Greece: New Silver And Colour Coins Launch Endangered Animals Of Greece Collector Series

Focusing on endangered animals of Greece, the first release in the six-coin series highlights the Mediterranean monk seal and its habitat. First referenced Homer’s Odyssey, Mediterranean Monk seals or, to use their scientific name Monachus monachus, are the most endangered marine mammals in Europe and the rarest of the 33 seal species in the world. It is estimated that about 800 individuals survive, half of which live and breed around many of the small islands in Greece. However, their habitat spans from the Aegean Sea to the archipelago of Madeira and the Cabo Blanco area in the North eastern Atlantic Ocean.

They can swim long distances within few weeks or months and can dive as deep as 200 metres or 650 feet in search of food, their diet consisting of fish and octopus of which seems to be a favourite. Reaching a length of about 2.6 metres or 8.5 feet, full-grown adult male monk seals can weigh up to 320 kilograms or 700 pounds and females up to 200 kilograms or 450 pounds. Protecting the monk seal’s habitats and breeding sites is crucial for the survival of the species and in this end, Greek waters and shorelines have proven to yield great results. Females gestate for 11 months and gives birth to one pup a year when at that time, they will they seek inaccessible marine caves for protection.

In terms of conservation efforts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN recently published an update on the conservation status of the Mediterranean Monk Seal in its Red Data list. Listed as endangered since 1986 and even categorised as critically endangered globally between 2008 and 2015, Mediterranean Monk Seals have shown a promising increase in population numbers. Since 2015, these efforts have produced promising results and elevated the seal's status from endangered to the less critical category of vulnerable. Unfortunately, Mediterranean monk seals are mostly threatened by human activity such as fishing, shipping and marine pollution.

The coins are produced by the Hellenic Mint at their facilities in Athens on behalf of the Bank of Greece and designed by sculptor Leda Pavli. The obverse side features a vividly coloured depiction of the Mediterranean monk seal as it swims underwater. Above the primary design along the upper rim is the text ΑΠΕΙΛΟΥΜΕΝΑ ΖΩΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ (Endangered Fauna of Greece). Just above the swimming seal is the text ΦΩΚΙΑ MONACHUS MONACHUS (Mediterranean Monk Seal) shown in both Greek and Latin spelling. The denomination and year of release, 5 ΕΥΡΩ and 2024 is placed to the lower right of the monk seal. The reverse side which is common to all the coins in the series includes images along the rim of the six endangered animals that will feature. Centred in the middle of the collection of endangered animals is the crest of the Hellenic Republic which is surrounded by the text ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ (Hellenic Republic). 

Available from the 12th November, each proof-like and colour coin is encapsulated and presented in a colourful folder and slipcase with informative text and illustrations. For additional information, please visit the numismatics section of the Bank of Greece.