O nouă monedă comemorativă din Grecia - 27.04.2025

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On April 29th , the Bank of Greece will illuminate the numismatic world with a special issue: a brand-new 10-euro silver coin from the captivating "Greek Culture – Ancient Greek Technology" series. This time, the coin pays tribute to one of the greatest minds of antiquity and one of its most momentous inventions: Ptolemy's ingenious Astrolabe , also known as the spherical astrolabe.

This new coin is not just a collector's item; it is a fascinating window into the sophistication of astronomical knowledge in the Hellenistic world. Ptolemy's astrolabe, described in detail by Claudius Ptolemy himself (100–170 AD) in his monumental work Syntaxis mathematica (known in the West as the Almagest ), was much more than a simple instrument. It simulated the celestial vault and its apparent motion, offering a tangible representation of the cosmos.

Unlike solid celestial globes, Ptolemy's astrolabe was an armillary sphere , an elegant structure composed of seven interconnected rings representing the major celestial circles: the equator, the ecliptic with the zodiacal constellations, and other crucial elements. The outer rings allowed the observer to adjust the meridian and latitude, while the finely calibrated inner rings, equipped with sights , transformed the instrument into a precise observational tool. Thanks to these sights, the astrolabe not only served as an invaluable educational resource but was also used to measure and record the coordinates of stars and planets, opening the door to observational astronomy. Although no original example has survived, Ptolemy's detailed description has provided insight into the genius of its design. While the invention of the astrolabe is attributed to Hipparchus of Nicaea, it was Ptolemy who perfected and exhaustively documented it.

Description of the Obverse:

 

 The obverse of the coin features the inscription ΑΡΧΑΙΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΑ (ANCIENT GREEK TECHNOLOGY) on the upper edge , while the lower edge reads Ο ΑΣΤΡΟΛΑΒΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ (ASTROLABE OF PTOLEMEIUS). The centre of the coin captures attention with a colourful representation of the armillary sphere , the heart of the spherical astrolabe. At the top, the year of issue is clearly visible: 2025 . In the center, we find the traditional mint mark (an elegant palmette) , and at the bottom, the discreet mark of the author , Georgios Stamatopoulos, creator of this beautiful design.

Description of the Reverse:

 

 The reverse of the coin displays, at its core, the coat of arms of the Hellenic Republic , a symbol of national identity. Surrounding the shield, the name of the state, the denomination and the monetary unit are inscribed: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΉ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΊΑ 10 ΕΥΡΩ . Accompanying the shield is a representation of Ptolemy's astrolabe based on a meticulous reconstruction carried out by the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology . This image allows us to appreciate the complexity and beauty of an instrument that, although physically lost, lives on in history thanks to Ptolemy's pen. Legend reminds us that, while no original device has survived, it was described in detail by Claudius Ptolemy in his Syntaxis mathematica , and its invention is attributed to Hipparchus of Nicaea, with Ptolemy being the one who raised it to new heights of precision and understanding.

This Bank of Greece issue not only celebrates a milestone in ancient technology but also invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of Greek thought in the development of science and astronomy. A piece that is sure to capture the imagination of collectors, historians, and starry sky lovers alike.

Technical characteristics

Country: Greece
Year: 202
Face Value: 10 euros
Metal: 925 silver
Design: G. Stamatopoulos
Weight: 34.10 g
Diameter: 40 mm
Quality: Proof
Print: 2,000

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