Silver coin €5 Greece 2024 – Destruction of Kassos

In 1824, Sultan Mahmud allied with Muhammad Ali of Egypt to suppress the Greek Revolution. Muhammad Ali’s son, Ibrahim, assembled a large expeditionary force and fleet. Having quelled the revolt in Crete, the Egyptians moved against Kassos, a strategically located sea island that had contributed to the Cretan revolt. The Greek government was unable to send its fleet due to lack of funds, leaving the island unprotected. On the night of 28–29 May, the Egyptians staged an attack on the northern coast of the island, while a small landing force managed to land undetected elsewhere. The Cassiots fought heroically, but were inevitably defeated. A terrible massacre followed; the island was devastated, more than 2,000 people were killed, and the same number of women and children were enslaved. The destruction of Kassos was one of the most tragic events of the Greek Revolution. Along with the subsequent destruction of Psara, this was a major setback for the Greeks, who now also had to fight a new, powerful enemy.

Denomination: 5 EUR
Weight: 17g
Diameter: 31mm
Metal: Silver 333
Issue limit: 2000
Packing: capsule, coin card