Gold

Greek collectible gold proof coin with a face value of 50 euros, for the cultural heritage of The Portara of Naxos, maximum number of 1,500 pieces, Bank of Greece mint, issue in 2021. Portara, the trademark monument of Naxos, stands atop the islet of Palatia, connected today with Naxos by a causeway. This huge marble gate was the entrance to a monumental Ionian temple (to Dionysus or Apollo), 59 m. long and 28 m. wide. This ambitious project, left unfinished, was launched by Lygdamis, tyrant of Naxos, in the 6th century BC, in an attempt to rival similar buildings of the time, such as the Olympieion of Athens and the Heraeon of Samos. Portara, roughly 6 m. high and 3.5 m. wide, is made of four blocks, each weighing 20 tonnes. A Christian church was built on the temple’s ruins, and its building blocks were reused by the Venetians for the castle of Naxos. However, Portara remains intact and continues to greet visitors arriving at Naxos.

Issuer	Greece
Period	Third Hellenic Republic (1974-date)
Type	Non-circulating coins
Year	2021
Value	50 Euros (50 EUR)
Currency	Euro (2002-date)
Composition	Gold (.9999)
Weight	1 g
Diameter	14 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑