In August 2004, the Olympic Games returned to the country where they were born over 2,500 years ago, and to Athens the city of their revival in 1896. Within the framework of the Olympic Coin Program, the Greek Mint issued a series of commemorative coins, Gold and Silver, on which Greek history and heritage were engraved. The forth series of the Official Coins of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games was issued on November 3, 2003 and includes 2 Silver proof coins (Rythmic Gymnastics - Swimming)
Silver coin: Rhythmic Gymnastics is one of the oldest sports in the world. In ancient Greece, three distinct programmes of gymnastic exercise were developed: one for the maintenance of good physical condition, another for military training, and a third as part of the conditioning regimen for athletes. Modern rhythmic gymnastics were developed in the late 1950s.
Silver coin: Swimming was highly esteemed in ancient Greece and Rome, as shown on vases and wall paintings dating back to 1,600 B.C., especially as a form of training for warriors. In modern times competitive swimming was instituted in Great Britain at the end of the 18th century and the first modern Olympic Games, held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, included swimming races. |