2026 20c Service Amid Strife - Greece & Crete Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card

2026 20c Service Amid Strife - Greece & Crete Coloured Uncirculated Coin in Card

Fascist Italy invaded Greece via occupied Albania in October 1940. 

The Italian assault having ground to a holt, Italy's ally Nazi Germany invaded Greece from Bulgaria in April 1941, opening up a second front.

Commonwealth troops were deployed, including the 6th Division of the Australian Imperial Force, but after a series of defeats it became clear that the Allies could not hold back the German invasion, and they withdrew south to the island of Crete.

The Germans managed to capture key airfields in the west of Crete, using these as a foothold, further German reinforcements followed. The Allies lacked the heavy weaponry and air support necessary to hold the island and were forced to evacuate. 

The disasters in Greece and Crete resulted in 1,600 Australians killed or wounded, and more than 5,000 taken prisoner.

Greek and Cretan troops had resisted the invaders side by side with the Australian and other Commonwealth forces. 

Int the postwar period, when many Greeks and Cretans emigrated to Australia, the shared experiences of fighting against fascist aggression formed a point of connection amid differences in culture, language and ethnicity.

This 2026 20c Coloured Uncirculated Coin commemorates this arduous chapter of Australian involvement in the Second World War.

The coins reverse features a design by the Mint's Aaron Baggio, commemorating the Battles of Greece and Crete in April-May 1941.

Each coin has a colour printed reverse inspired by the national colours of Greece.

The Coin obverse features the Daniel Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III.

Struck to the Mint' uncirculated finish.

Each coin is packaged in a protective capsule and presentation card.

Strictly limited mintage of 40,000.

Each coin is issued as Australian Legal Tender.

Denomination :        20c

Quality :                  Uncirculated

Metal :                    Cupro Nickel

Weight :                  11.30 gms

Diameter :               28.52 mm

Mintage :                40,000

Authenticity :          Royal Australian Mint Full Colour Presentation Card

NOT FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING