2026 20c 1941 Service Amid Strife Greece & Crete Coloured Uncirculated Coin Card

One of very few Australian 20c coins featuring full-colour, the WWII 2026 20c Greece & Crete Colour Uncirculated Coin honours the valiant efforts of the Allies to hold Greece during the early days of the Second World War.

Initially attempting to remain neutral, Greece entered the war after Italy invaded in late 1940. Mussolini’s forces suffered several setbacks, however, and Germany was forced to step in – largely because of Greece’s strategic importance. If Greece became a British ally, the Germans would have been denied access to Romanian oilfields and, thus, the Nazis invaded on 6 April 1941. In little more than three weeks, the Axis forces had swept aside all resistance.

The Allies withdrew to Crete, but Germany launched a largely airborne invasion of the island – at that point, the largest of its kind in the history of warfare. Germany’s capture of Crete’s Maleme airfield was decisive, however, as they were able to fly in reinforcements and overwhelm the Allied defenders. Approximately 1,600 Australians were killed or wounded in the campaign, with more than 5,000 taken prisoner.

Bearing a full-colour motif inspired by the national colours of Greece, the WWII 2026 20c Greece & Crete Colour Uncirculated Coin forms an important tribute to Australia’s role in this famous campaign. Sure to catch the eye of those interested in Australia’s military history, this coin is a must-have for collectors. Not issued for circulation and never found in change, this unique, one-year-only Australian legal tender type is essential to those seeking to maintain a complete collection!