A Gold Coin for "Triple-Reign George"

 

 

Throughout history, there have been a number of rulers who have been forced to regain their thrones; three times is a much rarer occurrance. But it happened to George II of Greece .

 

Following a military debacle in a war with Turkey in 1922, King Constantine of Greece (who himself had two reigns) was forced to abdicate in favour of his son, George II. But George's first reign didn't last too long as he was toppled by a military coup in December, 1923. But the coup that gave way to a republic in 1925 didn't work too well, either, and by national plebiscite of 3 November, 1935 , George was brought back for his second reign (dated from 25 November, 1935 - that commemorated on the coin). Then on 28 October, 1940 , Italy invaded Greece and although held at bay, the country was finished off in April, 1941 when German forces joined in. George became a part of a "government-in-exile" in London until he was returned to the throne in 1945 and ruled until his death in 1947. It should be pointed out, however, that he insisted he had but two reigns, the second 1935-47. But he ruled in Greece itself three times!

 

The above 100-drachma coin is rather in the category of Canadian NCLTs. It is a heavy gold coin, containing .9335 Troy ounce pure gold. It was not struck in 1935 (although the dies may have been prepared at that time) but rather in Britain in 1940/1 by Spink & Son for the Greek government in exile, probably as a fund-raising project. Only 140 were struck, all of them proofs. One sold fairly recently for $11,500 U.S.

Wayne Jacobs is numismatic expert. He is the award winning author of numerous articles. He is the secretary and editor of the "Mid-Island Coin Club Numismatic Journal"of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island , British Columbia. The MICC journal are hosted here: MICC webpages Copyright 2006 Wayne Jacobs. This article may be reprinted freely for non commercial purpose only if the resource box is left intact, linking back to us.