During the Greek occupation of Smyrna (1919–1922), occupying authorities countermarked circulating Ottoman copper to legitimize it for use under Greek administration. The ΣΑ punch — standing for Σμύρνη Αρχή, the Smyrna Authority — was applied to existing Turkish coinage rather than striking fresh issues, a pragmatic response to the immediate need for sanctioned currency in newly controlled territory. The occupation ended catastrophically with the Turkish reconquest and the burning of Smyrna in September 1922.
During the Greek occupation of Smyrna (1919–1922), occupying authorities countermarked circulating Ottoman copper to legitimize it for use under Greek administration. The ΣΑ punch — standing for Σμύρνη Αρχή, the Smyrna Authority — was applied to existing Turkish coinage rather than striking fresh issues, a pragmatic response to the immediate need for sanctioned currency in newly controlled territory. The occupation ended catastrophically with the Turkish reconquest and the burning of Smyrna in September 1922.