Issued by the Perth Mint as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the Pheidippidis' Marathon Run 2,500th Anniversary Silver Proof High-Relief Coin features Pheidippidis’ arrival in Athens at the end of his famous run, where legend suggests he proclaimed victory with the word “nenikhkamen” (we have won) before expiring.
According to tradition, this year marks the 2,500th anniversary of Pheidippidis’ 25-mile run to Athens with news of the Greek army’s historic triumph at the Battle of Marathon in 490BC. His remarkable long-distance achievement inspired the introduction of Olympic marathon running in 1896, and has also influenced countless ordinary joggers to attempt the grueling 26.22 miles at one of today’s many high-profile marathon events.
The silver coin looks great! But running 25 miles while holding a big shield is far too unrealistic for me. Though I think it was possible with frequent rests.
Posted by: Superior Discount Coins | January 24, 2010 at 05:48 AM