Greek 2018 Wildlife

The 2018 Greek Wildlife coin features the Mediterranean monk seal, a species so rare that fewer than 700 remain in the wild, making this design a stark reminder of conservation efforts.

Struck at the Athens Mint using standard euro alloy—75% copper, 15% nickel, and 10% something less glamorous—it's a 2-euro commemorative with a proof finish for sharper details. The obverse, as per Greek tradition, shows a more conventional national symbol, but it's the seal that steals the show, etched with fine lines to capture its expressive eyes.

Mintage figures? They're not as mysterious as some lost archives, but exact numbers for this issue remain unpublished, so I won't guess. What I can say is that these coins circulated briefly before becoming sought for their environmental theme.

Demand spiked after a documentary on the seal, though that's more coincidence than design. Collectors might note the edge inscription is plain, unlike some flashy counterparts—proof that subtlety has its place.