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The Bank of Greece will release on the 27th September their latest €100 gold Proof collector coin in the current series entitled “Greek Mythology,” which features Ares, son of Zeus and Hera. Regarded as the God of War, his children include those from his clandestine affair with Aphrodite, Harmonia, who was later wed to Cadmos, as well as his companions in battle, Phobos and Deimos, who became embodiments of fear and dread, respectively.
The coins are produced by the Bank of Greece’s own minting facilities in Athens and are designed by artisan engraver Maria Antonatou. Her obverse design is based on the depiction shown on an ancient Athenian *amphora, circa 510–490 BC, in which Ares strides forward to defend his son Kyknos, who falls beneath the sword of Heracles. He is depicted wearing his helmet of war, holding a shield and a spear, and dressed in a standard Greek warrior short tunic. To the left of the design is the text ΑΡΗΣ (“Ares”), and to the right ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΜΥΘΟΛΟΓΙΑ (“Hellenic Mythology”), with the primary design surrounded by a Greek-key motif element. The reverse side depicts an ornately encircled symbol of war, which is an arrowhead at the tip of a spear, a design element prevalent on shields during this era. The Hellenic Mint’s distinctive stylised palm leaf mintmark is seen just to the right of the spear tip. To its right is the Hellenic crest and above the primary design is the text ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΉ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΊΑ (“Hellenic Republic”), with the coins’ denomination 100 EYPΩ (“100 Euro”) shown below and along the edge.
| Denom. | Metal | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Maximum Mintage |
| 100 euro | .9999 gold | 3.89 g | 17.5 mm | Proof | 1,200 |
The coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom hardwood case accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information about this coin and the entire Bank of Greece 2022 numismatic programme, please click here.
*The Amphora referenced is currently part of the collection of the Worcester Art Museum, Massachusetts.
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