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Greece is about to issue its second commemorative €2 coin for 2026. The coin commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Exodus from Mesolonghi, one of the most tragic and symbolic episodes of the Greek War of Independence.
The first units will be available in collector presentations from September 15, while the coins intended for circulation will begin to be distributed in rolls on the 29th. The total issue volume will be 750,000 pieces, divided between three different presentations.
A historical scene brought to life on a coin
Composition based on the 2 euro coin of Greece 2026 and on the work «Episode of the siege of Mesolongi» (1827), by François-Émile de Lansac.
The national side adapts a fragment of the painting Episode of the Siege of Mesolongi, painted in 1827 by the French artist François-Émile de Lansac. The coin's composition is therefore based on a work created just a year after the events.
The scene depicts a Greek woman during one of the most harrowing moments of the siege. According to the description released by Greek authorities, the woman takes her own life after killing her son to prevent them both from falling into the hands of Ottoman troops and being enslaved.
The choice of design encapsulates the desperate nature of the Exodus of Mesolonghi in a single image. Instead of depicting a leader or a monument, the coin focuses on the sacrifice of the civilian population.
National side of the 2026 Greek commemorative €2 coin. Image: Bank of Greece.
Surrounding the scene is the Greek legend "200 CHRONIA APO THN EODO TOY MESOLOGGGIOYI", which translates as "200 years since the Exodus of Mesolonghi". Below is "ELHLHNIKI DHMOKRATIA", "Hellenic Republic", while above the central figure are the year 2026 and the palmette that identifies the Mint of Greece.
The outer ring incorporates the twelve stars of the European Union. The coin was designed by Georgios Stamatopoulos.
What was the Exodus of Mesolonghi?
The term "Exodus" is not used here in its biblical sense, but to refer to the attempted collective escape by the defenders and inhabitants of Mesolongi during the night of April 10-11, 1826.
The city had been besieged by Ottoman and Egyptian forces for nearly a year. With food supplies running out and no prospect of receiving new ones, its inhabitants decided to break the siege. Fighters, women, and children tried to cross the enemy lines, but the operation ended in a massacre. Only a few of those who attempted the escape managed to flee.
The fall of Mesolonghi caused a profound shock in Europe and gave new impetus to the pro-Hellenic movement, which advocated for Greek independence. The city was already closely linked to this movement through the figure of the British poet Lord Byron, who died there in 1824 while supporting the Greek cause.
Because of the valor of its defenders and the sacrifice of its population, Mesolongi was later considered a Sacred City and became one of the great national symbols of Greece.
Three presentations for a total mintage of 750,000 coins
The issue is divided into 740,500 ordinary minted coins for distribution in rolls, 6,000 units in Brilliant Uncirculated quality within a coincard and 3,500 pieces in Proof quality.
From top to bottom: roll of 25 coins, BU quality coincard, and Proof version case. Images: Bank of Greece.
Presentation Quality Print run Official price Availability
Rolls of 25 coins Coinage for circulation 740,500 €50 per roll September 29
Coincard Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) 6,000 €15 September 15
Case Proof 3,500 €30 September 15
The prices shown are the official prices in Greece. For the circulation version, 50 euros corresponds to the face value of the 25 coins contained in each roll.
Coin characteristics
Issuing country Greece
Year 2026
Face value 2 euros
Reason 200 years since the Exodus of Mesolonghi
Total emission volume 750,000 coins
Designer Georgios Stamatopoulos
Diameter 25.75 mm
Weight 8.50 g
Thickness 2.20 mm
Composition Exterior made of copper-nickel; interior in three layers of nickel-brass, nickel and nickel-brass
Singing Engraved and grooved with the legend "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ★" ("Hellenic Republic")
The common side retains the design used on ordinary €2 coins. This will be the second Greek commemorative coin of 2026, following the one dedicated to the centenary of the founding of the Academy of Athens.
Commemorative 2 euro coins from Greece
Commemorative 2 euro coins 2026
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