BU
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2014 BU Thrace
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Thrace, maximum number of pieces 13.000, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2014.
Thrace, the north-easternmost region of Greece, comprises the Prefectures of Xanthi, Rodopi and Evros. The region is bounded by the rivers Nestos and Evros, by the Rodopi mountain range to the North and by the Thracian Sea to the South, and has a major seaport, Alexandroupolis. Blessed with stunningly diverse and pristine nature, Thrace boasts internationally significant wetlands (e.g. the Evros Delta), lakes (e.g. Vistonis), national parks (e.g. Rodopi and Dadia) and the fascinating island of Samothrace, all increasingly popular tourist destinations. Traditionally one of the breadbaskets of Greece, Thrace is now looking for new ways to tap its huge growth potential. Thrace has also had an important and continuous presence in national and world culture, ranging from Democritus and Protagoras to a rich musical heritage, consistent with Thrace’s renown as the “land of Orpheus”, and the Xanthi Old Town Festival. Finally, the harmonious coexistence of Christians and Muslims gives Thrace’s towns and villages a unique feel, while also fostering understanding and cooperation between cultures and peoples.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2015 BU Epirus
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Epirus, maximum number of pieces 15.000, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2015.
Epirus, the north-westernmost region of Greece, is flanked to the west by the Ionian Sea and to the east by the Pindos mountain range. For the ancient Greeks, Epirus had great religious importance on account of the Dodona Oracle. Milestones in the region’s later history include the Hellenistic kingdom of Pyrrhus and the late-Byzantine Despotate of Epirus, while during Ottoman rule Epirus was associated with the Greek struggle for freedom, with sites of heroic self-sacrifice at Koungi and Zalongo. After Greek independence, several Epirote benefactors (Arsakis, Tositsas, Zappas, Sinas, Averof) contributed generously to the construction of the newly founded Greek state, which Epirus became part of in two phases (the Arta district was ceded to Greece in 1881 and the rest of Epirus after the Balkan Wars of 1912-13). It was in the Epirus highlands that the Greek army waged its epic battles against the Italian invader in 1940-41. Today Epirus attracts visitors for its stunning natural scenery (Vikos gorge), seaside resorts (Parga, Syvota), traditional settlements (Ioannina, Metsovo, Zagorochoria) and rich folk tradition in music, silver and gold craftsmanship and stone masonry
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2016 BU Peloponnese
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Peloponnese, maximum number of pieces 15.000, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2016.
The Peloponnese is Greece’s largest peninsula, separated from the mainland by the Corinth canal. It draws its name from the mythical hero Pelops. Originally the cradle of the Mycenaean civilisation, which flourished mainly in the Argolis and Messenia regions, the Peloponnese retained its prominence throughout Greek antiquity: in the Archaic Age with the emergence of city states like Sparta and Corinth and the rise of Panhellenic sanctuaries at Olympia, Isthmia and Nemea, where athletic games were held; in the Classical Age with the Spartan hegemony; and in Hellenistic times with the establishment of the Achaean League. The Peloponnese was conquered in succession by the Romans, the Franks, the Venetians and, finally, the Turks, but not before the last Byzantine renaissance under the Despotate of Mystras in Laconia. The Peloponnese served as a launch-pad for the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and then formed the core of the modern Greek state, with Nafplio declared Greece’s first capital. Today the region combines a traditional agricultural economy with an expanding tourism sector, attracting visitors with important monuments from all periods of history, traditional settlements and areas of outstanding beauty.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2017 BU Crete
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Crete, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2017.
Crete is the largest island of Greece. lts topography is dominated by soaring mountains, namely the Lefka Ori ["White Mountains"), the Psiloritis massif [Mt lda), Mt Dicte and others, alternating with fertile plains and stunning gorges. The Cretan and Libyan Seas, respectiνely to the North and South, haνe carνed out sheltered harbours, rock-strewn coastlines and sandy beaches. Crete was the cradle of Minoan ciνilisation and, according to mythology, the birthplace of Zeus. Strategically situated at the juncture of three continents, the island came under the rule of seνeral conquerors (Romans, Arabs, Venetians and, last, Ottomans), before finally uniting with Greece in 1913. Crete's tumultuous history has forged the indomitable Cretan spirit, while centuries of fruitful cultural exchanges haνe left their mark on countless monuments, as well as on folk and scholarly traditions that admirably fuse East and West. The proνerbial Cretan hospitality, exquisite local produce, mild climate, and beauty and diνersity of the natural landscape aιι make Crete one of Greece's top tourist destinations.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2018 BU Rhodes
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Rhodes, maximum number of pieces 15,000, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2018.
The largest island of the Dodecanese and the fourth largest of Greece, Rhodes was the island of the god Helios, whose statue, the famous Colossus, standing at the harbour entrance, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Rhodes flourished in Hellenistic limes, becoming a major trading city. From 1309, Rhodes was lhe seat of lhe Order of the Knighls Hospilaller. The medieval city which lhey buill, with lhe Caslle of lhe Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master, was declared a UNESCO world heritage sile in 1988. The island was conquered by the Ottomans in 1523 and by the llalians in 1912. lt remained under ltalian rule until lhe unification of the Dodecanese with Greece in 1948. Today, one of Greece's most popular island destinations, Rhodes enchants its visitors wilh its exquisite beaches, idyllic landscapes and important ancient and medieval monumenls.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2019 BU Samos
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Samos, maximum number of pieces 10,000, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2019.
The island of Samos in the Eastern Aegean is the renowned birthplace of Pythagoras the mathematician, Aristarchos the astronomer and Epikouros the philosopher. It flourished in antiquity, especially under the tyrant Polycrates, and was also famous for its wines. Samos was home to one of the most important ancient Greek sanctuaries, the Heraion. Another UNESCO listed site, the Eupalinian Aqueduct, ran 1,036 metres through the mountainside to bring water to the ancient city of Samos. In the late Byzantine period, Samos came under Genovese rule, before eventually falling to the Ottomans. In 1835, it was given semi-autonomous status under Ottoman suzerainty and was united with Greece in 1912. Today, the island continues to produce its prized wines and is popular among tourists for its lush forests, important archaeological sites, picturesque villages and stunning beaches.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2020 BU Lesvos
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Lesvos, maximum number of pieces -, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2020.
Lesvos is located in the northeastern Aegean and is the third largest Greek island after Crete and Evia. It has Mytilene as its capital, a name that is often used for the whole island. From Lesvos came Alcaeus and Sappho, leading representatives of ancient lyric poetry, and Pittakos, one of the seven sages of antiquity, while in more recent times the island featured the painter Theophilos and the Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseus Elytis. In antiquity, Lesvos experienced great development, with the most important cities being Mytilene, Mithymna and Eresos.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2021 BU Naxos
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Naxos, maximum number of pieces 10,000, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2021.
Naxos is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades. Dominating its geography is Mount Zas (1,022 m.), whose name alludes to the ancient worship of Zeus. According to myth, it was on Naxos that Dionysus wed Ariadne, abandoned there by Theseus on his way back to Athens from Crete. The island is rich in mineral resources, notably marble and emery, mined since antiquity. In the Bronze Age, Naxos was a major centre of the Cycladic Civilisation, while in the Classical Age it fell into the sphere of Athenian influence. After the Crusaders partitioned the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Marco Sanudo occupied the island in 1207 and established the Duchy of Naxos, which came to comprise most of the Aegean islands. Following the Greek War of Independence, Naxos was included in the first Greek State. Today, Naxos is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its exquisite beaches, traditional villages and renowned local produce.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2022 BU Chios
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Chios, maximum number of pieces 7,500, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2022.
Chios is situated in the eastern Aegean and is Greece’s fifth largest island. It prospered in antiquity, primarily as an exporter of its famed wines. The Byzantine era adorned Chios with numerous churches, as well as the renowned Nea Moni monastery with its exquisite mosaics. From 1346 to 1566, Chios was occupied by the Genoese, who were principally interested in the island’s famous mastic, a resin extracted from the lentisk trees that grow only in the south of the island. It was at this time that the mastic-producing villages were given their characteristic fortress-like structure. Under Ottoman rule, mastic became an imperial monopoly and Chios enjoyed a privileged status. The island would, however, pay dearly for its participation in the Greek War of Independence, with the massacre of Chios (1822). Liberation came only much later with the Balkan Wars (1912). Today, Chios continues its rich agricultural tradition, producing top quality citrus fruit, wines, olive oil and, of course, the unique mastic, while the island’s natural beauties, historical monuments and traditional architecture make it an appealing tourist destination.
Blister Hellenic Euro coin set 2023 BU Nafplio
Blister, Official issue Hellenic euro coin set, for Nafplio Nauplio, maximum number of pieces 7,500, Bank of Greece mint, issued in 2023.
Nafplio is one of the most beautiful cities of Greece, lying at the head of the Argolic Gulf, on the site of ancient Nafplia, whose legendary founder was Nafplios, son of Poseidon. The city started to flourish in Byzantine times and, due to its strategic location, was the capital of the Peloponnese both under the Venetians (1389-1540 and 1686-1715) and the Ottomans (1540-1686 and 1715-1770). Nafplio played an important role during the Greek Revolution and on 18 January 1823 became the seat of the revolutionary government, and later the first capital of the newly founded Greek state until 1834. Venetian fortresses like Palamidi, Akronafplia and Bourtzi, Ottoman and neoclassical buildings and churches, picturesque stone-paved alleys and plazas, as well as the wonderful quay, paint a ravishing picture that attracts thousands of visitors round the year.
Blister San Marino Euro coin set + silver coin 2009 BU International Year of Astronomy
Blister San Marino Euro coin set + silver coin 2011 BU First Men In Space
Blister, Official issue San Marino euro coin set + 5 euro silver coin, for the first men in space, Roma mint, issued in 2011. The Official Blister 2011 contains a full set of circulating euros (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1, 2 euros), as well as a unique €5 silver coin celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first men in space. The coins are sealed within a blister pack for protection, and come in a full-colour folder.