Greece~Kapodistrias Coins

[Zantetsuken]

Greece freed itself from 400 years of Turkish rule after the 'Greek War of Independence' that lasted from 1821-1829. In 1827, Count: Ioannis Kapodistrias was appointed governor of the new Greek state. Even though Kapodistrias was of noble birth, he was considered a true democrat. While the war for independence was winding down, Kapodistrias was still facing alot of internal strife with local clans and other rival factions. By 1831 the Kapodistrias's government had become despised by many of the rival groups in Greece. After Kapodistrias ordered the arrest of Petros Mavromichalis, head of one of the main rival families, they seeked retribution for this act. On October 9, 1831, Petros's brother Konstantinis, and son Georgios assasinated Kapodistrias on the steps of the church of Saint Spyridon in Nafplio, which brought and end to his short administration.

Kapodistrias issued numerous coins dated 1828, 1830 and 1831. The first specimen is a 5 Lepta coin (Solid Circle) 1828. The obverse shows a phoenix rising from the flames with a cross above inside a solid circle and the national name in Greek legend along the rim. The reverse shows the denomination, date with a wreath and Kapodistrias's name and title in Greek legend. The second specimen is a 10 Lepta coin (W/O Circle) 1831. The obverse shows a phoenix rising from the flames with a cross above and the national name in Greek legend along the rim. The reverse shows the denomination, date with a wreath and Kapodistrias's name and title in Greek legend.



1.) GREECE (STATE) 5 Lepta 1828



2.) GREECE (STATE) 10 Lepta 1831

[BCNumismatics]

None of the coins in this series can be regarded as being common in any grade.The silver 1 Phoenix coin is next to impossible to find,because of its rarity.

You can read up about the Phoenix currency here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_phoenix .

Aidan.

[Zantetsuken]

None of the coins in this series can be regarded as being common in any grade.The silver 1 Phoenix coin is next to impossible to find,because of its rarity.

You can read up about the Phoenix currency here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_phoenix .

Aidan.

You are so right about that. Most of the Kapodistrias coins, when found, are usually in mediocre or very poor condition. The two specimens that I have posted, while not in top grade, are well above average for their type. The Phoenix coins as you mentioned are exceptionally rare, and you could probably expect to fork out money ranging about 4 or 5 figures. Too rich for my blood (at least for now).

~Daniel