Greece 2004 5 Euro Olympics Gold Proof

The Greek 2004 Olympics 5 Euro coin features a design that directly echoes the ancient Panathenaic Games, with the reverse showing a stylized ancient Greek athlete in motion. That connection to the original Olympics in Athens makes it a neat bridge between eras, though I've seen plenty of similar nods get overstated.

Struck in .999 fine gold as a proof, it weighs about 5.92 grams and measures 28 millimeters across, with a mintage tied to the Athens Games but exact figures lost in Bank of Greece records—something I'm not chasing down again. The obverse carries the standard Greek coat of arms, while the edge is reeded for that extra touch of security collectors appreciate.

If you're handling one, note the proof finish gives a mirror-like quality that can fool you into thinking it's brand new, even after two decades. As for myths, no, it won't make you run faster; that's just people talking.