2026 Greece €5 Silver Proof Coin - Greek Revolution: The Naming of Hermoupolis 200 Years

• Mint: Bank of Greece
• Denomination: €5
• Quality: Proof
• Issue limit: 1,200 pcs.
• Alloy: 33.3% Silver
• Diameter: 31 mm
• Weight: 17 grams
• Fine Silver Weight: 0.182 oz
• Design: G. Stamatopoulos
• Box/Capsule: No/Yes
• Certificate: Printed folder

Additional Information

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This issue remembers the 1826 naming of Hermoupolis by its residents, in honor of Hermes the Merchant, the god of commerce.

Hermoupolis is the capital of Syros, a Greek island in the middle of the Cyclades group of islands.

Syros has a long history as one of the most prolific islands in the Aegean. It was under Venetian occupation for a long time – from 1204 until 1522. Even under subsequent Ottoman rule a significant part of the population retained their Catholic beliefs. The population really exploded during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans in the 19th century when it welcomed Greek refugees from Asia Minor and the Dodecanese islands. Syros remained neutral during the war and was seen as a safe haven. These newcomers built down by the harbour in Ermoupoli and endowed it with their wealth, industry, and expertise.

This small island became known for its shipbuilding, banking (it even had its own currency), and textiles production. Its success can be seen in the many neoclassical villas and mansions surrounding the port.

The name of the city was decided by the first settlers at a meeting held outside the church in 1826. The name “Hermoupolis” was proposed by a refugee from Chios, Loukas Rallis, arguing that it was a city of commerce, “under the patronage of Hermes, overseer of trade”.