Greece

2017

Commemorative coin

Archaeological site of Philippi

Official Journal of the European Union

The design features part of Basilica B and linear motifs inspired by a border pattern from an ancient Greek mosaic discovered at the site. Inscribed along the inner circle is the wording ‘ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PHILIPPI’ and ‘HELLENIC REPUBLIC’ (in Greek). Also inscribed in the backgound is the year of issuance ‘2017’ and to the right a palmette (the mint mark of the Greek Mint). Visible at the lower left is the monogram of the artist (George Stamatopoulos). The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Additional information

Philip II of Macedonia re-founded the city under his name in 356 B.C. - previously its Thracian name was Daton. Philippi, the oldest Christian church foundation in Europe, was declared a world heritage site in 2016. The motif on the coin depicts the ruins of Basilica B, built in the 6th century, underlaid with meandering patterns of the mosaic floor of the neighbouring Octagon Church, which dates from the 5th century.

Edge lettering

Designer