Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Austria)

A design of musical instruments representing the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the text Wiener Philharmoniker ("Vienna Philharmonic"), can be seen on the reverse of the coin.

The subject of the obverse is the great organ in the Golden Hall in Vienna's Musikverein, the concert hall of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The face value in euros, the weight, alloy purity and year of issue are also inscribed on this side of the coin.

Since 1 February 2008, the coin has also been minted in silver. The design of the silver coin is identical to that of the gold coin, except for its face value of 1.50 euro.

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

Market value: €200.00⁹

The coin shows a dual representation of St. Benedict and his sister, St. Scholastica. For many, St. Benedict is the patron saint of Western Europe and the father of western monasticism. The directive for monastic life, Rule of St Benedict, initiated by St. Benedict in the sixth century is still valid today.¹⁰ Together with his sister, Benedict also founded an order of nuns who would follow the same instructions.¹¹ The coin shows him holding the Holy Rule while St. Scholastica holds a dove.

The reverse of the coin shows a monk at a writing desk working on a manuscript. It represents the work of the monks in the Middle Ages copying books by hand, so preserving a large storehouse of knowledge.

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Frosted Proof

130,000
20,000
50,000

?
€19.95
€99.95

On the obverse of the coin there is a view of the castle to the south of Innsbruck with its Renaissance-style precincts forming the central design. 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 there is a representation of three court musicians crossing the Spanish Hall, based on a picture from 1569.

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100,000

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The reverse shows the Emperor's Pavilion at the Vienna Zoo, surrounded by a diversity of animals. The dates "1752–2002", referring to the anniversary and the issue date of the coin, can be seen, as well as the text 250 Jahre Tiergarten Schönbrunn—the 250th anniversary of the Schönbrunn Zoo.

The obverse of the coin shows the "Swiss Gate" in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Ferdinand enlarged the Hofburg and renovated it in the Renaissance style. Ferdinand's coat-of-arms and titles can be observed at the top of the gate. The two soldiers flanking the gate are a reminder of the unsettled times of 1529, during the Siege of Vienna.

The reverse of the coin shows a portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, brother of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and father of the Austrian line of the Habsburg dynasty.

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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, the castle demonstrates several astronomical themes: four gigantic towers represent the four elements, 365 windows represent the days of the year, and 24 reception rooms represent the hours of a day. The construction was begun in 1625 and completed in 1642 (after Hans Ulrich's death).

The reverse of the coin has a portrait of the scholar and astronomer Johannes Kepler, a contemporary personally acquainted with von Eggenberg and most probably an influence on the design of the castle. In the foreground is Kepler's masterpiece, the model "Mysterium Cosmographicum".

The obverse 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 elevations, 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.

Market value: €300.00¹⁹

The obverse bears a portrait of one of the greatest Baroque sculptors, 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 (written in the coin as Provendentia Brunnen) in central Vienna, a work by the same sculptor. In the center of the coin, the allegorical figure of Providentia is displayed with a medallion of the Roman god Janus, who had two faces. Surrounding the fountain there are other symbolic figures representing the tributary rivers of the Danube; Providentia is enthroned high above the figure of an old man representing the Enns River.

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

The reverse 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,²⁰ giving a distinctive character to this extraordinary issue. In the silver ring is also written 700 Jahre Stadt Hall in Tirol, meaning "700 Years of City of Hall in Tyrol".

Market value: €200.00²²

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 depicts one of the best-known parables of the New Testament, the story of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, Christ compares 3 differing responses to a stranger that has been attacked and robbed. The coin shows the Good Samaritan with the wounded man on his horse as he takes him for medical attention. On the coin, the text Barmherziger Samariter ("Merciful Samaritan") can be read.

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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 shows a view of the castle from the terraced garden side.

The reverse 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 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 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 is the red-white-red flag of Austria, while to the left is the flag of the European Union.

The reverse 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". When it was built in the 19th century to house worldwide exotic plants, it was the largest steel and glass structure in Europe.

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'.

275,000
125,000

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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 Alpine viaducts.

Market value: €200.00³²

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

The obverse 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 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 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, 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.

The obverse of the coin shows the armored frigate S.M.S. Erzherzog 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, as if 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 a 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 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 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 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 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 shows a section of the globe in the background on the niobium core. In the foreground can be seen a small television antenna that was necessary by all early analog TV sets for signal reception. 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. As well the text 50 Jahre Fernsehen ("50 years of Television") can be seen.

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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 and is surrounded by the coat of arms of the nine federal provinces.

The reverse 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. Under the broken chains, the text 60 Jahre Zweite Republik ("60 Years of the Second Republic") can be seen.

275,000
125,000

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The obverse 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 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 17 May 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 smaller steamship 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 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 with the words Wiedereröffnung Von Burg und Oper ("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.

250,000
100,000

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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 acco