Greece

2019

Commemorative coin

Centenary of the birth of Manolis Andronicos

Official Journal of the European Union

Manolis Andronicos (1919-1992) was one of Greece’s greatest archaeologists. His discovery of the royal tombs at Vergina in 1977 brought to light exquisite finds that attest to the splendour of ancient Macedonian civilisation. The design features a portrait of Manolis Andronicos. Inscribed along the inner edge at left is the name ‘MANOLIS ANDRONICOS 1919-1992’, along with the minting year and a palmette (mintmark of the Greek Mint); inscribed along the inner edge at right is the wording ‘HELLENIC REPUBLIC’. Also visible at the right is the monogram of the artist (George Stamatopoulos). The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Additional information

Manolis Andronikos (1919-1992) was a Greek archaeologist who in 1977 discovered the richly furnished sovereign tombs under a large tumulus in the historical centre of Macedonia, untouched by grave robbers - a worldwide archaeological sensation. The excavation site near Vergina - presumably identical with the ancient city of "Aigeai", until 410 BC capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia - has been a World Heritage Site since 1996. Two golden caskets with bones were found in a grave. The male bones in the larger Larnax, which is decorated with a sun symbol known as the "Star of Vergina", were additionally wrapped in a purple cloak and an oak leaf of chased gold and an acorn crown were enclosed - probably royal burial objects. Andronikos assumed that it was the tomb of Philip II (382-336 B.C.), father of Alexander the Great - however, this attribution is disputed.

Edge lettering

Designer