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2 euro commemorative coin of the Hellenic Republic, issued in 2025 with a circulation of 735,000 copies. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mikis Theodorakis. The author of the design is Georgios Stamatopoulos. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a portrait of Mikis Theodorakis, one of the most famous Greek composers of the 20th century. The portrait conveys characteristic features - lush hair, expressive facial features, a piercing gaze. Around, in a circle, there is a Greek inscription: "MIKIS THEODORAKIS 1925-2025" and "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
Mikis Theodorakis (Μίκης Θεοδωράκης, 1925-2021) is one of the most prominent Greek composers of the 20th century, a political figure, a symbol of Greek resistance and freedom. He was born on July 29, 1925 on the island of Chios. He was educated at the Athens Conservatory and the Paris Conservatory (with Olivier Messiaen). Author of over 1000 works: symphonies, operas, ballets, chamber music, as well as folk songs, film music. The most famous work is the music for the film by Michalis Cacoyannis "Zorba the Greek" (1964) based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. This legendary "Syrtaki" became one of the most famous Greek melodies in the world. Author of music for the films "Z" (1969, Costa-Gavras), "Serpico" (1973). As an active leftist politician and member of the Communist Party, he survived imprisonment, concentration camps and exile during the military dictatorship of the colonels (1967-1974). His music was banned. In 1970 he left the country and became a symbol of resistance. He returned after the fall of the junta. He was a member of parliament from various parties. Died on September 2, 2021 in Athens at the age of 96.