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Following the exciting debut of the Troll in November 2025, the Austrian Mint immerses us in a new installment of the fascinating “Mythical Creatures” series, a collection that brings to life the legendary beings of folklore and mythology through high-quality engravings and stunning visual effects under ultraviolet light.
If you're not yet familiar with the story behind this series, we recommend first reading this article about the Troll Coin, which opened the doors to this magical universe: Mythical Creatures Series: When legends come to life and shine in your hands
Now, on January 28, 2026, the collection continues its journey with the second creature: the Hippocampus, a majestic sea horse that inhabits the depths of classical myths.
The Hippocampus: mythological creature of the ocean
The hippocampus is a creature half horse, half fish, found in Greco-Roman mythology. It was the animal that pulled the chariot of the sea god: Poseidon for the Greeks, Neptune for the Romans. Strong, agile, and untamed like the waves it rides, the hippocampus embodies the power of the sea and the mystery of the depths.
It should not be confused with the real seahorse, although the scientific name of the modern animal (Hippocampus) is directly inspired by this legendary figure. The mythological hippocampus was a symbol of wild beauty, associated with the divine and the unknown, and appears depicted on ancient coins, sculptures, mosaics, and coats of arms.
Obverse: A creature emerging from the depths
The obverse of this coin presents the seahorse in all its splendor. Its elegant, horse-like body arches as its scaly, fish-like tail curls gracefully. The scene has a distinctly underwater feel: surrounded by seaweed, bubbles, and golden decorative elements that evoke the ocean's hidden treasures.
Beneath its front paws is a golden crown, a symbol of its connection to marine royalty. The entire design is bathed in shades of blue and green which, together with the coin's circular composition, create an effect of depth and movement.
Revers: The magic key of the creatures
The reverse of the coin is common to the entire series. It features a magic key with the letter “F” engraved on its bow—the initial of Fabelwesen , the German term for “fabulous creatures.” Surrounding it are twinkling stars, arcane symbols, and a relief reminiscent of an antique seal. This side of the coin reinforces the concept that each creature is a gateway to a magical world.
One of the defining features of this series is its spectacular effect under ultraviolet light. When the Seahorse coin is illuminated with a UV flashlight, the colors glow with great intensity: the creature's body shines in electric blue tones, the golden crown beneath its legs gleams like lost treasure, and the sea bubbles light up, revealing hidden details.
Denomination: 3 euros
Metal: Copper alloy (cupronickel)
Quality: Uncirculated
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 16 g
Designers: Anna Schlindner (front) and Rebecca Wilding (back)
Issue date: January 28, 2026
Maximum circulation: 65,000 units
Issue price: €16.80
Presentation: Without individual case (delivered protected, ready to insert into the official album)
Special effect: Fluorescent print visible under black light (UV)
Certificate: Not included (standard issue without numbering)
Accessories: UV flashlight and collector's album
To fully appreciate the fluorescent effect of these coins, the Austrian Mint offers an official UV flashlight specially calibrated for this series. With it, the hidden colors appear in seconds, allowing you to enjoy every luminous detail.
In addition, the collection comes with an official illustrated album featuring an original story written by Thomas Brezina. Each coin is integrated into a chapter of the story, and the album also includes riddles, stickers, and surprises visible under UV light. It's the perfect complement to protect, organize, and experience the series as a complete adventure.
The Hippocampus coin brilliantly continues the “Mythical Creatures” series, solidifying this collection as one of the most original and visually striking in recent European numismatics. Through its legendary creatures, Münze Österreich successfully unites art, mythology, and technology in an accessible, educational, and collectible format.
With each new issue, the universe created by Thomas Brezina expands, offering us not just coins, but fragments of legend transformed into light and metal.
Discover how this story began by reading about the Troll Coin, the first creature in the series:
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