Obverse: The centre of the coin features the building of the Academy of Athens, one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in Greece. The Greek flag flies above the building, while statues of Athena and Apollo stand on either side of the staircase. Surrounding the design is the inscription marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Academy of Athens, with ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ at the bottom and the year of issue 2026 above. The design honours Greece's highest scientific institution and its contribution to academic life.
Reverse: The reverse features the standard design common to all €2 coins: a geographical map of Western Europe positioned on the right side of the coin and extending across both the inner and outer parts. The inscription 2 EURO appears above the map, while the numeral 2 is placed against the background of the Atlantic Ocean. The outer ring contains 12 stars positioned on either side of the map, with vertical lines visually connecting the upper and lower stars.
About the coin: This commemorative €2 coin marks the 100th anniversary of the Academy of Athens. Founded in 1926, the Academy is Greece's highest scientific institution, bringing together the country's leading scholars, researchers and artists. Its monumental building was designed in the 19th century by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen and is regarded as one of Athens' most iconic architectural landmarks. The coin celebrates a century of the Academy's contribution to science, culture and the humanities.
