1964 Greece 10 Drachmai

This 1964 10 Drachmai coin bears the portrait of King Paul, who died that same year, marking it as one of the last Greek issues to feature him before the monarchy's decline.

Struck from nickel at the Athens Mint, it weighs about 7 grams and measures 26 millimeters across, with a reeded edge for security. The reverse shows a phoenix rising, symbolizing rebirth—a design choice that might have felt ironic given the political tensions brewing. Mintage figures are unclear; records from that era are spotty.

One oddity: the coin's circulation overlapped with the early 1967 junta, though it predates the regime. I've handled dozens like it over the years, and they often turn up in hoards, still shiny despite the nickel's tendency to tarnish.

As for myths, no, it wasn't cursed by the colonels.