2001 2 Euro

The 2001 Greek 2 Euro coin was the first to feature the abduction of Europa on its obverse, directly linking the currency's name to ancient mythology in a design by artist George Stamatopoulos.

That image, showing Zeus as a bull carrying off the Phoenician princess, reflects Greece's cultural heritage on a modern coin. It was struck at the Athens mint using standard euro specifications: bi-metallic with a nickel-brass ring and cupro-nickel center. Production ramped up quickly to meet the demands of the euro's rollout.

As Greece adopted the euro in 2001, this coin helped bridge old drachma users to the new system. Mintage figures aren't precisely documented for every denomination, but it was a high-circulation issue. Not every coin from that era aged gracefully; some show wear from daily use.

Collectors might overlook it for flashier pieces, but that's their loss.