1 Euro Specimen

Greece's euro coins were struck years before the country actually adopted the currency — the 1998 date places this squarely in the pre-launch specimen production phase, when eurozone candidate nations were required to produce sample coinage for evaluation and distribution to collectors and banking officials. Greece did not circulate euros until January 2002, making all pre-2002 dated Greek euro pieces specimen or proof issues with no circulation counterparts. The drachma remained legal tender through 28 February 2002.