1946 Greece 1 Drachma

The 1946 Greek 1 Drachma coin features a phoenix on its reverse, a bold emblem of national rebirth amid the ruins of World War II.

That phoenix design, drawn from ancient mythology, was chosen to signal hope after years of occupation and devastation. The obverse shows the profile of King George II, who returned to the throne in 1946 as Greece tried to piece itself together. Struck in Athens, the coin used aluminum to conserve scarce resources, a practical choice in a country still scavenging for materials.

We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that chaotic period are spotty at best. What I can say is that these coins circulated widely, helping stabilize an economy on the brink. As for myths, I've heard plenty about hidden treasures in these—pure nonsense, of course. They're just coins, worn from use, like the ones I sorted through decades ago.