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The Austrian Mint's "Mythical Creatures" series is preparing to introduce one of its most unsettling characters. Following the Troll, the Hippocampus, and the Elf, the fourth installment will feature the Basilisk, a legendary monster to which ancient traditions attributed poisonous breath and a gaze capable of causing death.
This coin collection features twelve beings from different myths and legends, representing them through color printing and inks that transform their appearance when exposed to ultraviolet light.
To learn how the collection was born and discover its first issue, you can consult the article dedicated to the Troll:
Mythical Creatures Series: when legends come to life and shine in your hands
The Basilisk coin will be issued on September 9, 2026, and will bring to metal a well-known Viennese legend in which a mirror became the instrument used to defeat the fearsome creature.
The Basilisk: the dreaded king of snakes
The basilisk's name comes from the Greek word basilískos, a diminutive of basileus —king—and can therefore be translated as "little king." One of its earliest descriptions appears in Pliny the Elder's Natural History, where it is presented as an extremely venomous snake with a white, crown-like marking on its head. According to the Roman author, its only natural enemy was the weasel, whose scent could kill the creature.
During the Middle Ages, that crowned serpent was transformed into a hybrid creature combining features of different animals. The most widespread depictions attribute to it the head and wings of a rooster, the legs of a toad, and a long serpent's tail. It was also said to hatch from a hen's egg incubated by a snake or a toad, and that both its poisonous breath and its gaze could cause death.
The basilisk also occupies a prominent place in Viennese folklore. An old legend linked to the building located at number 7 Schönlaterngasse tells that on June 26, 1212, a strange creature was discovered inside the well of the baker Martin Garhiebl.
After several people died or disappeared upon approaching the pit, a brave apprentice descended, carrying a mirror. When the monster gazed upon its own reflection, it was struck by the power of its gaze and defeated.
Obverse: The Basilisk and the Mirror of Legend
The reverse is dominated by a colorful depiction of the basilisk. The creature has the head and wings of a rooster, the legs of a toad, and a long serpent's tail, thus combining the main features attributed to it in medieval legends.
In the lower left corner, a mirror surrounded by an elegant ornamental motif printed in gold is visible. This element directly alludes to the Viennese legend and the method used to overcome the monster's deadly gaze.
The design is framed by a decorative gold band that runs partially around the edge of the coin. The year 2026 and the inscription “ BASILISK” complete the design.
Obverse: The magic key of the creatures
The obverse maintains the common design present throughout the series. It features an elaborate magic key with the letter " F," alluding to the fantasy and universe of legendary beings developed throughout the collection.
In the background, the silhouette of a sun is depicted within a circular relief with a subtle texture. Various stars and small symbols surround the composition, while irregularly shaped letters reinforce the magical atmosphere that characterizes the collection.
One of the most spectacular features of this collection is its fluorescent effect. When the coin is illuminated with ultraviolet light, the basilisk appears to awaken. Its colors transform into intense shades of red and green, its eyes glow menacingly, and poisonous breath seems to emanate from its mouth.
The effect makes the creature appear to come to life in the darkness, as if it were emerging from within the ancient well.
Metal: Copper alloy (cupronickel)
Quality: Uncirculated
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 16 g
Designers: Rebecca Koini, Anna Schlindner and Nina Schwarzer
Issue date: September 9, 2026
Maximum circulation: 65,000 units
Issue price: €16.80
Accessories: UV flashlight and collector's album
To discover all the hidden details of the series, the Austrian Mint markets an official ultraviolet flashlight designed specifically for these issues.
Additionally, the twelve coins in the collection can be stored in the official illustrated album created by Thomas Brezina. This serves both as a collector's album and as part of the series' narrative experience. Each coin is integrated into a chapter of the story, which includes riddles, hidden clues, and coded messages related to the twelve legendary creatures.
With the arrival of the Basilisk, the “ Mythical Creatures” series continues to expand its unique fantastic bestiary with one of the most recognizable and feared monsters in European tradition.
Ready to continue the adventure? Discover the third coin in this story by reading about the Elf: Mythical Creatures – Third coin in the series: The Elf, the invisible guardian of nature
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