Greece 1833-A drachma
This specimen was lot 1298 in Sincona sale 6 (Zurich, May 2012), where it sold for 560 CHF (about US$689 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"GRIECHENLAND Otto, 1831-1863. 1 Drachme 1833, München. Patina. Kl. Kr. Vorzüglich. (Greece, Otto I, 1831-63, one drachma of 1833, munich mint. Toned, hairlined, extremely fine.)"
This type is listed for 1832-34 and 1845-47 and, like most of the issues of nineteenth century Greece, is scarce. Drachmai struck 1868 and later were minted to the standard of a French silver franc. Greece, poor, backward, corrupt and riven by feuds, could ill afford a substantial silver coinage. King Otto fell foul of the local politicians and was forced to abdicate in 1863.
Recorded mintage: 1,125,000 for 1832-33.
Specification: 4.47 g, .900 fine silver, .129 troy oz ASW; this specimen is 4,44 g.
Catalog reference: Divo 12c, KM 15.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, Banknotes & Books: Auction 6, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2012.
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