Exploring Uses For Old Austrian Coins

If you have old Austrian coins, you may be able to exchange them for euros. The Austrian Schilling was the country's currency from 1925 to 1938 and then again from 1945 to 1999, when it was replaced by the euro. The Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) will exchange unlimited amounts of schilling banknotes and coins of the last series into euros for an unlimited period.

You can also exchange your old Austrian coins with specialist companies, such as Cash4Coins and Foreign Money Exchange. These companies will exchange your old currency for cash.

If you are interested in keeping your old Austrian coins, you could start a collection. Münze Österreich offers collector coins, as well as coin subscriptions and cases. Etsy also has a wide range of rare Austrian coins for sale.

Exchange them for euros

If you have old Austrian schillings, you may be able to exchange them for euros. The Austrian schilling was the currency of Austria from 1925 to 1938 and then again from 1945 to 1999, when it was replaced by the euro. However, the schilling remained in circulation until 2002.

The Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) will exchange unlimited amounts of schilling banknotes and coins of the last series into euros for an unlimited period. The exchange rate is 1 Euro = 13.7603 Schillings.

In addition to the Schilling circulation coins, the OeNB also exchanges all silver Schilling coins issued from 1955 to 2001 at their face value (ATS 25, ATS 50, ATS 100 or ATS 500).

Please note that depending on the current silver price, Schilling silver coins may sell at higher prices at professional coin dealers.

There are also specialist companies that exchange obsolete currencies, like the Austrian Schilling, for a fee.

Sell them to collectors

If you have old Austrian coins, you may want to consider selling them to collectors. This is a great way to make some money off your old coins, especially if they are rare or in good condition. Here are some tips to help you get started:

First, identify the coins you have and do some research to find out their potential value to collectors. Look for any distinguishing features, such as the minting year, special editions, or unique designs. You can use online resources and catalogues to help identify and value your coins.

Next, consider the condition of your coins. Collectors often pay a premium for coins that are in good or mint condition. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, nicks, or discolouration, as these may affect the coin's value. You can also have your coins professionally graded to get a better understanding of their condition and value.

Once you have an idea of the types and conditions of your coins, you can start reaching out to potential buyers. You can sell your coins through online auction sites, coin dealer websites, or even social media marketplaces. Additionally, you can connect with other coin collectors or join coin collecting clubs to find potential buyers. When selling online, be sure to take clear and detailed photos of your coins to showcase their condition and features.

Finally, when setting a price for your coins, be mindful of the market value and be open to negotiation. Rare coins can often command higher prices, but it's important to remain flexible to ensure a successful sale.

Selling old Austrian coins to collectors can be a rewarding experience, both financially and as a way to connect with other numismatists (coin collectors). With a bit of research and effort, you can find buyers who truly appreciate the historical and intrinsic value of your coins.

Donate them to charity

Donating your old Austrian coins to charity is a great way to make a little extra money for a worthwhile cause. Cash4Coins is one such organisation that accepts donations of old Austrian coins and notes. They work with lots of UK charities to exchange foreign coins and notes for them, giving them a valuable source of income.

Cash4Coins accepts all foreign coins and notes, pre-Euro coins and notes, damaged and commemorative notes and coins, old British and Irish coins and notes, and pre-decimal currency. They also accept donations of old Irish currency and pre-Euro currency.

You can donate your old Austrian coins to Cash4Coins by sending them to their mail centre or dropping them off at John Lewis in Leeds, where they have a partnership with the Samaritans.

Turn them into jewellery

Turning old Austrian coins into jewellery is a fun and creative way to repurpose your coins. It is also a great way to make personalised jewellery for yourself or your friends and family. You can create a basic coin pendant necklace or express your creativity by adding variations to your coin pendant. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a coin pendant necklace:

• Choose the perfect coin: Pick a coin that has sentimental value, represents your heritage, or has an interesting design. Consider the size of the coin as it will determine the size of your necklace.
• Select your pendant or bezel: Choose a pendant or bezel that comfortably fits your coin. A pendant is a metal frame that surrounds the coin and may include a bail, a loop at the top for attaching a chain. A bezel is a shallow metal cup that the coin is fixed into, and then a chain is attached using a bail.
• Attach the jump ring: Use a jump ring, a small metal ring with a split in it, to attach the pendant or bezel to your chain. Gently open the split in the ring using jewellery pliers, thread it through the bail, and then close the split with the pliers.
• Drill a hole (optional): If your pendant or bezel doesn't have a hole, you can drill a small hole using a small drill bit.

You can also create variations of the coin pendant necklace, such as a layered coin necklace, a wire-wrapped coin pendant, a beaded coin pendant necklace, or a stamped coin pendant necklace with a personalised message or design.

Hold on to them as collector's items

If you have old Austrian coins, you may be tempted to exchange them for euros or your local currency. However, another option is to hold on to them as collector's items. Old Austrian coins can be fascinating and beautiful, and their value may increase over time.

For example, the Austrian Schilling was the currency of Austria from 1925 to 1938 and then again from 1945 to 1999. It remained in circulation until 2002 and is now obsolete and no longer legal tender. However, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) will still exchange unlimited amounts of schilling banknotes and coins of the last series into euros for an unlimited period. The exchange rate is 1 euro to 13.7603 schillings.

In addition to the Schilling circulation coins, the OeNB also exchanges all silver Schilling coins issued from 1955 to 2001 at their face value. These include coins with face values of ATS 25, ATS 50, ATS 100, or ATS 500.

However, depending on the current silver price, these silver coins may sell for higher prices at professional coin dealers. As such, it may be worth holding on to them as collector's items and selling them at a later date.

Another option for old Austrian coins is to sell them on platforms such as Etsy. Etsy is a popular platform for selling vintage and handmade items, and it has a section dedicated to rare Austrian coins. You can find a variety of old Austrian coins on Etsy, ranging from the early 19th century to the late 20th century.

Additionally, there are specialist companies that exchange old Austrian coins. For example, Cash4Coins provides a fast, secure, and easy way to change Austrian Schillings and Groschen coins into cash. They accept any age or condition of Austrian currency and even convert limited-edition coins, including mint sets and commemorative silver and gold coins.

Finally, you could also consider joining a coin club or community, such as the one offered by Münze Österreich, where members understand the sentimental and material value of coins and can appreciate their beauty.

Frequently asked questions