Austria's Currency: Coins Used In The Country

Austria's currency is the euro, which has been in use since 2002. The country uses the full range of euro coins, from one cent to two euros. The designs on the coins were chosen by a national panel and a public opinion poll, and were created by Austrian artist Josef Kaiser. The coins are unique, with three distinct series, each with a common theme.

Austrian euro coins feature unique designs

Austrian euro coins have unique designs that were chosen through a public opinion poll. The coins are designed by Austrian artist Josef Kaiser and are categorised into three series based on a common theme. The first series, consisting of minor coins, features Austrian flowers. The second series, the middle coins, showcases examples of architecture from the country's capital, Vienna. The final series, consisting of the two major coins, features portraits of famous Austrians.

The 1, 2, and 5-cent coins depict Alpine flowers, representing Austria's commitment to environmental conservation. The 1-cent coin features a gentian, a symbol of Austria's role in shaping EU environmental policy. The 2-cent coin displays an edelweiss, a traditional emblem of Austrian identity. The 5-cent coin showcases a primrose, completing the floral series.

The 10, 20, and 50-cent coins depict architectural masterpieces in Vienna. The 10-cent coin features St. Stephen's Cathedral, a stunning example of Viennese Gothic architecture dating back to 1160. The 20-cent coin showcases the Belvedere Palace, a jewel of Austrian Baroque architecture. The palace symbolises national freedom as the treaty re-establishing Austrian sovereignty was signed here in 1955. The 50-cent coin displays the Secession Building, a symbol of Austrian modernism and the birth of a new era in the country's history.

The €1 and €2 coins honour famous Austrians. The €1 coin features Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the renowned Austrian composer, along with his signature. Mozart's presence on the coin references the idea of Austria as a "land of music". The €2 coin showcases Bertha von Suttner, a radical Austrian pacifist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Von Suttner's portrait symbolises Austria's longstanding commitment to peace.

The schilling was the currency of Austria before the euro

The schilling was first introduced in 1925, replacing the krone at a rate of one schilling to 10,000 kronen. The krone had been the currency of Austria since 1892, when it was introduced upon the adoption of the gold standard. The schilling was abolished in 1938 following Germany's annexation of Austria, when it was exchanged for the Reichsmark at a rate of 1.50 schillings to one Reichsmark.

The schilling was reintroduced after World War II on 30 November 1945 by the Allied Military, who issued paper money in denominations of 50 groschen, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, and 1000 schillings. The Nationalbank also began issuing schilling notes in 1945, and the first coins were issued in 1946. A second "schilling" law in 1947 introduced new banknotes, with the earlier notes exchangeable for new notes at par for the first 150 schillings, and at a rate of 1 new schilling for 3 old schillings thereafter.

The currency stabilised in the 1950s, with the schilling being tied to the US dollar at a rate of $1 = 26 schillings. Following the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system in 1971, the schilling was initially tied to a basket of currencies until 1976, when it was coupled to the German mark. Although the euro became the official currency of Austria in 1999, euro coins and notes were not introduced until 2002, and old schilling coins and notes were phased out from circulation.

Even today, you may still hear people using the schilling in conversation, especially older people who grew up with the currency.

Vienna appears on three Austrian-minted coins

Austria's currency is the Euro, which has been in use since 2002. The country uses the full range of Euro coins and notes. Interestingly, Vienna, the capital city, appears on three Austrian-minted coins:

Stephansdom Cathedral on the 10-cent coin

St. Stephen's Cathedral, also known as Stephansdom, is an iconic symbol of Vienna. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Viennese Gothic architecture, dating back to 1160. It is an epitome of Gothic design, featuring intricate stone carvings, soaring spires, and stunning stained glass windows. Stephansdom has witnessed the city's rich history and played a significant role in the religious life of Vienna.

Belvedere on the 20-cent coin

The Belvedere Palace is a Baroque architectural masterpiece, symbolizing national freedom and sovereignty. It was built in the 1700s as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. The palace is renowned for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the city. The intricate design and grandeur of the palace have made it one of the most important cultural landmarks in Austria.

Secession Building on the 50-cent coin

The Secession Building, within a circle, symbolizes the birth of Art Nouveau and a new age in the country. Completed in 1898, the building is a testament to the artistic movement of the time, with its distinctive architecture and iconic golden dome. The building houses a collection of artworks, including the famous Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt. The Secession Building stands as a symbol of artistic innovation and freedom of expression.

These coins, designed by Josef Kaiser, not only serve as a means of payment but also showcase the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Vienna. They are a reminder of the city's historical significance and its contribution to the arts and architecture.

Austrian coins feature famous people from history

Austria has used several different currencies throughout its history, including the florin, the Austro-Hungarian gulden and krone, and the Austrian crown. However, since 2002, the official currency of Austria has been the Euro.

Austrian euro coins feature unique designs that showcase the country's flowers, architecture, and famous people from its history. The designs were chosen through a collaborative process involving a national panel and a public opinion poll, with the final designs created by Austrian artist Josef Kaiser.

The €2 coin features Bertha von Suttner, a radical Austrian pacifist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Von Suttner's inclusion on the coin symbolises Austria's long-standing commitment to peace. The €1 coin depicts Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a renowned Austrian composer, with his signature. Mozart's presence on the coin reinforces the idea of Austria as a "land of music".

The 10, 20, and 50-cent coins showcase iconic architectural works in Vienna. The 10-cent coin displays the spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral, an exemplary piece of Viennese Gothic architecture. The 20-cent coin features the Belvedere Palace, a stunning Baroque palace where the treaty re-establishing Austrian sovereignty was signed in 1955. The 50-cent coin illustrates the Secession Building, a symbol of Austrian modernism and the birth of a new era.

The lower-denomination 1, 2, and 5-cent coins highlight Alpine flowers, representing Austria's dedication to environmental conservation. These include the gentian, edelweiss, and primrose, each symbolising the country's role in developing EU environmental policies.

The Secession building appears on the standard Austrian 50 cent coin

The currency in Austria is the Euro, which has been the case since 2002. The Euro is divided into 100 cents. Austrian euro coins have a unique design for each denomination, with a common theme for each of the three series of coins. The minor coins feature Austrian flowers, the middle coins feature examples of architecture from Vienna, and the two major coins feature famous Austrians. The Secession Building appears on the standard Austrian 50-cent coin, which is within the middle coins category.

The Secession Building is a contemporary art exhibition hall in Vienna, Austria. It was completed in 1898 by Joseph Maria Olbrich as an architectural manifesto for the Vienna Secession, a group of rebel artists who broke away from the long-established fine art institution. The building features the Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt, one of the most widely recognised artworks of the Secession style (a branch of Art Nouveau, also known as Jugendstil in Germany and Nordic countries).

The 50-cent coin features an image of the Secession Building, with its distinctive gilded dome. The number 50 is printed vertically on the left side of the coin, with the year of imprint featured on the right side, also printed vertically. The text 'Euro Cent' is shown at the top of the coin, and the outer ring features the 12 stars of the EU. The Austrian flag is also included in the design.

The design of the Austrian 50-cent coin is symbolic of the country's architectural heritage and its cultural significance. The Secession Building was selected to appear on the national side of the coin, with the 12 stars of Europe and the Austrian flag also featured, representing Austria's place within the European Union.

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