Greece~kapodistrias Coins

Greece freed itself from 400 years of Turkish rule after the 'Greek War of Independence' that lasted from 1821-1829. In 1827, Count: Ioannis Kapodistrias was appointed governor of the new Greek state. Even though Kapodistrias was of noble birth, he was considered a true democrat. While the war for independence was winding down, Kapodistrias was still facing alot of internal strife with local clans and other rival factions. By 1831 the Kapodistrias's government had become despised by many of the rival groups in Greece. After Kapodistrias ordered the arrest of Petros Mavromichalis, head of one of the main rival families, they seeked retribution for this act. On October 9, 1831, Petros's brother Konstantinis, and son Georgios assasinated Kapodistrias on the steps of the church of Saint Spyridon in Nafplio, which brought an end to his short administration.

Kapodistrias issued numerous coins dated 1828, 1830 and 1831. The first specimen is a 5 Lepta coin (Solid Circle) 1828. The obverse shows a phoenix rising from the flames with a cross above inside a solid circle and the national name in Greek legend along the rim. The reverse shows the denomination, date with a wreath and Kapodistrias's name and title in Greek legend. The second specimen is a 10 Lepta coin (W/O Circle) 1831. The obverse shows a phoenix rising from the flames with a cross above and the national name in Greek legend along the rim. The reverse shows the denomination, date with a wreath and Kapodistrias's name and title in Greek legend.



GREECE (STATE) 5 Lepta 1828



GREECE (STATE) 10 Lepta 1831