Greece 1840 lepton
This specimen was lot 1730 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €360 (about US$496 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"GRÈCE, Othon Ier (1832-1862), Cu 1 lepton, 1840, Athènes. Petits défauts de flan. Belle patine. Très Beau. (kingdom of Greece, Otto I, 1832-62, copper lepton of 1840, Athens mint. Minor planchet defects, nice patina, Very Fine.)"
This type is listed for 1832-43 and, like most of the issues of nineteenth century Greece, is scarce. Despite the substantial mintage, this type is scarce in nice condition. King Otto fell foul of the local politicians and was forced to abdicate in 1862.
Recorded mintage: 702,700.
Specification: 1 g, copper, 16.5 mm diameter, plain edge.
Catalog reference: KM 13, Divo, Grèce, 29g; Karamitsos 27.
- Jean-Paul Divo, Modern Greek Coins, 1828-1968. Amsterdam: Jacques Schulman NV, 1968.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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