ATHENS 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES GOLD COINS
In August 2004, the Olympic Games returned to the country where they were born over 2,500 years ago, and to Athens the city of their revival in 1896. Within the framework of the Olympic Coin Program, the Greek Mint issued a series of commemorative coins.
It should be emphasised that the 2004 Olympic Games commemorative coins are a minted collection and that they have unique collector's value in comparison with previous Olympic issues. Care was taken to ensure they circulate with fewer designs and in a limited number of sets, so as to enhance their collectors status. In all, 160,000 gold coins were put in circulation, and the quality of the minting is "proof", the highest in modern numismatic art.
The coins are accompanied by individually numbered certificates of authenticity issued by the Bank of Greece and is packed in the original wooden box.
SCAN OF ACTUAL CERTIFICATE
(size limit on picture prevents displaying them all - sequential numbers through to 075044)
CURRENT PRICE FROM THE MINT IN GREECE PER SET IS €3 000
(excluding shipping, taxes, etc) OR R33 780.
Google greece-mint & see for yourself
OBVERSE (Common to all 6 coins)
Diameter (mm): 25
Weight (g): 10
Shape: Round
Edge: Smooth
Mintage: 160,000 (total)
Face value: 100 euros
Fineness: Proof 999.9 (24K)
REVERSE OF EACH OF THE SIX COINS
The most glorious monument of the Minoan civilization 2600-1100 BC was the Palace of Minos at Knossos, which is the subject of the first gold coin of the 2004 Olympics
One of the most important monuments of Olympia, pictured on the second Gold coin, is the Crypt, a long and narrow vaulted passage through which the athletes and judges entered the Stadium.
The Panathenean stadium is a beautiful marble stadium (Kallimarmaron) located on the Ardettos hill in Athens, where once stood the ancient stadium which is believed to have been built around 330 B.C and was used for the Panathinean games. In 1896, when the first Olympic Games of the modern era were to be held, it was proposed to the Greek public benefactor George Averof that he undertake the expenses for the restoration of the stadium and its fitting with new marble seats, a task which he willingly undertook. Architect Anastasios Metaxas was placed in charge of the works, and the inauguration of the stadium was celebrated on March 25 1896, (Greece's national day), together with the opening of the first Olympic Games of modern times.
Zappeion is an Athenian mansion built at the expense of the Greek public benefactor Evangelos Zappas (1800 - 1865) to serve as the venue for Greek artistic, agricultural and industrial fairs and is the subject of the fourth gold coin.
The Acropolis of Athens, is one of the most glorious creations of humankind. It was constructed between 447 and 432 bc and was originally painted in vivid reds and blues, but the marble pillars gradually lost their paint and faded to white. It encompasses a remarkable collection of ancient Greek monuments, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheum, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and others. The Acropolis represents all the periods of the city that lies at its feet, since all the historical events of Athens unfolded and centred around this low rock. It is also directly relevant to athletic events since during the festival of the Panathenaea a torch race took place at night, starting from the altar of Prometheus in the Academy and ending before the altar of Athena on the top of the rock.
The Academy is the subject of the sixth gold Olympic coin. The intention here, is to highlight the premise that in the city of Athena, the Olympic Games should not only be the most important athletic event, but also to be accompanied by intellectual and cultural activities, equivalent to the style and character of the city that was the birthplace and the matrix for the revival of the modern Olympic Games of 1896.
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