Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Austria)

A beautiful design of musical instruments representing the world famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra can be seen on the reverse side of the coin.

The great organ in the Golden Hall in Vienna's concert hall (Musikverein) is the topic for the obverse side of the coin. This is the hall of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Also on this side is represented the face value in euros, the weight, fineness and year of issue.

Since February 1, 2008, this coin is being also minted in Silver. Both sides of the coin feature as on the Vienna Philharmonic pure gold coin. Its face value of „1,50 Euro“ gives the silver piece a different nature, different from the Gold representations of the coin.

Year: 2006   Mintage: 82,174
Year: 2005   Mintage: 158,564
Year: 2004   Mintage: 176,319
Year: 2003   Mintage: 179,881
Year: 2002   Mintage: 164,105

Year: 2006   Mintage: 20,085
Year: 2005   Mintage: 21,049
Year: 2004   Mintage: 24,269
Year: 2003   Mintage: 26,848
Year: 2002   Mintage: 40,922

Year: 2006   Mintage: 29,609
Year: 2005   Mintage: 32,817
Year: 2004   Mintage: 32,449
Year: 2003   Mintage: 34,019
Year: 2002   Mintage: 40,807

Year: 2006   Mintage: 39,892
Year: 2005   Mintage: 62,071
Year: 2004   Mintage: 67,994
Year: 2003   Mintage: 59,654
Year: 2002   Mintage: 75,789

€200.00 ^[6]

The coin shows a dual representation of St. Benedict and his sister, St. Scholastica. By many, St. Benedict is the patron saint of Western Europe and the father of western monasticism. The rule of monks made by St. Benedict became the foundation for monastic life from the sixth century, still valid today. Together with his sister, he founded also an order of nuns following the same rule. The coin shows him holding the Holy Rule while St. Scholastica holds a dove.

The reverse of the coin shows a monk sitting at a writing desk working on a manuscript. It represents the work of the monks in the middle ages copying books by hand, preserving great areas of knowledge.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
20,000
50,000

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€19.95
€99.95

In the obverse side of the coin there is a general view of the castle to the south of Innsbruck with its Renaissance style precincts forms the central design. As usual, the inscription “Republik Österreich” can be seen at the top of the coin, while the face value of “10 Euro” and the issue date can be seen at the bottom.

On the reverse side there is a representation of what it seems to be three court musicians crossing the Spanish Hall, based on a picture from 1569.

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The reverse shows the Emperor's Pavilion in the zoon surrounded by a diversity of animals. The dates "1752-2002" refer to the anniversary and, of course, the issue date of the coin.

In the obverse of the coin the "Swiss Gate" in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna is shown. Ferdinand enlarged the Hofburg and renovated it in the Renaissance style. On top of the gate his coat-of- arms and titles can be observed. It is flanked by two soldiers of the period as a reminder of the unsettled times in Vienna in 1529.

The reverse of the coin shows a portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, brother of the famous Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and father of the Austrian line of the Habsburg dynasty. He had been entrusted by his brother with the government of the Austrian lands and was to succeed Charles V on the imperial throne when he resigned his crowns in 1556.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
20,000
50,000

?
€32.50
€39.95

The obverse of the coin shows a frontal view of the castle. Built by Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, this castle reflects the attraction for astronomy. The four gigantic towers represent the four elements, the 365 windows are for the days of the year, the 24 reception rooms for the hours of a day, etc… The construction started in 1625 and was finished in 1642, only after Hans Ulrich’s death.

The reverse side of the coin has a portrait of the contemporary scholar and astronomer, Johannes Kepler. Kepler was acquainted with Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg personally, and most probably he knew and influenced the creation of the castle. In front of him on the coin is his master piece, the model “Mysterium Cosmographicum”.

The obverse side of the coin shows the Grand Staircase in the town palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy, currently the Austrian Ministry of Finance. Gods and demi-gods hold its flights, while Hercules stands at the turn of the stairs.

The reverse of the coin displays a portrait of Prince Eugene, reminiscent of his equestrian statue in the grounds of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. A typical baroque arrangement of cannon, flags and captured standards decorates the background.

€300.00 ^[14]

The obverse has a portrait of one of the greatest baroque sculptor Georg Rafael Donner, with the Palace of the Lower Belvedere in the background. This palace is currently the museum of baroque art in Vienna, and contains much of Donner’s work.

The reverse features the Providentia Fountain (“Provendentia Brunnen”) in central Vienna, work of the same sculptor. In the centre of the coin, the allegorical figure of Providentia with a medallion of the Roman god, Janus, who had two faces, is displayed. Surrounding the fountain there are other symbolic figures representing tributary rivers of the Danube. Providentia is enthroned high above the figure of an old man representing the Enns River.

The obverse side of the coin shows a satellite mapping the town of Hall from the space.

The reverse side of the coin shows the Guldiner silver coin. However, the design is negative, representing a coin die, as a reference to Hall’s history as a significant centre for minting coins. This is the first time a coin die has been reproduced on an Austrian coin, giving a distinctive character of this extraordinary issue.

€200.00 ^[17]

The obverse of the coin shows a modern instance of Christian charity. A nun working as a nurse comforts a sick man in accordance with Christ’s admonition.

The reverse side of the coin depicts one of the best known parables of the New Testament, the story of the Good Samaritan. In this parable Christ holds up a traveler taking pity on an unfamiliar person who has been attacked. The coin shows the Good Samaritan with the wounded on his horse, as he takes him for attention.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
20,000
50,000

?
€17.50
€29.95

This coin is issued honouring the castle of Schloss Hof, situated on Marchfeld (the plains to the east of Vienna) on the border of today’s Slovakia and Hungary. The obverse side shows a view of the castle from the terraced garden side.

The reverse side depicts two gardeners in outfits typical of the Baroque period who are tending the flower beds of the castle.

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The obverse of the coin shows an early steam locomotive (the AJAX) on Austria's first railway line, the Kaiser Ferdinand's Nordbahn. The AJAX can still be seen today in the Austrian railway museum.

The reverse of the coin shows a portrait of the famous statesman, Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich. Behind him is a map of Europe as redrawn at the Congress of Vienna after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The obverse side displays the coat-of-arms of the Second Republic. The broken chains on the eagle’s claws symbolize the re-birth of an independent state. To the right of it is the red-white-red flag of Austria, while to the left is the flag of the European Union.

The reverse side is based on the design of two famous posters of the era: the “Four in a Jeep” and the E.R.P. (European Recovery Program) poster. The German inscription “Wiederaufbau in Österreich” translates as “Reconstruction in Austria”.

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Frosted Proof

100,000
40,000
60,000

?
€16.50
€22.00

The obverse shows the central part of the frontage of the palace behind one of the great fountains in the open space.

The reverse depicts the greenhouse known as the “Palmenhaus”. Built in the 19th century, it was at that time the largest steel and glass construction in Europe, housing worldwide exotic plants.

This gold coin is dedicated to painting and to one of the most famous of the artists of the Viennese school "Jugendstil": Gustav Klimt. The obverse depicts Klimt in his studio with two unfinished masterpieces on easels.

One of Klimt's most famous painting, "Der Kuss" (The Kiss), is featured on the reverse, a work painted in 1908 at the height of his 'golden period'.

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The obverse shows two locomotives: a historical and a modern one. This represents the technical development in locomotive construction between the years 1854 and 2004. The upper half depicts the “Taurus”, a high performance locomotive. Below is shown the first functional Alpine locomotive, the Engerth; constructed by Wilhelm Freiherr von Engerth.

The reverse of the coin shows a typical Semmering view. A steam engine just emerged from a tunnel crossing one of the distinctive viaducts.

€200.00 ^[27]

This coin is dedicated to Joseph Haydn, one of the most creative and innovative composers of all time. Both Mozart and Beethoven learnt from him and built upon his work.

The obverse side depicts the Castle of Esterhazy in Eisenstadt, where Hadyn lived and worked for many years. Above the castle a staff of music can be seen.

The reverse side of the coin shows his portrait together with his signature and the years of his life (1732- 1809).

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€16.50
€22.00

This particular coin was issued honouring the castle of Hellbrunn. This baroque building and its beautiful green areas were built just outside the city of Salzburg by Markus Sitticus von Hohenems, the Prince-Archbishop of the city at the time (1612-1619). The obverse depicts the main access to the castle from its forecourt. In the background the mountains of Salzburg's, on the northern rim of the alpine chain, can be seen.

The reverse side features a portrait of Archbishop Markus Sitticus von Hohenems, holding a construction plan for Salzburg Cathedral. In the background the "Roman Theatre" in Hellbrunn, is shown.

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The obverse shows the frigate S.M.S. Novara under sail during her circumnavigation of the globe in 1857-1859. The Novara was the first Austrian ship in the Austro-Hungarian Navy to circumnavigate the world. In the background, there is a representation of the Chinese coast. Seagulls, showing the nearness to land, circle the ship.

On the reverse side, there is a dual portrait of Archduke Ferdinand Max, the naval commander-in-chief and the originator of the voyage, and of Commodore Bernhard von Wüllerstorf-Urbair, who commanded the Novara on her voyage of circumnavigation. In front of them, on the table, there is a large ship’s globe and instruments of navigation, along with a microscope (this was a scientific expedition around the globe).

The obverse side of the coin shows the armored frigate S.M.S. Ferdinand Max. Like all the early steam ships, she still bore three masts and sails. The ship was named to honor the naval commander-in-chief and brother of the Emperor, Archduke Ferdinand Max.

The reverse shows Rear-Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff after a painting by Anton Romako, standing on the bridge of the S.M.S. Erzherzog Ferdinand Max. In front of him four sailors are struggling with the wheel, like bringing the ship into position. The inscription reads "Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff".

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€16.50
€22.00

The coin’s obverse shows the castle of Artstetten standing above the Danube River on the threshold to the region known as the Wachau. First recorded in the 13th century, the castle today presents an striking sight from afar, with its corner towers and unique onion-domes.

The reverse shows the entrance to the crypt of the Hohenberg family. There are two portraits to the left, showing Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg.

On the obverse side there is a view of the Secession exhibition hall situated in Vienna. The building was called the Secession as it was the seceding of the "rebel artists" from the long-established fine art institution that gave rise to this excellent structure.

The reverse side features a small portion of the world famous “Beethoven Frieze” by Gustav Klimt. The extract from the painting features three figures: a knight in armor representing “Armored Strength”, one woman in the background symbolizing “Ambition” holding up a wreath of victory and a second woman representing “Sympathy” with lowered head and clasped hands.

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The obverse side depicts the frontage of the Palais Lobkowitz and a cut down edition of the title page of the “Eroica” symphony, with a quill below.

The reverse side shows a portrait of Beethoven, his signature, and the years of his life (1770-1827). A drawing from 1818, by August Kloeber, served as model for the portrait.

The reverse side shows a section of the globe in the background on the niobium core. In the foreground a small television antenna that was necessary by all early analog TV sets to get the signal is seen. In the outer silver circle, several milestones from the history of television are depicted: an old TV set, an old camera, a family making use of a remote control; and finally, a control room at a television station leading to a set of satellite dishes.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€16.50
€22.00

The obverse of the coin shows the figure of Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, which stands facing the Parliament building in Vienna. She represents the Austrian Republic surrounded by the coat of arms of the nine federal provinces.

The reverse side of the coin shows the Austrian Parliament Building with a broken chain separating a jubilant crowd of citizens. The broken chain also appears on the claws of the Austrian national eagle, symbolizing the liberation of Austria in the coin.

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The obverse side shows the ship "Admiral Tegetthoff", which was constructed in Bremerhaven Germany, specifically for the Austro-Hungarian polar expedition. The ship is depicted at the start of the journey, entering the cold waters of the Arctic Circle. The ship was named after one of Austria's most famous admirals: Wilhelm von Tegetthoff.

The expedition was led by naval commander, Karl Weyprecht, and infantry first lieutenant, Julius von Payer. The reverse side of the coin shows two explorers in Arctic gear with the frozen ship behind them.

The obverse shows the armored cruiser S.M.S. Sankt Georg sailing into New York Harbor on May 17, 1907; passing right in front of the Statue of Liberty. This was to be the last visit of an Austrian naval vessel in the U.S.A.

The reverse shows the naval arsenal of Pola, one of the principal naval bases of the Austro-Hungarian navy since the middle of the 19th century. The Olive Island in the harbor, with its two characteristic covered construction docks, can be seen. The stern and the propellers of the S.M.S. Sankt Georg are clearly shown in one of the docks. In the foreground a steam a smaller ship sails.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€16.50
€22.00

This coin was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the re-opening of the rebuilt National Theatre (Burgtheater) and the National Opera. The obverse side depicts the two buildings; the National Theatre slightly behind the Opera House.

In the reverse, two typical symbols of the theatre, the masks of comedy and tragedy are shown and with the words “Re-opening of the National Theatre and Opera, 1955”.

The obverse gives an angled perspective view of the left-side and main door of the Steinhof church.

On the reverse, the Koloman Moser stained glass window over the main entrance can be seen. In the center of the window is God the Father seated on a throne. The window is flanked with a pair of bronze angels in Jugendstil style, originally designed by Othmar Schimkowitz.

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The obverse shows a view of down the Getreidegasse (Grain Lane) in Salzburg. In the foreground is the house where Mozart was born, while the Getreidegasse stretches off back to the right.

In the reverse, to the right, there is a portrait of Mozart. On the left and in the background, is his father, Leopold Mozart, also an accomplished musician. Leopold recognized his son's unique musical really early, giving him the proper instructions and guidance. The portraits are based on contemporary paintings.

In the reverse, the niobium portion depicts navigation satellites orbiting the Earth. The ring shows different means of transportation (an airplane, a container ship, a train and a truck) for which satellite navigation was developed.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€24.20
€18.15

This was the first coin of the series "Great Abbeys of Austria". It shows the Benedictine convent of Nonnberg Abbey. In the hilltop on the background, the castle of Hohensalzburg and the Kajetaner church can be seen.

The reverse side shows the crypt consecrated to the St. Erentrudis, the first abbess of the convent with a statue of the saint.

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The obverse shows the biggest and fastest of the Austro-Americana liners, the Kaiser Franz Joseph I (named after Franz Joseph I of Austria), as she sails out of Trieste. In the background the Lloyd ship Brünn arriving in port and the maritime buildings in the foreshore can be seen.

The reverse gives a wide view of the port of Trieste. The harbour itself is full of steamships and sailing ships. In the foreground to the right the old coat-of-arms of the city in the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be seen.

The reverse side is a tribute to the old Austro-Hungarian Imperial Navy, showing the same battleship from a front angle. A naval bi-plane circles overhead and a submarine surfaces in the foreground. The coin commemorates not only the ship Viribus Unitis, but also the three main arms of the Austro-Hungarian Navy in the First World War.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€18.15
€24.20

The obverse side shows the abbey with its fortress-like towers on top of the hill surrounded by trees and vineyards.

The reverse side shows the grand staircase (known as the Imperial Stairs), which lead up to the apartments that the great abbeys held. The apartments in Göttweig were prepared for the Emperor Charles VI. His portrait can be seen in the foreground.

The River Gate was built in the years 1903 to 1906 and was opened to the general public on 15th November, 1906. In celebration of its centenary in 2006 the gate has been chosen as the main motif for this commemorative coin issue. The obverse side depicts the gate from its more prominent side, encasing the tunnelled exit where the River Wien flows into the City Park.

The reverse side shows one of the ladies that flank the entrance from the street. In its entirety, the gate forms one of the most beautiful Jugendstil scenes to be found in the city of Vienna.

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This coin design is based on an historic photo of the opening session of Parliament in 1907, after the elections.

The two oval portraits in the foreground are of the Emperor Franz Joseph and Max Wladimir von Beck, who were responsible for putting the reform through.

Gerard van Swieten is original from the Netherlands. The Empress Maria Theresa chose him as her personal physician; he then became the founder of the First Vienna School of Medicine. His legacy to the world of medicine made him the choice for the first coin in this new gold series “Celebrated Physicians of Austria”. The obverse side shows his portrait holding a book.

The reverse shows the view of the Academy of Sciences, the handwritten text of the reform “Plan pour la faculté de medicine”, and a branch of the Swietenia Mahagoni.

This reverse side of the coin shows the “Etrich-Taube” as well as the “Zanonia” glider and a waving Igo Etrich sitting in the open cockpit of a plane.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€18.15
€24.20

The obverse shows a view up to the façade of the abbey church and its two side wings from a low level. The twin baroque towers and the great dome of the church behind them can be seen. In the lower right corner the coat-of-arms of the Abbey of Melk (the crossed keys of St. Peter) can be seen.

The reverse side gives a view up into the central dome of the church; a vision of heaven, painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr. The three-dimensional effect created by the engraver is heightened by the Melker Cross in the foreground. This precious reliquary from the Melk treasury is a 14th century work of art, in gold and precious.

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The obverse of the coin shows the “AUSTRIA”, the first locomotive to run in the Empire. In the background the carriages of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class are lined up.

The reverse side depicts a scene of a train crossing the bridge over the Danube on the first public run from the North Railway Station in Vienna to Deutsch-Wagram on January 6, 1838. It caused quite a sensation, so it was watched and cheered by crowds of Viennese along its route.

The obverse shows the locomotive “Steinbrück” with one of the typical viaducts of the Semmering Railway in the background. The engine “Steinbrück” can be seen today in the Technical Museum in Vienna. It is the oldest existing locomotive built in Austria; it was constructed in 1848 for the South Railway.

The reverse shows the harbour city of Trieste with the locomotive Type 17c372 getting out of the viaduct leading to the railway station. In the background sailing ships can be seen.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€18.15
€24.20

The obverse displays a view of the abbey buildings nestling on the wooded hill above the town.

The reverse shows the South Portal of the church; built in 1618.

The obverse shows the building with its rounded corner connecting both wings. The rounded corner is flanked on top by two female half-figures, work of the sculptor Othmar Schimkowitz.

The reverse shows the lift in the stairwell of the house, its iron gate and the fencing ornamented with the finest Jugendstil design. In the left of the coin there is a superimposed sample of Koloman Moser’s golden medallions.

The obverse shows a portrait of the eminent doctor together with the staff of Aesculapius, which is the logo for the entire series.

The reverse has a wide view of the old General Hospital in Vienna, where Semmelweis was stationed in the childbirth clinic. To the right there is a view of two doctors cleaning their hands, apparently before examining a patient.

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The reverse has a partial portrait of Welsbach on the left hand side. The sun shines in the middle of the green niobium pill, while several methods of illumination from the gas light through electric light bulbs, neon lights, etc., to modern LEDs spread out around the silver ring.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
40,000
60,000

?
€18.15
€24.20

The obverse shows a view of the abbey from the slopes of the Leopoldsberg in the Alps. The Romanesque-Gothic basilica as well as the copper dome with the imperial crown can be seen.

The reverse shows the Gothic cloisters with a stained glass window of St. Leopold in the foreground.

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150,000
100,000

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€9.00

The reverse depicts the hall of the second Vienna North Railway Station. On the left there is a train stopping at the arrival platform. In the foreground there is a lady dressed in an old style symbolising the Belle Epoque of rail travel.