10

Greek collectible silver proof coin with a face value of 10 euros, for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete, maximum number of 2.500 pieces, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2021. The photo is indicative, the coin you will receive is in the original box along with the certificate of authenticity. The Battle of Crete (20 May – 1 June 1941) was one of the most dramatic episodes of World War II. After occupying the rest of Greece, the Germans launched an unprecedented airborne operation on Crete, spearheaded by parachutists who were to seize the airfields so that ground troops could then be landed. The island was defended by Cretan civilians, the remnants of the Greek Army (without its Cretan Division, stranded on the mainland), as well as British, Australian and New Zealand allies. After suffering heavy losses on day one of the Battle, the Germans seized the Maleme airfield on day two and thereafter occupied the entire island. The heroic resistance of the Cretan people won them worldwide admiration, but also led to harsh German reprisals.

Issuer	Greece
Ruling authority	Third Hellenic Republic (1974-date)
Type	Non-circulating coins
Year	2021
Value	10 Euros (10 EUR)
Currency	Euro (2002-date)
Composition	Silver (.925)
Weight	34.1 g
Diameter	40 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled, Coloured
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑