2010 Pheidippides’ Marathon Anniversary Silver Coin

The name Pheidippides probably does not mean much to most, but his story has led to a sport known to all. That is why The Perth Mint has released the high relief Pheidippides’ Marathon Run 2,500th Anniversary Silver Proof Coin.

According to tradition, the Persian Wars had been going on for several years when an enemy fleet landed on the shores of Greece. Not content to be under the rule of King Darius I of Persia, Athens sent troops to the site of the landing, a bay known as Marathon. After a few days of stalemate, the Athenians decided to take the initiative and attacked the Persian troops. Despite being outnumbered by several times over, the Athenians proved successful and the Battle of Marathon was won.

Here is where Pheidippides comes into the story. With a victory in their hands, a messenger was needed to return to Athens with news of their triumph. Pheidippides is said to have run the entire distance of 40 kilometers (25 miles) and proclaimed "nenikhkamen" which means "we have won." After this, he collapsed and died from exhaustion.

In commemorating this long distance run, the modern Olympics first introduced the ‘Marathon’ back in 1896. It has held an honored place in the games since then, usually serving as the final sport before the closing ceremonies. Many other marathons are also run annually around the world.

The coin celebrating the 2,500th anniversary of the first ‘marathon’ is legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu. It is struck from one ounce of 99.9% pure silver.

On the obverse of the 32.60 mm coin we find Raphael Maklouf’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of England. She is surrounded by the inscriptions ‘Queen Elizabeth II,’ ‘1 Dollar,’ ‘Tuvalu’ and ‘2010.’

The high relief reverse shows the fabled Pheidippides running into Athens with a scroll above him exclaiming ‘NENIKHKAMEN.’ Below is the inscription ‘Pheidippides’ Marathon Run 2,500th Anniversary 490BC-2010.’

A mintage limit of only 5,000 of these proof coins will be strictly maintained. Each will ship in an gray presentation case with an illustrated shipper and a certificate of authenticity.

The coins are available now and from around the world through the Perth Mint Web site for $86.36 (AUS).

Pheidippides’ Marathon Run 2,500th Anniversary Silver Coin Images

About the Perth Mint

The Perth Mint, wholly-owned by the State Government of Western Australia, is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. The Mint opened in 1899 in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. It was Australia’s third branch of Britain’s Royal Mint – the others being the Sydney Mint and the Melbourne Mint (both closed).

The Perth Mint remained under Britain’s jurisdiction until 1 July 1970, when ownership transferred to the State Government of Western Australia.

In 2003, The Perth Mint officially opened an 8,400 square metre state-of-the-art manufacturing facility next door to its original limestone building. Dominating the Mint’s heritage precinct, these two important buildings are powerful symbols of more than 100 years of minting excellence in Western Australia.