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Numismatics is not just a hobby: it's a window to art, history... and sometimes, fantasy too. From November 2025, the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich) is launching a very special collection that promises to spark the imagination of young and old alike: the “Mythical Creatures” series , made up of 12 €3 coins dedicated to legendary beings from around the world.
This collection is not simply a set of coins: it's a narrative adventure, a journey to an enchanted realm where dragons, unicorns, mermaids, griffins and other fabulous creatures come to life thanks to an innovative fluorescent print visible under ultraviolet (UV) light.
A numismatic project that mixes legend, technology and play
Over the course of three years, Münze Österreich will present twelve coins, one for each mythical creature. These coins will include some of the most iconic creatures in the collective imagination: trolls, unicorns, dragons, mermaids, phoenixes, basilisks, werewolves, centaurs, griffins, seahorses, and sea serpents.
Each piece not only features traditional relief engraving but is also printed with special inks that react to black light, revealing hidden details. Under UV light, these creatures glow brightly and appear to come to life, turning the collecting experience into something interactive and magical, quite unlike traditional numismatics.
This special effect isn't a decorative flourish: it's carefully integrated into the artistic design. Illuminating the coin reveals hidden lettering, supernatural glimmers, and sparkles that bring movement to static scenes. It's an ingenious way to connect numismatic art with fantasy storytelling.
The series was developed in collaboration with renowned Austrian author Thomas Brezina, known for his children's and young adult books. Brezina created a story titled "In the Garden of Mythical Creatures ," in which a family discovers a portal to a magical world inhabited by these legendary creatures. Each coin adds a new chapter to this adventure, making collecting both reading and playing.
The First Coin: The Troll (November 2025)
The series officially begins on November 5, 2025, with the issuance of the "Troll" coin, inspired by Norse and European folklore. Trolls are mythical creatures that often inhabit forests and bridges, described as guardians of hidden or magical places.
The obverse of the coin depicts the troll in all his splendor. His figure, intricately engraved and enhanced with color, takes center stage. He is surrounded by a stone bridge, vegetation, and a mysterious four-toed footprint that hints at his silent passage through the forest. The expressiveness of his face and the relief work create an almost three-dimensional impression.
When UV light is projected onto the coin, magic happens:
The troll’s color becomes fluorescent,
the glowing inscription “TROLL” appears,
and the entire design takes on a fantastic atmosphere, as if the character woke up from a fairy tale.
On the reverse, we find an ornate key with the letter "F" in the center, the initial of Fabelwesen (Fabulous Creatures, in German), along with scattered stars and fanciful typography. It also features the face value of 3 euros and the Austrian coat of arms. Each coin in the series will have a variation of this reverse, keeping the key as its central element.
Technical specifications of “The Troll”:
Face value: €3 (legal tender in Austria)
Metal: Copper alloy
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 16 g
Designers: Anna Schlindner (front) and Rebecca Wilding (back)
Maximum circulation: 65,000 units
Issue price: €16.80
Issue Date: November 5, 2025
Presentation: without individual case; delivered protected.
Special effects: UV fluorescent printing.
Certificate: does not include a certificate of authenticity (as this is a standard issue).
Important: Although this coin is legal tender, its distribution is geared toward collecting. Significant appreciation in value is not expected in the medium or long term, as its mintage is very high (65,000 pieces). This makes it an ideal piece for collecting as a hobby and enjoyment , not as a speculative investment.
An album that turns collecting into an adventure
To accompany this series, the Mint has designed an official collector's album.
This is no ordinary binder:
Includes an illustrated story by Thomas Brezina,
Each coin has its dedicated slot, protected with a transparent film,
Riddles and clues related to each creature are added,
And by shining the UV flashlight on the pages, hidden details also appear.
The album is priced at approximately €22 and is currently available in German, although it can also be enjoyed by collectors in other countries thanks to its illustrations. Coins are not included; these are purchased separately as they are issued.
Accessories and official UV flashlight
The true magic of these coins can be seen when used under black light. That's why Münze Österreich also offers a small and handy official UV flashlight for around €9.90.
With it, hidden colors shine brightly and each creature reveals details invisible to the naked eye.
It is also possible to protect the coins individually with 34 mm acrylic capsules, although the recommended option for this series is to store them in the official album.
Official video of the series
The launch campaign for "Mythical Creatures" includes audiovisual material for first-hand experience.
Official spot “The Troll”
Sursa: Youtube Utilizator: Münze Österreich AG
This short TV spot shows an enchanted forest, an ancient bridge, and the troll glowing under black light, presenting the launch of the series in a magical and cinematic way.
Numismatic considerations: more collection than investment
While the "Mythical Creatures" series is undoubtedly one of the most striking and creative in recent years, it's not intended as an investment. With a mintage of 65,000 units per coin, its value is unlikely to increase significantly over time.
This doesn't diminish its cultural or aesthetic value : it simply defines its nature as a collection ideal for enjoying, giving as a gift, or starting a hobby, rather than for speculation. In the world of numismatics, many of the most memorable collections aren't the most valuable financially, but rather those that mark the beginning of a lasting passion.
Magic, history and metal
"Mythical Creatures" isn't just another coin series: it's an invitation to imagine.
From the first troll to the last dragon in 2028, each issue promises to amaze with its design, fluorescent light, and story. It's perfect for those looking for something different: to collect not just metal pieces, but small fragments of legend.
For those who want to get started in numismatics—or introduce their little ones—this series is a magnificent opportunity: accessible, magical, and well-designed.
And for veteran collectors, it represents a breath of fresh air that proves that coins can also tell stories. A magic key, twelve creatures, and an adventure album. Thus begins this new numismatic legend.
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