The currency of Greece is the euro (€), abbreviated as EUR. Greece adopted the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2002, replacing the drachma. Prior to adopting the euro, Greece used the drachma as its official currency. The drachma has a long history dating back to ancient times and was reintroduced in modern Greece in 1832 after the country gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.
The euro is the common currency used by 19 of the 27 European Union (EU) member states, forming the Eurozone. It is managed by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Eurosystem. Like other countries in the Eurozone, Greece's coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros. The euro replaced the drachma as Greece's official currency at a fixed exchange rate of 1 euro = 340.75 drachmas.
Each denomination features distinctive designs on the obverse (front) and reverse (back) sides, representing various aspects of Greek history, culture, and landmarks. These designs may vary over time due to commemorative issues or revisions.
The designs of Greek euro coins often incorporate iconic symbols and motifs such as ancient Greek architecture, famous figures from Greek mythology, and historical events. For example, the €1 and €2 coins typically feature an image of a Greek vase or a fragment of an ancient column. Additionally, Greece, like other Eurozone countries, issues commemorative coins to celebrate significant events, anniversaries, or cultural achievements.
The euro is widely accepted throughout Greece, and cash remains a popular payment method, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas.
