1990 50 Drachmai

The 1990 50 drachmai coin features Ioannis Kapodistrias on its obverse, the first governor of independent Greece whose portrait stares out with a no-nonsense expression that always reminds me of a stern uncle.

Struck in copper-nickel at the Athens mint, it measures 27 millimeters across and weighs just over nine grams, a practical design for everyday use in pre-euro Greece. The reverse shows the national coat of arms, with a phoenix rising—symbolizing rebirth after turmoil, though I've handled enough to know it's just metal and ink.

Exact mintage numbers? They weren't always recorded meticulously back then, so I'm not guessing. As for circulation, these turned up in pockets until the drachma faded out. People spin tales about them warding off evil eyes, but after thirty years, I've yet to see proof.