1994 Greece 200 Drachmai

The 1994 200 drachmai coin features the Athenian owl on its reverse, a design element borrowed from classical Greek tetradrachms minted in the 5th century BC.

This higher-denomination piece was struck in Greece as part of the drachma's final decades. The obverse shows a portrait of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the nation's first head of state after independence. It's composed of copper-nickel, with a diameter of 28.5 millimeters and a weight of 10 grams. Mintage figures for this specific year remain unclear; records from the Greek mint can be spotty.

Edge lettering includes the inscription "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ," translating to "Hellenic Republic." As with many late drachma issues, it circulated widely before the euro's arrival. Some numismatists note its subtle nod to antiquity, though that's probably coincidental.

It's not uncommon to find these in less than pristine condition, given their everyday use.