2020-01-27 Mon

Greece is a country in south-eastern Europe with thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. Influential in ancient times, it's often called the cradle of Western civilization. Athens, its capital, retains landmarks including the 5th-century B.C. Acropolis citadel with the Parthenon temple. Greece is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece is also known for its beaches, from the black sands of Santorini to the party resorts of Mykonos.

Drachma was the currency used in Greece during several periods in its history: From ancient Greek to the Archaic period and the Classical period; From the Hellenistic period up to the Roman period under Greek Imperial Coinage. It continued to be a currency in modern Greece as well. First introduced in 1832, it was replaced by the euro in 2001.

Today we are looking at a 5000 Drachmai banknote issued in 1943. The obverse depicts the portrait of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice and skill, in centre with ancient bas-relief "Cattle led to sacrifice", British Museum.

The reverse depicts two young cavalry horse riders in centre, a marble bas-relief from the west frieze of Parthenon, Athens, New Akropolis Museum.

Image Courtesy: PicClick