Greece 50 Lepta Coin (Dimitrios Kallergis), Nordic Gold Composition
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Currency) · The Bank of Greece (Bank of Greece Mint), Ierapetra. The mint is known for its high-quality production of Euro coinage and historical Drachma currency.
Pattern: Greek Euro Coinage Series, 50 Cent (Lepta) denomination; Obverse: Dimitrios Kallergis
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Currency)
Maker
The Bank of Greece (Bank of Greece Mint), Ierapetra. The mint is known for its high-quality production of Euro coinage and historical Drachma currency.
Material
Nordic Gold (89% copper, 5% aluminium, 5% zinc, and 1% tin). Note: This item contains 0% silver despite its metallic appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.25 mm; Thickness: 2.38 mm; Weight: 7.80 grams.
Description
A standard circulation 50 Cent Euro coin from Greece. While it shares the golden hue of low-karat gold, it is actually a non-ferrous alloy known as Nordic Gold. The obverse honors Dimitrios Kallergis (1803–1867), a Greek general and statesman who was a protagonist of the 3 September 1843 Revolution.
Key Features
Indented edge 'Spanish Flower' shape; Portrait of Dimitrios Kallergis; Anthemion mint mark; 12 EU stars.
Material & Composition
Nordic Gold (89% copper, 5% aluminium, 5% zinc, and 1% tin). Note: This item contains 0% silver despite its metallic appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with a satin-matte luster; features a raised relief portrait of Dimitrios Kallergis, flanked by the denomination '50 ΛΕΠΤΑ' and twelve stars of the European Union. Neoclassical portrait style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark: Anthemion (stylized flower), which is the symbol of the Greek Mint; Designer initials: ΓΣ (Georges Stamatopoulos). No silver purity marks as this is base metal.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck using industrial coinage presses; reeded edge (scalloped milled edge) for tactile recognition.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the Eurozone; specific weight and electromagnetic signature for vending machine compatibility.
Handle & Grip Details
Milled (indented) edge specifically designed to aid the visually impaired in identifying the denomination through touch.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-pressure strike; the detail in the beard and the micro-lettering of the Greek script indicates high-precision modern metallurgy.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and weight; presence of the 'Anthemion' mint mark; 'ΓΣ' engraver signature; specific 'Spanish Flower' reeded edge profile.
Origin & Manufacturing
Athens, Greece; manufactured at the Mint of the Bank of Greece.
Era & Period
Modern European Union Era (2002–Present).
Age Estimate
Post-2002; the specific date is usually struck on the obverse bottom, but based on wear, this appears to be from the mid-2000s.
Cultural Significance
Represents Greece's integration into the European Monetary Union while simultaneously celebrating its national history of constitutional struggle.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good condition. Shows visible surface bag marks, minor oxidation/tarnish consistent with pocket wear, and softened high-point details on the portrait hair and beard.
Value Estimate
Face value: 0.50 EUR. Collector value: 0.50 - 1.50 USD depending on the specific year's mintage rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish with silver cleaner as it will strip the original mint luster. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or dry environment to prevent 'verdigris' (green oxidation).
Similar Pieces
50 Cent coins from other EU nations (e.g., Italy's Marcus Aurelius or France's Sower), which share the same metal composition but different national obverse designs.
Interesting Facts
Despite the name 'Nordic Gold,' this alloy contains no gold or silver. It was specifically developed for the Euro to be non-allergenic and difficult to counterfeit.