as the value of their metal at the time exceeded the value of the coin.

NOTE: Since the coins were not put into circulation, they were remelted in Berdore, Austria, at the Atthur Crupp factory and 2,524,227 1926 two-drachms were made.
Only 30 - 40 of each piece are known to exist.

Source: Coins and banknotes in the 20th century (ΕΠΑΛ Καναλακίου)

Interesting fact

The 50 Lepta 1921 coin was designed by renowned Greek artist and sculptor, Ioannis Vitsaris. Vitsaris was known for his work in the early 20th century, and his designs were often used on Greek coins and banknotes. The coin's design features a portrait of King Constantine I of Greece on one side and the Greek goddess Athena on the other. The coin's mintage was limited to only 10,000 pieces, making it a rare and valuable collector's item.