Globalization and integration help people see the problems of other countries, lend a helping hand to them in an hour of adversity or misfortune. A huge union in the territory of modern Europe is the European Union, which has united under its “wing” many countries with similar development conditions. Different cultures, traditions and languages - this is what is completely individual in each state of this community. The lack of borders and a single currency allow you to travel from one country to another, absorbing the unknown spirit of other people's customs.
Ancient culture and ancient coin
One of the EU countries is Greece. This republic entered the community relatively recently - only in 2002. Prior to this, throughout the hospitable country of mythical heroes and gods, the rhythm of life was set by the national currency of Greece. It was called drachma.
Even before the advent of modern states, this sunny region was a symbol of power and prosperity. At a time when Homer wrote his Iliad, and Hercules accomplished his exploits, merchants from all over the world acquired magical olive branches, shining jewelry and soft fabrics in this fabulous country, paying for goods with drachmas. Even at that time, it was the currency of Greece.
Greek phoenix
As time went. The wars and uprisings that took place on the territory of the Ottoman Empire did their job: the country of divine muses gained independence. This happened in March 1821. Since that time, every year the population of the state widely celebrates this event. The gained own currency of Greece was added to its gained sovereignty: for some time the Greek phoenix became the “ruler of the ball" in the country. Each banknote included 100 mites. At the same time, for 6 phoenixes it was possible to purchase Turkish kurush or a similar number of French francs.
The triumph of his own coin did not last long. Already in 1833, the old and familiar to all Greek currency - drachma, “ascends” to the throne, along with King Otton. Her face value was equivalent to the face value of the phoenix.
New and old currencies
The Second World War touched its predatory tentacles and this island of serenity. The German occupation and the economic crisis caused hyperinflation, which resulted in the release of new bank notes with the old name. “Fresh” drams were exchanged for a crazy amount of old banknotes: for a “newcomer” they gave 50 billion depreciated currency units.
However, it took quite a long time to get out of the crisis, during which inflation did not slow down. The re-issue of new banknotes and coins was the result of the country's prolonged economic impotence. At the same time, 1,000 old drams were the equivalent of one coin just released.
Of course, many are interested in what currency in Greece in 2013? For the past twelve years (since 2002), the "cradle of Zeus" is a full member of the European Union. Therefore, the currency on its territory is the same as in other states of this community - the euro. For some time, the old national currency was still in use, and it could be exchanged for new bank signs that Greece adapted. The currency, which was set at 340.75 drams per 1 euro, is still valued by the local population and numismatists.