Leslie Massey
The obverse side of Austria's 10-cent coin features St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Viennese Gothic architecture. The coin also displays the face value and heraldic hatchings representing the Austrian flag, encircled by the twelve stars of Europe. The reverse side of the coin features a map of Europe, symbolising the gathering of the fifteen nations of the European Union.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Obverse Image | St. Stephen's Cathedral |
| Obverse Text | "10 euro cents" |
| Obverse Symbol | Austrian flag |
| Obverse Graphic | 12 five-pointed stars (symbolizing the European Union) |
| Reverse Image | Common face of Euro coins |
| Reverse Text | "10 euro cents" |
| Reverse Graphic | Map of Europe |
| Diameter | 19.75mm |
| Thickness | 1.93mm |
| Weight | 4.1 grams |
| Material | Nordic Gold |
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$149
What You'll Learn
St. Stephen's Cathedral
In 1137, the Bishop of Passau Reginmar and Margrave Leopold IV signed the Treaty of Mautern, which referred to Vienna as a civitas for the first time and transferred St. Peter's Church to the Diocese of Passau. Margrave Leopold IV also received extended stretches of land beyond the city walls, except for the territory allocated for the new parish church, which would eventually become St. Stephen's Cathedral.
In 1304, King Albert I ordered a Gothic three-nave choir to be constructed east of the church, wide enough to meet the tips of the old transepts. Under his son, Duke Albert II, work continued on the Albertine choir, which was consecrated in 1340. Duke Rudolf IV, Duke Albert II's son, expanded the choir again to increase the religious clout of Vienna. On 7 April 1359, Rudolf IV laid the cornerstone for a westward Gothic extension of the Albertine choir in the vicinity of the present south tower. This expansion would eventually encapsulate the entirety of the old church, and in 1430, the edifice of the old church was removed from within as work progressed on the new cathedral.
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Viennese Gothic architecture
St. Stephen's Cathedral, featured on the Austrian 10-cent coin, is a stunning example of Viennese Gothic architecture. It is Vienna's biggest and most famous church and the city's main symbol. The cathedral was erected on the ruins of two medieval churches, and its ever-expanding size symbolised Vienna's rising imperial ambitions under the Habsburgs in the 14th and 15th centuries.
The earliest example of the Hallenkirche (hall church) style in Vienna was the choir added in 1295 to an older Romanesque building, the abbey church of Heiligenkreuz, 24km (15 miles) west of Vienna. The most famous building in the Hallenkirche style was the first incarnation of St. Stephan's Cathedral. Today, only the foundations, the main portal, and the modestly proportioned western towers remain from the original construction. The cathedral's needle-shaped central spire, completed in 1433, soars high above Vienna's skyline.
During the late 1400s, Gothic architecture in Vienna retreated from the soaring proportions of the Hallenkirche style, and the focus turned to more modest buildings with richly decorated interiors. Stone masons added tracery (geometric patterns) and full-rounded or low-relief sculptures to ceilings and walls. Gothic churches continued to be built in Austria until the mid-1500s.
The Viennese Secession movement at the turn of the 20th century launched a revolutionary spirit in architecture. Architect Otto Wagner (1841-1918) is usually viewed as a pioneer of Viennese modern architecture and is associated with the Secession movement. The movement was based on the belief that art and architecture should be of their time and not a revival or imitation of historic forms such as Classical, Gothic, or Renaissance styles.
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Austrian flag
The Austrian 10-cent coin features an image of St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Viennese Gothic architecture. The obverse of the coin depicts the majestic Stephansdom, which is Austria's largest cathedral. The tallest of its many towers soars to almost 137 meters high. On the left side of the coin, the value of 10 Euro cents is shown, with the Austrian flag below it, and on the right, the year of minting. The outer ring of the coin features the 12 stars of Europe, symbolising the European Union.
The Austrian flag, which is featured on the 10-cent coin, consists of three horizontal bands of red, white, and red. The flag's design and colours are believed to be inspired by the medieval coat of arms of the Babenberg Dynasty, the first ruling family of Austria. The red and white colours have been associated with Austria for centuries and can be seen on various historical banners, coats of arms, and flags throughout the country's history.
The red and white colours of the Austrian flag are also said to symbolise the country's political and cultural values. The red colour represents the blood of those who fought for Austria's independence and freedom, as well as the passion and courage of its people. The white colour symbolises peace, unity, and the winter snow-capped Alps that cover much of the country.
The Austrian flag is widely respected and revered by Austrians and has become an important symbol of national identity. It is flown on many occasions, such as National Day, and can be seen displayed by Austrians at their homes and businesses. The flag is also a common feature in official ceremonies, parades, and sporting events, where it is used to represent and unite the country.
The Austrian 10-cent coin, with its depiction of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Austrian flag, showcases two important symbols of Austria. The cathedral represents the country's rich architectural heritage, while the flag stands as a symbol of national unity, identity, and pride. Together, they provide a tangible connection to Austria's past and present for Austrians and a means to showcase their cultural heritage to the world.
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Twelve stars of Europe
The obverse side of Austria's 10-cent coin features St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Viennese Gothic architecture. The coin also displays the face value and heraldic hatchings representing the Austrian flag. The outer ring of the coin is encircled by the twelve stars of Europe, which symbolise the European Union.
The twelve stars of Europe are a symbol of European unity, solidarity and dynamism. The number twelve was chosen for its historical significance, as it has long been used to represent completeness and perfection. In ancient times, twelve was often used to indicate a full cycle, such as the twelve months of the year or the twelve signs of the zodiac. In Christian tradition, twelve also represents the apostles, as well as the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament.
The twelve stars are a relatively modern symbol of Europe, having been adopted in 1955 by the Council of Europe. They were chosen as a neutral symbol that would represent all of the organisation's member states, rather than specific aspects of individual states. The stars were first used on a currency in 1979, when they appeared on the European Currency Unit, the predecessor to the Euro.
The twelve stars of Europe are also featured on the official flag of the European Union, which was adopted in 1985. The flag's blue background symbolises the West, while the stars represent the peoples of Europe in a circle, a sign of unity. The number of stars is fixed, regardless of the changing number of member states.
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Face value
The face value of the Austrian 10-cent euro coin is €0.10. The obverse side of the coin features St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Viennese Gothic architecture. The face value is also displayed on this side, along with heraldic hatchings that represent the Austrian flag. The design is encircled by twelve stars, symbolising the European Union. The reverse side of the coin features the common face of Euro coins, with the inscription "10 euro cents" and a map of Europe, including the new member countries. This side also features six vertical lines, each delimited by two stars, and a striped border with thick knurling.
The Austrian 10-cent euro coin, with its combination of architectural and symbolic elements, serves as a miniature ambassador for the country's cultural and historical heritage. St. Stephen's Cathedral, depicted on the obverse, is a renowned landmark in Vienna, renowned for its intricate Gothic design. The cathedral stands as a testament to the country's rich architectural history and has become a popular tourist attraction.
The inclusion of the face value and the Austrian flag on the obverse reinforces the coin's connection to Austria. The twelve stars of the European Union, encircling the design, further contextualise the coin within a broader European context. This blend of national and supranational symbolism underscores the coin's role as a modern Austrian currency, integrated within the Eurozone.
The reverse side of the coin, with its standardised Euro coin design, underscores the unity and interoperability of the Euro currency across multiple countries. The map of Europe, including new member countries, conveys a sense of dynamic growth and expansion within the European Union. The use of Nordic gold as the material for the coin adds a further layer of uniformity, ensuring consistency in colour and composition across different denominations and countries.
The Austrian 10-cent euro coin, therefore, becomes more than just a medium of exchange. It serves as a microcosm of Austrian culture, history, and its place within the broader European community. The intricate details on both sides of the coin provide a glimpse into the country's architectural heritage, national identity, and its commitment to European unity and collaboration.
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Frequently asked questions
The obverse of the Austrian 10-cent coin depicts St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Viennese Gothic architecture. The reverse features the face value and heraldic hatchings representing the Austrian flag, encircled by the twelve stars of Europe.
The Austrian 10-cent coin has a diameter of 19.75 mm, a thickness of 1.93 mm, and a weight of 4.1 grams. It is made of Nordic gold.
The Austrian 20-cent and 50-cent coins also depict architectural works in Vienna. The 20-cent coin features the Belvedere Palace, a jewel of Austrian baroque style, while the 50-cent coin showcases the 'Sezession' building, a symbol of Austrian modernism.
