O nouă monedă comemorativă din Austria - 08.09.2026

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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. 

The magic under ultraviolet light

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.

 

Technical specifications

 

Denomination: 3 euros
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.

A deadly look turned into currency

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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Cele mai frumoase monede ale anului 2025 - 30.08.2026

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A coin designed to be passed from hand to hand, a 2-euro piece, a cosmic phenomenon that Albert Einstein never witnessed, and even a lipstick-shaped issue. The best coins in the world for 2025 already have names and prove that today there's no single way to surprise a collector.

The international Coin of the Year 2026 awards, often considered the "Oscars of numismatics," have recognized ten issues in as many categories. The selection includes precious metals, technical innovations, compelling historical narratives, and coins whose appearance seems to defy our very notion of what we expect to find in a legal tender coin.

Among them all, one has achieved something her country had been pursuing for over four decades: winning the competition's top prize for the first time. And she didn't need to adopt a strange shape or resort to a complicated technological effect to do so.

From about 600 candidates to a single winner

The process began with around 600 coins submitted from various countries. A committee narrowed that number down to 100 finalists, ten in each of the ten categories, and an international jury of over 100 specialists then selected the winners. A second vote was held among these ten coins to decide the Coin of the Year.

Although the awards are dated 2026, the coins being evaluated were issued in 2025. The ceremony was held on August 27, 2026 in Pittsburgh, coinciding with the American Numismatic Association's World's Fair of Money.

The coin that has given his country a historic victory

"Chinese Dragon"

The 10 yuan silver "Chinese Dragon" coin won two awards: best crown coin and Coin of the Year 2026. This is the first time China has won the overall prize, despite having accumulated numerous nominations and category wins since the competition's inception.

Minted by the Shenzhen Guobao Mint for the People's Bank of China, the coin features a dragon advancing through clouds. Wang Hu Ming's design is not a generic fantasy: it draws inspiration from a Tang Dynasty golden dragon and the famous Nine Dragon Wall of Beijing's Forbidden City.

The other side, designed by He Chun and Jiang Qian Qian, depicts a winding section of the Great Wall traversing a mountainous landscape. The visual relationship is particularly effective: from a distance, the structure takes on an almost organic movement, as if another dragon were traversing the peaks. The coin thus brings together two of China's most recognizable symbols without resorting to an elaborate composition.

Austria: the rituals of the Hallstatt culture

"Beliefs and rituals"

The award for the most historically significant coin went to the third and final installment of the Austrian series "The White Gold of Hallstatt." Its 20-euro silver coin explores the spiritual world of an Iron Age culture that thrived on salt mining and trade. One side features a bowl decorated with a bull and two skeletons, reminiscent of the large cemetery discovered by Johann Georg Ramsauer in 1846. The other depicts a fire ceremony, accompanied by a waterfowl, an animal that may have symbolized the divine due to its ability to travel on land, water, and air.

The 2 euro coins from Notre-Dame are among the best in the world

"Notre-Dame de Paris" 

France won the award for best coin commemorating a contemporary event with its €2 coin celebrating the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. After the fire of April 15, 2019, and five years of reconstruction, the cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024. The coin, issued in 2025, features a frontal view of its western façade, with the large rose window emerging between the two towers, and incorporates the official Notre-Dame logo along the edge. Compared to other large and elaborately crafted contenders, the strength of this piece lies in condensing an instantly recognizable image and a globally followed event into the small, approximately €2 coin.

A new American freedom: a sunflower and a bee

"American Liberty"

The United States Mint departed from the usual female personifications of Liberty to offer a completely different interpretation. On the obverse of this one-ounce gold $100 coin, a sunflower and a bee represent the care and responsibility necessary to preserve liberty. The reverse depicts an eagle enveloped in a swirling, almost turbulent movement. The coin, designed by Christopher Polentz and struck in high relief with 99.99% pure gold, had a maximum mintage of 12,000 pieces.

The phenomenon that Einstein thought we would never see

"Einstein Ring"

The finest silver coin transforms into metal an effect produced when the gravity of a massive object bends the light from a galaxy behind it. If the alignment is nearly perfect, the distant image can appear multiplied in a ring shape. Einstein explained the principle, though he doubted it would ever be observed; the first such ring was identified in 1979. The Austrian 20-euro coin uses a curved, three-dimensional surface, a scientific formula, and a color application to depict both the path of the light and the visible result of the phenomenon.

The winning coin that can appear in the change

"Hungarian Academy of Sciences"

Not all the winning coins were created exclusively for collectors. Hungary won the award for best circulating coin with a commemorative 200-forint version, of which one million were minted. It's worth remembering that in 1825, Count István Széchenyi donated a year's income from his estates to support the creation of the Hungarian Society of Scholars, the precursor to the current Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Two hundred years later, that contribution is reflected in a coin that retains the characteristics of the ordinary 200-forint and is intended to be passed from hand to hand.

Silver and niobium to tell the story of the digital revolution

"Digitalization"

Austria won its third award with the €25 silver and niobium medal dedicated to digitalization. Its green and violet colors come not from paint, but from the controlled oxidation of niobium. One side depicts a finger operating a smartphone, surrounded by digital functions and their old analog equivalents. The other side features a stamp, books, and a rotary phone alongside a cloud, the @ symbol, an industrial robot, and a central microchip with the letters "KI," the German abbreviation for artificial intelligence. It's almost a history of technological transformation compressed into 34 millimeters.

El Dorado: Two Worlds Face to Face

"El Dorado"

The most artistic coin was the French 10 euro note from the series "The Sower: Myths and Riches." Joaquín Jiménez depicts a Spanish conquistador facing Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, separated by a golden idol and the sacred lake to which, according to legend, a ruler covered in gold dust brought his offerings. Selective gilding reinforces the motif that fueled expeditions, ambitions, and tragedies for centuries. The reverse features a modern version of Louis-Oscar Roty's historic Sower.

A coin or a lipstick?

"90 years of Lancôme" 

The award for most innovative coin went to an issue that breaks even with the traditional circular shape. Monnaie de Paris celebrated Lancôme's 90th anniversary by creating a 10-euro silver coin in the exact silhouette of its Rouge Absolu lipstick. The mock cap features a diamond pattern, and the body incorporates the brand's signature rose. On the reverse, a new rose designed by Joaquín Jiménez alternates shimmering petals with guilloché surfaces. It measures 55.50 by 23.46 millimeters and had a mintage of 5,000 pieces.

Ukraine and an order that became a symbol of resistance

"Let's hold the line!"

The National Bank of Ukraine issued this 5 hryvnia coin on February 24, 2025, marking three years since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion. On the obverse, several defenders join hands over a map whose lines resemble the Ukrainian trident. The reverse shows soldiers advancing, supported by aircraft and drones, while silhouettes of civilians represent the efforts of those holding the rear. The motto "Hold the line!" transforms a military order into a call for collective resistance. Minted in alpaca silver, it was chosen as the most inspiring coin in the competition.

The ten winning coins at a glance

After learning about the history and design of each piece, here is the complete list of categories and winners of the Coin of the Year 2026 awards.

Category Country prize coin 

Coin of the Year and best crown-type coin China 10 yuan "Chinese Dragon"
Greater historical relevance Austria 20 euros «Beliefs and rituals»
Contemporary event France 2 euros «Notre-Dame de Paris»
Best gold coin USA 100 “American Liberty” dollars
Best silver coin Austria 20 euros "Einstein Ring"
Best circulating currency Hungary 200 forints «Hungarian Academy of Sciences»
Best bimetallic coin Austria 25 euros "Digitalization"
most artistic coin France 10 euros "El Dorado"
most innovative currency France 10 euros «90 years of Lancôme»
Most inspiring coin Ukraine 5 hryvnias "Let's hold the line!"

Six prizes for France and Austria, but the victory goes to China

Austria and France were the most represented countries, with three categories each. Their coins depict archaeology, astronomy, technology, architecture, legends, and contemporary design. However, the highest accolade went to China thanks to a seemingly more traditional piece, powerfully represented by two ancient images: the dragon and the Great Wall.

The selection also shows the extent to which modern numismatics has diversified. The same list includes a Hungarian coin ready for circulation, a French two-euro coin, an ounce of American gold, a surface that reproduces the curvature of space, and a piece that deliberately resembles a cosmetic object.

Therefore, there is no single formula for creating a great coin. Sometimes the difference lies in a groundbreaking technique; other times, in finding the perfect image to tell a story we all thought we knew.

Source of the awards: Numismatic News. Coin information verified with their respective mints and central banks.

 

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Noi monede comemorative din Austria - 24.08.2026

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The Austrian Mint has completed its " Trachten – Traditional and Trendy" series with Anpirschen – Horn, a new collector coin that explores the use of horns in the buttons, brooches, and ornaments of traditional Austrian clothing. The coin has a face value of 10 euros and will be officially launched on September 9, 2026.

The coin will be available in three versions: one minted in copper with an uncirculated finish and two made of 925 sterling silver, in special uncirculated and Proof qualities. The mintage comprises 130,000 pieces in copper and 30,000 units of each version in silver.

The horn in traditional Austrian dress

The " Trachten – Traditional and Trendy" series was created by the Austrian Mint to showcase the country's traditional clothing and some of its most characteristic materials. Its four issues focus on linen, leather, loden, and horn, as well as the artisanal skills associated with their transformation.

Its German title, "gschneizt & kampelt ," comes from a popular Austrian expression that could be translated as "neat and well-groomed." Traditionally used to remind children to leave home looking clean and tidy, the series expands on this idea to reflect on what it means to dress appropriately and how clothing expresses a community's identity.

The collection began in 2025 with Aufdirndln – Leinen, dedicated to linen and the dirndl, the well-known dress consisting of a fitted bodice, a full skirt, and an apron. Next came Aufbrezeln – Leder, focusing on leather and traditional lederhosen . In 2026, Aufjuchazn – Loden was added, featuring the durable wool fabric known as loden, before concluding now with Anpirschen – Horn and ornaments crafted from horn.

The German term "anpirschen" means to approach stealthily or to stalk, especially during a hunt. Its selection links the name of the issue to hunting attire and to the animal and natural motifs depicted on the coin.

Before the widespread use of synthetic materials, horn was a valuable, durable, and relatively affordable raw material. After being cleaned and prepared, it could be cut, heated, pressed, polished, or carved into a wide variety of shapes. Its natural variations in color and grain also meant that each object had a slightly different appearance.

In traditional Austrian clothing, it was especially used to make buttons for vests and jackets, although it also appears in brooches, jewelry, and ornamental embellishments. Some objects retained the inherent simplicity of the material, while others featured complex plant, animal, or hunting scenes crafted by specialized artisans.

With Anpirschen – Horn, the collection concludes its exploration of four materials—linen, leather, loden, and horn—that have defined different aspects of traditional Austrian clothing. The four releases demonstrate that these garments are not static, but rather a cultural expression capable of evolving without losing the techniques and raw materials that give them their identity.

DESIGN
OBVERSE

The obverse, corresponding to the face side, features in the center a horn brooch decorated with the carved figure of a roe deer. To its right is placed vertically a burin, the tool used to engrave and work the details of the material.

The legend “REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH” runs along the left edge, while the inscriptions “10 EURO” and “2026” are distributed horizontally in three lines within the lower left section. The composition thus unites the finished object with the tool used to create it, highlighting the artisanal process behind each ornament.

REVERSE

 

The reverse shows a man in the center dressed in traditional Austrian clothing. His waistcoat and jacket feature horn buttons, while the jacket's lapels are decorated with appliqués made of the same material.

Behind the figure extends a horizontal band with an ornament inspired by the traditional art of horn carving. At its far right, the head of a deer can be distinguished, a symbol of alpine fauna and a recurring motif in the decoration of traditional clothing.

In the Proof version, the character's garments receive a special color application, while the copper and special uncirculated silver variants maintain the design with the appearance of their respective metals.

The creation of both sides is the work of designers Anna Schlindner and Elena Dolgova.

UNC Currency

Feature Description 

Face value 10 euros
Metal 999 thousandths copper
Weight 15 grams
Diameter 32 millimeters
Quality Not circulating
Print run 130,000 units

Special Uncirculated Coin

 

Feature Description 

 

Face value 10 euros
Metal 925 sterling silver
Weight 16.82 grams
Weight of pure silver 15.56 grams / 0.5 ounces
Diameter 32 millimeters
Quality Special non-circulated
Print run 30,000 units

Proof Coin

 

 

Feature Description 

 

Face value 10 euros
Metal 925 sterling silver
Weight 16.82 grams
Weight of pure silver 15.56 grams / 0.5 ounces
Diameter 32 millimeters
Quality Proof
Special finish Applying color to garments
Print run 30,000 units

 

 

 

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O nouă monedă comemorativă din Austria - 20.08.2026

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Austria has unveiled the design of the commemorative €2 coin it will issue in 2027 honoring Ludwig van Beethoven. The new coin, announced last July, will mark the 200th anniversary of the composer's death and will signal the country's return to issuing this denomination after a nine-year hiatus.

The image released by Münze Österreich resolves one of the main remaining questions: Beethoven will occupy almost the entire center of the coin, depicted frontally with an intense expression. The design omits musical scores, instruments, and other obvious musical references to concentrate all the power of the design on the composer's face.

The design reveal comes after the first announcement of this issue, when only the reason, the commemoration and the date planned for its release were known.

A portrait that occupies almost the entire coin

The national front is dominated by a large frontal bust of Beethoven. His tousled hair, pronounced brow, and fixed gaze create an immediately recognizable image and convey the energetic temperament with which the musician has become associated in the collective imagination.

The portrait is superimposed on a structure of straight lines that frames the figure and adds depth to the composition. To the left, the legend "REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH" appears vertically, divided into two lines, with the year "2027" below it. The surname "BEETHOVEN" extends across the bottom and is partially integrated with the bust.

It is striking that the dates "1770-1827," used in the initial denomination of the issue, do not appear in the design shown. The bicentenary reference is left to the year 2027 and the direct identification of the composer. The twelve stars of the European flag appear on the outer ring.

Without scores, pianos, or references to the Ninth Symphony

Beethoven offered numerous possibilities for a coin: from a musical fragment to an allusion to the Ninth Symphony and the "Ode to Joy," later adopted as a European anthem. Austrian Mint, however, opted for a more understated and monumental design.

The focus is entirely on the composer's personality. No official explanation of the design has yet been published, nor has the historical work or portrait that may have served as a reference been identified. The name of its creator has also not yet been revealed.

A proof version will be available before 2027 begins.

The updated official program of Münze Österreich brings another important development. The coin will be offered in Proof quality on December 2, 2026, although it will bear the year 2027. This collector's edition will therefore be released more than a month before the scheduled date for the normal mintage release of the coin, set for January 4, 2027.

The Austrian Mint has not yet published on its website the mintage of the Proof version, its retail price, or the total quantity that will be minted for circulation. Nor has it officially confirmed whether the design will inaugurate an annual series dedicated to composers, a possibility that has been circulating in the numismatic market.

Known facts about the 2 euro Beethoven coin

Feature Information 

Issuing country Austria
Year 2027
Face value 2 euros
Reason Ludwig van Beethoven
Commemoration 200th anniversary of his death
Proof version release December 2, 2026
Expected date for circulation January 4, 2027
Weight 8.50 g
Diameter 25.75 mm
Singing "2 EURO ★★★", repeated four times and oriented alternately
Design author Pending announcement
Print run Pending announcement

With its now-familiar design, the Austrian Beethoven coin becomes one of the first commemorative €2 issues of 2027 whose appearance has been revealed. Two details, particularly eagerly awaited by collectors, remain to be clarified: the mintage of each version and the terms of sale for the Proof edition.

Commemorative 2 euro coins 2027

Austrian commemorative 2 euro coins

 

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O nouă monedă comemorativă din Austria - 09.07.2026

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After venturing into the legendary oceans alongside the Hippocampus, the Austrian Mint continues to expand the universe of its well-known series "Mythical Creatures" with a new issue starring one of the most fascinating beings in European folklore: the Elf.

The collection, which combines mythology, color and surprising fluorescent effects under ultraviolet light, continues to explore the world of fantastic creatures that have accompanied the human imagination for centuries.

If you are not yet familiar with the origin of this numismatic adventure, we recommend starting with the article dedicated to the Troll, the first creature in the series:

Mythical Creatures Series: when legends come to life and shine in your hands

On June 17, 2026, the third coin in the collection arrived, dedicated to a delicate winged elf that seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale.

The Elf: magical spirit of nature 

Few legendary creatures have undergone such a fascinating evolution as elves. Although today we usually imagine them as small, magical beings with wings who dwell among flowers and enchanted forests, their origins date back to ancient Norse and Celtic traditions.

In medieval Scandinavian legends, elves were supernatural beings associated with nature, capable of both helping and harming humans. At times they were even confused with dwarves, spirits, or demons.

During the 19th century, thanks especially to children's literature and illustrated stories, a much kinder image began to gain popularity. Elves came to be depicted as tiny, benevolent creatures living among flowers, leaves, and gardens—a vision that would eventually become the most widespread to this day.

One of the places where these traditions have endured most strongly is Iceland. There, the so-called huldufólk, or "hidden people," are an essential part of the cultural heritage. According to Icelandic folklore, these invisible beings inhabit rocks, hills, and secluded natural landscapes.

Front: a magical encounter between flowers and strawberries

The obverse depicts a charming elf perched delicately amidst nature. The small creature wears a greenish tunic and unfurls spectacular wings inspired by those of a butterfly.

To the right of the figure are several strawberries accompanied by their leaves and flowers, depicted in great detail. To the left, a star is visible next to an elegant ornamental motif printed in gold.

The composition is framed by a decorative gold band that partially surrounds the edge of the coin and integrates with the relief to add depth to the design.

Revers: The magic key of the creatures

The reverse side maintains the common design present throughout the series. It features an elaborate magic key with the letter "F," the initial of Fabelwesen, a German term that can be translated as "fabulous creatures" or "legendary beings."

In the background, the silhouette of a sun is depicted within a textured circular relief. Various stars and symbols surround the composition, while irregularly shaped letters reinforce the magical atmosphere that characterizes the collection.

The magic under ultraviolet light

One of the most spectacular features of this collection is its fluorescent effect.

When the coin is illuminated with an ultraviolet flashlight, the elf appears to transform. Its colors intensify, its wings glow brightly, and the inscription "ELFE" takes on a new luminous appearance. 

 

 

The effect makes the creature seem to come to life for a few moments, as if it had emerged from among the flowers to be observed before disappearing again into nature.

Technical specifications

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: June 17, 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 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, 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.

A moment of magic turned into currency

With the arrival of the Elf, the "Mythical Creatures" series continues to expand its unique fantasy bestiary.

Ready to continue the adventure?

Discover the second coin in this story by reading about the Hippocampus coin:

Mythical Creatures – Second coin in the series: The Hippocampus, guardian of the legendary oceans

 

 

 

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O nouă monedă comemorativă din Austria - 13.05.2026

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Austria continues to surprise collectors with one of the most original series in contemporary European numismatics. The new 20-euro coin dedicated to the Cat's Eye Nebula not only represents an astronomical phenomenon but also attempts to physically reproduce it through a spectacular combination of undulating relief, color, and shapes inspired by the universe.

The coin is part of the Beauty of the Universe series, a collection that in just three issues has already captured the attention of coin enthusiasts, astronomy aficionados, and contemporary design aficionados. Following the coin dedicated to the Supernova and the subsequent issue inspired by Einstein's Ring, the Austrian Mint now turns its attention to one of the most fascinating objects in deep space: the Cat's Eye Nebula, scientifically known as NGC 6543.

Located approximately 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco, this planetary nebula is notable for its concentric shapes and intense colors, reminiscent of a giant eye floating in the cosmos. Discovered in 1786 by William Herschel, it also played a significant role in the development of modern astronomy, as it was one of the first nebulae studied using spectroscopy, allowing scientists to confirm that the chemical elements present in the universe are the same as those found on our planet.

The Cat's Eye Nebula forms when a star similar to the Sun enters the final stages of its life. The star violently ejects its outer layers into space as its core contracts. The result is a complex cloud of hot, luminous gas that takes on extraordinary, almost hypnotic shapes.

It is precisely this sensation of expansion and pulsation that the Austrian coin attempts to reproduce through a wavy design that rises from the center to the edge at different levels. The piece appears to move, as if the matter ejected by the star were still expanding before our eyes.

Obverse

The obverse features a stylized representation of the Cat's Eye Nebula. Overlaid on the design are various astronomical references related to this celestial object, including the designation NGC 6543, corresponding to the astronomical catalog in which it was officially registered in the 19th century.

The coin also displays its approximate distance to Earth, indicated as “3300 Lj”, as well as its exact astronomical coordinates of right ascension and declination. All of this is integrated into a design characterized by the curves and undulations of the coin itself, reinforcing the sense of energy and cosmic movement.

Reverse

The reverse side features a color interpretation of the Cat's Eye Nebula. The blue and green hues recreate the actual appearance of this planetary nebula as captured by space telescopes, while the concentric shapes seem to expand outward from the center of the piece.

The combination of relief, color, and undulating surface makes this issue one of the most striking coins recently produced by the Austrian Mint. More than a traditional coin, it resembles a small sculptural object inspired by the universe.

With this third installment, Austria confirms the enormous appeal of a series that has clearly distinguished itself within contemporary European numismatics. The collection will continue in 2027 with a coin dedicated to gravitational waves and will conclude in 2028 with an issue focused on protostars.

Coin characteristics

Feature Detail

Country Austria
Face value 20 euros
Year 2026
Series The Beauty of the Universe
Reason Cat's Eye Nebula
Metal 925 Silver
Weight 22.42 g
Weight of fine silver 20.74 g
Diameter 34 mm
Quality Proof
Print run 30,000 units
Designer Helmut Andexlinger
Date of issue May 13, 2026
Presentation Case and numbered certificate

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Noi monede comemorative din Austria - 17.03.2026

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At the end of March, the Austrian Mint's series dedicated to traditional costumes and garments that form part of the country's heritage will include a new issue. This new release is dedicated to loden, a type of traditional wool fabric, very typical of Austro-Bavarian clothing, used in jackets, hats, and traditional capes.

"The loden and the traditional Austrian costume are inseparable."

Loden was originally used as workwear. Rural people, especially shepherds and hunters, appreciated the sturdy fabric made from sheep's wool, which was wind and rain resistant, as well as warm and breathable.

In the 19th century, the loden underwent a remarkable transformation when the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie discovered the simple woolen fabric during their summer holidays in the Alps. Their enthusiasm was such that what had once been a practical everyday item became a traditional festive garment.

Furthermore, traditional craftsmanship is still used in the production of loden today, including at the world's oldest loden factory, located in the town of Ramsau am Dachstein.

Although obviously much more recently, the international fashion world also discovered this fabric some time ago. Since then, loden has been featured on the world's leading runways, proving that it is much more than tradition: it embodies timelessness and style.

REVERSE

On the reverse of the coin, a woman in a colorfully patterned traditional dress stands with one hand on her hip and a farming tool in the other. Her dirndl, with a lace bodice, is complemented by a loden shawl draped over her shoulders. Behind her, an ornamental band in the style of bodice embroidery features a sheep on the right, symbolizing the virgin wool used to make loden.

OBVERSE

The obverse of the coin features an enlarged detail of a traditional lace bodice with fine floral embroidery. The face value and year of issue are located in the lower left corner, while the inscription "REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH" encircles the left edge of the coin.

Apart from the silver coin with colored details and Proof finish —the one shown in the previous images—, the issue is completed with two other additional versions: one also minted in silver, but without color and with a BU finish, and another made of copper, which can be purchased in Austria at its face value.

 

Coin characteristics

Characteristics Detail

Face value 10 euros
Date of issue March 25, 2026
Coin design Anna Schindner
Diameter 32.00 mm
Metals Copper / Silver 925
Emission volume 130,000 (Copper) / 30,000 (BU Silver) / 30,000 (Proof Silver)

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O nouă monedă comemorativă din Austria - 19.02.2025

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The Austrian Mint will launch a new numismatic series entitled Myths, Treasures and Legends on October 14, 2026. The program, conceived as a long-term collection, will run until 2030 with an annual issue of 100-euro gold coins inspired by historical and symbolic objects that have shaped European cultural tradition.

The series proposes a journey through the border between history and legend, bringing together artifacts that, beyond their material existence, have influenced the construction of religious, political and mythical narratives throughout the centuries.

Among the selected themes are the unicorn, a creature associated with purity since Antiquity; the Imperial Gospel, an example of medieval artistic refinement; the Holy Lance, linked to the tradition that identifies it with the weapon that pierced Christ's side; the Golden Fleece, one of the best-known myths of classical culture; and the Agate Bowl, an object that during the Middle Ages was venerated as the Holy Grail.

Schedule of planned emissions

The numismatic program includes five coins, one per year, with the following themes and motifs:

Year Currency Reason Date of issue 

2026 Symbols of the Divine Holy Lance October 14, 2026
2027 The Emperors' Bible Imperial Gospel To be confirmed
2028 The Golden Fleece Golden Fleece To be confirmed
2029 The Legend of the Unicorn Unicorn To be confirmed
2030 The Mysticism of Death Agate Bowl To be confirmed

Technical specifications

All coins will share common specifications within the high-quality commemorative issue segment:

Face value: 100 euros
Metal: 986 fine gold
Fine weight: 1/2 troy ounce (15.56 grams)
Diameter: 30 millimeters
Finish: proof
Maximum print run: 20,000 copies per design

First broadcast: The Holy Lance

The collection will be inaugurated with the Symbols of the Divine coin , dedicated to the Holy Lance. This object was considered for centuries an emblem of political and religious authority, especially in the context of the Holy Roman Empire, reflecting the historical importance attributed to sacred objects in legitimizing power.

Numismatics and cultural transmission

Programs like Myths, Treasures, and Legends demonstrate the role of numismatics as a vehicle for cultural dissemination. By translating historical and legendary narratives into monetary form, these issues help preserve symbolic references that are part of Europe's heritage.

The series also highlights the persistence of myths in the interpretation of the past and their ability to continue generating interest in the present, connecting history, art and collective memory through a medium as everyday —and at the same time lasting— as currency.

 

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Noi monede comemorative din Austria - 15.02.2026

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Easter wouldn't be Easter without bunnies, and no one captured these adorable creatures better than the German painter Albrecht Dürer. The image adorning the charming 2026 Easter Coin is taken from Dürer's woodcut " The Holy Family with Three Hares " (circa 1497). The original can be admired at the Albertina Museum in Vienna, which celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026. 

Coin motif 

 

The center of the coin's reverse features a section of Dürer's woodcut, The Holy Family with Three Hares, specially adapted to place the leaping hare closer to the other two. All three are surrounded by vegetation, with Albrecht Dürer's monogram to the right. The obverse of the nine-sided coin displays the nine coats of arms arranged in a circle. 

 

The coats of arms of Austria's nine federal provinces appear on the obverse of the coin and give the coin its nine-sided shape. 

 

This 5 euro coin, like all those issued by Austria in this value, can be purchased in two versions, the copper one at face value and the silver one, presented in the wallet you see below, at a price of €24.60 (Prices in Austria). 

 

Characteristics of coins

Metal: Copper / 925 Silver
Dimensions: 28.5 mm
Weight: 8.90 g / 8.41 g
Mintage: 200,000 / 50,000
Issue Date: February 25, 2026

 

 

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O nouă monedă comemorativă din Austria - 18.01.2026

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The Austrian Mint will issue a new gold coin on January 28th as part of its "Anonymous Heroines of Austria" series. This particular coin is dedicated to the composer Hilde Loewe-Flatter and her music.

Obverse 

The obverse of the coin features a profile portrait of Hilde Loewe-Flatter, lost in thought, against a stylized background with a treble clef. Surrounding the image on either side are the issuing country and the composer's name, while the face value "50 EURO" and the year of issue "2026" are indicated at the bottom.

Reverse

On the reverse of the piece, a pianist looks directly at us. However, her face is not fully visible; an empty space has been placed in front of the left half, upon which stands out the mask of a man. This mask represents Henry Love, the pseudonym under which Loewe-Flatter published his compositions.

Presentation

This gold coin is housed in a case, accompanied by its corresponding certificate of authenticity.

Technical specifications

FeatureDetailFace value 50 euros
Metal High purity gold (Au 986)
Weight 7.89 g
Diameter 22 mm
Quality Proof
Date of issue January 28, 2026
Design Mag. Helmut Andexlinger and Kathrin Kuntner
Print run 20,000

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O nouă monedă comemorativă din Austria - 09.01.2026

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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.

The magic under ultraviolet light

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.

 

 

This effect makes the coin come alive in the dark, as if the hippocampus were emerging from the depths directly into our hands.

Technical specifications

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.

An ocean of fantasy in your hands

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.

Ready to continue the adventure?

Discover how this story began by reading about the Troll Coin, the first creature in the series:

Mythical Creatures Series: when legends come to life and shine in your hands

 

 

 

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