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20 Lepta
| Issuer | Greece |
|---|---|
| Year | 1831 |
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| Currency | Phoenix (1828-1832) |
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| Obverse description | A phoenix rising with wings spread wide occupies the central field, its head turned upward toward a Latin cross positioned above. Diagonal sun rays emanate from the upper left behind the bird, symbolizing national regeneration. The circular legend ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑ (Hellenic State) runs along the periphery, flanked by small floral ornaments. Below the phoenix, an oval cartouche contains the date in Greek minuscule letters (αωλα). The design is enclosed within a beaded border. |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑ αωλα (Translation: Hellenic State, 1831) |
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| Additional information |
Greece's first domestic coinage was struck at the Aegina mint, established in 1828 under Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of the newly independent Greek state. The 20 Lepta was among the initial denominations produced, making these early copper pieces some of the first coins issued by a sovereign Greek government in centuries. Kapodistrias was assassinated in October 1831 — the same year this piece was struck — plunging the country into a brief civil war before the arrival of King Otto and Bavarian-administered governance in 1833.
The Aegina mint closed shortly thereafter, making its entire output extremely limited by duration alone.