How to Identify the 20 Drachmai

Read the Portrait and Legend

Start with the obverse. A genuine coin of this type shows the bare-headed bust of King George I facing right, encircled by a Greek legend naming him king of the Hellenes. Identifying the specific ruler and the right-facing direction of the portrait is the fastest way to separate this issue from other Greek or European gold coins.

Confirm the Reverse and Denomination

The reverse must show the crowned Greek royal coat of arms, a cross shield supported on either side and topped by a royal crown, with the value written in Greek as 20 ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ and the date 1884. If the reverse shows a wreath, a standing figure, or a value in francs or another currency, it is a different coin, not this Greek type.

Check Size, Weight, and Metal

This is a small Latin Monetary Union gold coin, about 21 mm in diameter and roughly 6.45 grams of .900 fine gold. It should feel notably dense for its size, show a warm yellow gold color, and be completely non-magnetic. A lightweight, pale, or magnetic piece of this design is an immediate warning sign.

Look for Mint and Privy Marks

Because the type was struck at Paris, expect small marks in the reverse field near the date, such as a mint letter and tiny engraver or cornucopia and other privy symbols used by the French mint. These marks are normal and expected; their absence, or crude imitations of them, can indicate a counterfeit or a coin of a different origin.

Rule Out Look-Alikes and Fakes

Many European nations issued 20-unit gold coins of nearly identical size and weight under the Latin Monetary Union, so always read the Greek legend and denomination rather than judging by size alone. As a scarce gold type, the 1884 20 Drachmai is also faked and was sometimes mounted as jewelry; check for solder traces, filed edges, wrong weight, and soft cast detail. For any higher-value example, favor coins with original surfaces and consider third-party authentication.