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Introduction
In 2026, Greece is issuing a commemorative 2-euro coin to mark the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi. This event stands as one of the most significant episodes of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The issue thus pays tribute to the courage of the inhabitants and fighters who defended the city in 1826.
Located in western Greece, near the Gulf of Patras, Missolonghi held a strategic position during the War of Independence. In April 1825, Ottoman forces began a new siege of the city. Despite fierce resistance, the defenders gradually suffered the consequences of the blockade and a lack of provisions. Furthermore, incessant bombardment significantly weakened the fortifications.
On the night of April 10–11, 1826, the inhabitants and the fighters attempted a desperate sortie to break out of the encirclement. However, the operation ended in a massacre and the fall of the city. This tragedy stirred deep emotion throughout Europe; consequently, it strengthened the philhellenic movement and international support for Greek independence.
Today, Missolonghi bears the title of “Sacred City” in memory of the sacrifice made by its defenders. This piece therefore commemorates a major event in national history and celebrates the ideals of freedom and independence.
Coin Description
The obverse of the coin depicts a dramatic scene evoking the exodus from Missolonghi in April 1826. At the center, several figures are set against a backdrop of war, defined by fortifications and the surrounding terrain. A figure clad in a long tunic dominates the composition, reaching out with one arm toward the left. Other figures appear in the foreground, their postures conveying suffering and despair. The design thus evokes the final moments of resistance by the inhabitants against the Ottoman forces.
In the background, a succession of hills and structures evokes the geographical setting of Missolonghi. Defensive walls also occupy a prominent place in this depiction; indeed, these fortifications played a crucial role during the siege. Furthermore, the treatment of the figures and the numerous details within the engraving heighten the dramatic intensity of the scene. The composition as a whole underscores the human cost of the conflict and the courage of the defenders.
The inscription “200 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΕΞΟΔΟ ΤΟΥ ΜΕΣΟΛΟΓΓΙΟΥ” appears in the upper part of the central disc. This Greek phrase means “200 years since the Exodus from Missolonghi.” Just below it are the year “2026” and the palmette, the symbol of the Greek mint. The lower part bears the inscription “ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ” meaning “Hellenic Republic.” Finally, the outer ring features the twelve stars of the European Union.
The Greek engraver Georgios Stamatopoulos designed this composition by focusing on a particularly expressive historical depiction. The postures of the figures evoke the tragedy experienced by the inhabitants of Missolonghi, while the presence of fortifications recalls the arduous conditions of the siege. In this way, the piece combines a remembrance of the victims with a broader tribute to the struggle for independence. It also underscores the pivotal role this event plays in Greek national identity.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2-euro commemorative coin issued by Greece in 2026 celebrates the bicentennial of the Exodus of Missolonghi. This tragedy, which took place on the night of April 10–11, 1826, remains one of the major symbols of the Greek War of Independence.
Through a dramatic reenactment of the events, this program pays tribute to the inhabitants and fighters who resisted the siege. Furthermore, it recalls the strong emotions stirred across Europe by the city’s fall; indeed, their sacrifice helped bolster international support for the Greek cause.
Thus, this piece serves as a tribute to the courage, resistance, and quest for freedom of the Greek people. It also contributes to the transmission of historical memory to new generations. Finally, this commemoration underscores the significance of Missolonghi within the national heritage and the European history of the 19th century.
| Issuing Country: |  |
| Issue Date: | September 15, 2026 |
| Total Mintage: | 750.000 |
| including Proof: | 3.500 |
| including BU: | 6.000 |
| including UNC: | 740.500 |
| Engraver: | Georgios Stamatopoulos |
| Edge: |  |
| Rarity: |   |
| Official Journal: | To be defined on EUR-LEX |
Do you want to know the technical specifications of this coin? Then, feel free to consult the page dedicated to the characteristics of a 2-euro coin.
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