2026 20c Service Amid Strife - Greece & Crete Envelope Privy Mark Coloured Uncirculated Coin & Stamp Cover PNC

2026 20c Service Amid Strife - Greece & Crete Envelope Privy Mark Coloured Uncirculated Coin & Stamp Cover PNC

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.

Issued as Australian legal tender, the uncirculated aluminium bronze coin is housed in a beautifully designed card with a circular window revealing the coin's reverse and obverse designs.

On the obverse, the coin bears the Dan Thomas effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and monetary domination.

Fixed to the envelope is an official Australia Post stamp which is post marked First Day of Issue and the envelope includes Australia Post's Seal of Authenticity.

Postmarked 6 July 2026, Canberra ACT 2601

Denomination :       $1

Metal :                     Aluminium Bronze

Weight :                  13.50 gms

Diameter :               30.70 mm

Mintage :                 6,000

Australia Post Seal of Authenticity

Serial Numbers will vary. Pictures for illustration only.