Greece: Incomparable opera diva Maria Callas honoured on new €2 commemorative coin

The Bank of Greece has released new €2 commemorative coins honouring one of the world’s greatest opera stars of the 20th century. During her lifetime and beyond, Maria Callas (1923–1977) was adored by both the public and critics alike for her vocal technique and dramatic gifts. Her repertoire ranged from serious classical operas to the bel canto works of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, to the masterpieces of Verdi and Puccini, and even to Wagner.

The Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof-quality €2 coins are produced by the Bank of Greece’s own minting facilities in Athens and are designed by senior engraver George Stamatopoulos. The portrait of Maria Callas shows her in profile facing right, and she is shown wearing a six-strand pearl choker and drop earrings. The text surrounding the portrait reads 100 ΧΡΌΝΙΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΗ ΓΈΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΑΡΊΑΣ ΚΆΛΛΑΣ (“100 years of the birth of Maria Callas”). Below the portrait is the issuing authority ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΉ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΊΑ (“Hellenic Republic”), and to the right is the year of issue 2023, along with the palmette mintmark denoting the Greek Mint. The reverse side is that of the standard euro-zone design for all circulating two-euro coins, with the numeral 2 superimposed over a map depicting Europe, created by artist Luc Luycx.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage Limit
2 euro	Bi-metallic	8.5 g	25.7 mm	Uncirculated	741,000
2 euro	Bi-metallic	8.5 g	25.7 mm	Brilliant Unc.	6,000
2 euro	Bi-metallic	8.5 g	25.7 mm	Proof	3,000

A total mintage of 750,000 commemorative coins has been authorised for release, with 9,000 pieces divided between Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof strikes. The Brilliant Uncirculated coin is presented in a sealed coin-card format with illustrations and text. The Proof-quality coin is encapsulated and presented in a branded Bank of Greece custom case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please click here.

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