Nomos 31

GREECE. Georgios I, 1863-1913. Pattern 1 Drachmi 1868 (Silver, 23 mm, 5.01 g, 6 h), Paris, struck from dies by Albert-Désiré Barre, reeded edge. ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ Α! ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ / E (= Essai) 1868 Youthful head of George I to left; below truncation, in tiny letters, BAPPE. Rev. • ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ • Crowned and mantled coat of arms of the Kingdom of Greece; below, 1 ΔΡΑΧΜΗ. Divo P82. Karamitsos T.38. KM E2. Graded by NGC "PF 64". Top pop in NGC and PCGS. Cert number: 2908888-012.

From the El-Greco Collection of Modern Greek Rarities, and the collection of Dr. Athanasios Ghertsos, Bank Leu 53, 21 October 1991, 603.

King George I of Greece, born Prince William of Denmark in 1845, ascended the Greek throne in 1863, marking the beginning of a significant era in Greek history. His reign, which extended until his assassination in 1913, played a crucial role in shaping the modern Greek state.

Selected by the major European powers to assume the Greek throne, King George I faced the daunting task of guiding a nation emerging from political turbulence and territorial conflicts. Despite the challenges, he worked diligently to stabilize the country, promote economic development, and strengthen diplomatic ties.

George I was known for his commitment to constitutional monarchy and sought to establish a stable political framework. His reign witnessed the introduction of numerous reforms, modernization initiatives, and the development of infrastructure. His efforts aimed at fostering national unity and identity laid the foundation for the Greece we recognize today.

Internationally, George I was well-regarded for his diplomatic skills, maintaining a delicate balance amid the complex geopolitical dynamics of the time. His marriage to Grand Duchess Olga Constantinovna of Russia further solidified diplomatic relations between Greece and other European powers.

Tragically, George I's life was cut short when he was assassinated in Thessaloniki in 1913. Despite the untimely end of his reign, King George I is remembered as a pivotal figure in the early years of modern Greece, contributing significantly to the nation's political stability and progress, having a major role in the nation's numismatic history. Under his reign, significant changes occurred in Greece's monetary landscape. George I oversaw the introduction of a new currency system, aligning Greece with the Latin Monetary Union.

During his rule, which spanned 50 years from 1863 to 1913, various coin denominations were issued to reflect the evolving economic and political climate. Notably, the Latin Monetary Union, established in 1865, aimed to standardize coinage across its member countries, including Greece. This alignment with the union had a profound impact on Greek numismatics, influencing the design, composition, and denominations of the coins issued during this period.

King George I's numismatic legacy is evident from the coins minted during his reign, reflecting the ideals of the emerging Greek state within the context of broader European economic integration. His efforts to modernize the currency system and align Greece with international monetary standards left a lasting mark on the country's numismatic heritage.