10 Lepta 1830

Kingdom issue soon after gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire and before the monarchy was established. Here is a scarce coin from the independence period of 1828-31. The phoenix represents the re-birth of Greece and independence from the Ottoman Empire (Turks). This is the one year type with the phoenix in a pearl circle (actually little heart shapes). The series was struck by the liberation hero, and first governor Ioannis Antonios Kapodistrias. His name appears on the reverse. Very Scarce. It appears that the 1830 series is somewhat distinctive. Many are more crude with the planchets exhibiting irregularities. This one was obtained from Stacks Bowers auction #159 in Baltimore (Lot# 10468, Apr. 2011). Sale price was nearly $259 w/fees. This VF example is 15.45 grams and ~ 31mm.
Derived from Greek mythology, the national bird of Greece is the legendary phoenix, an immortal creature with the ability to rise from its own ashes. The regenerative nature of the phoenix has historical relevance in Greece, first as an emblem of the revolution in 1821 and later as the name of the country’s first currency. Often associated with life after death, the phoenix is often paralleled to the country’s ability to rise from its financial crisis.