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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Hellenic Republic, issued in 2023 in a circulation of 740,500 copies. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Maria Callas. The author of the design is Georgios Stamatopoulos. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Overse
The center of the coin depicts a portrait of Maria Callas (Maria Callas, 1923-1977) - one of the most outstanding opera singers of the 20th century. Her appearance conveys the characteristic features of "La Divina" - elegance, concentration, magnetism. Around, in a circle, are the Greek inscription "MARIA CALLAS" and the years "1923-2023", as well as "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ". The mark of the Athens Mint (anthem). The author's monogram "ΣΤΑΜ". On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix. It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU.
Historical context
Maria Callas (born Anna Maria Sophia Cecilia Kalogeropoulos, 1923-1977) is an outstanding American-Greek opera soprano singer, one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century, known as "La Divina" (Divine). She was born on December 2, 1923 in New York City to a family of Greek immigrants. In 1937, she returned to Greece with her mother, studied at the Athens Conservatory with the famous Spanish soprano Elvira de Hidalgo. She made her debut in 1941 in Athens. She gained international fame in the 1950s with performances at La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Metropolitan Opera. She revived the 19th-century bel canto tradition, performing forgotten operas by Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti. Her roles in Normo, Tosca, La Traviata, and Medea became legendary. She was distinguished by her amazing musicality, dramatic talent, and unique voice. After a scandalous affair with Aristotle Onassis (1959-1968) and Onassis's marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy, she retired from the stage. She died on September 16, 1977 in Paris at the age of 53.