Crete 1901 5 drachmai
This specimen was lot 1315 in Sincona sale 6 (Zürich, May 2012), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"GRIECHENLAND Kreta Georg I. 1898-1906. 5 Drachmen 1901, Paris. KM 9. Tönung. Sehr seltene Erhaltung. Vorzüglich. (Greece, Crete, George I, 1898-1906, five drachmai of 1901, Paris mint. Toned, rare in this condition, extremely fine.)"
Around the turn of the century, the island of Crete was contested by Greece and Turkey. The overwhelmingly Greek population of the island favored union with Greece but the Powers, not wanting to partition Turkey too rapidly, forced the Greek king to accept Turkish suzerainty over his control. This unwieldy arrangement lasted until 1913, when Greece annexed the island. This five drachmai, the only crown, is scarce in worn condition and rare in XF or better.
Recorded mintage: 150,000.
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver, this specimen 24,96 g.
Catalog reference: Dav-118; KM 9.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, Banknotes & Books: Auction 6, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2012.
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