This Tuesday, 15 September 2026, Greece officially issued its second 2 euro commemorative coin for the year 2026. The special edition is dedicated to the historic bicentenary of the Exodus of Missolonghi, one of the most emotionally charged and significant milestones of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
After a gruelling siege lasting nearly a year, the defenders and inhabitants of the town attempted a dramatic breakout in April 1826. Although this heroic act came at an immense human cost, it went on to become a timeless symbol, recognised the world over, of the Greek people's unwavering will for freedom and their willingness for self-sacrifice.
The coin's design was created by the renowned Greek chief engraver Georgios Stamatopoulos. The obverse captures a highly dynamic and evocative depiction of the historic breakout. Along the upper edge runs the inscription marking the occasion, "200 XPONIA AΠO THN EΞOΔO TOY MEΣOΛOΓΓIOY" ("200 years since the Exodus of Missolonghi"). Directly below appear the year of issue, "2026", together with the traditional palmette, the official mint mark of the Athens mint. The country designation "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" adorns the lower rim of the coin, while the twelve stars of the European flag frame the design harmoniously along the outer ring.
The total mintage of the new 2 euro coin amounts to 750,000 pieces. Alongside 740,500 circulation coins, which will be issued in rolls and become available from 29 September, coincards in brilliant uncirculated quality (6,000 pieces) and cases in proof quality (3,500 pieces) are available today through specialist dealers.
Source: Bank of Greece
