The footprint of humanity on the Earth is unfortunately a massive one. So big that experts now agree that humanity’s impact on the planet is so profound that it is time to declare a new geologic epoch – the Anthropocene. Examples of this impact are the radioactive elements dispersed across the planet by nuclear testing, plastic pollution and the soot produced by fossil-fuel power stations. These and other adverse effects are illustrated in exquisite detail on Anthropocene, the 2018 edition of our ever-popular Silver Niobium coins.

Following the exploration of the cosmos in 2015, the latest edition in the Austrian Mint’s innovative and ingenious two-tone Silver Niobium series embarks on a technological journey in the opposite direction – to the microcosmos. For the past decade and a half these coins have been employing the combination of silver and niobium to explore fittingly fascinating themes  ̶  the journey of scientific discovery featured on Microcosm is no exception.

The theoretical meaning of time may have long been a major subject of debate among philosophers, physicists and religious figures, but the more practical discipline of its measurement has proved to be less of a mystery. Dedicated to the history of chronometry, the latest ingenious addition to the Austrian Mint’s best-selling two-tone silver niobium coins, ‘Time’ uses its two-tone niobium core and outer silver ring to show a selection of timepieces throughout the ages.

Hot on the heals of our trailblazing 2014 coin, featuring two shades of niobium on both sides, comes our stunning 2015 offering, Cosmology. As ever, our innovative Silver Niobium series explores fittingly high-tech themes. This time, Cosmology brilliantly deploys its contrasting blue and yellow niobium hues to bring outer space just a little bit closer to home.

Never prepared to rest on its laurels, the Austrian Mint has now made its groundbreaking Silver Niobium series even more innovative. Using two different shades of niobium for the first time, the blue/green 2014 Evolution edition ingeniously illustrates the story of the development of Homo sapiens from other species.

One of the most mountainous countries in Europe, Austria has inevitably played a vital role in the development of tunnels. The brilliant ice blue 2013 addition to our innovative 25 euro Silver Niobium series pays homage to Austria’s long and influential contribution to tunnel construction.

As eye-catching, innovative and informative as its predecessors, Bionik, the exquisite purple 2012 addition to our 25 euro Silver Niobium series, pays fitting tribute to how evolution in the natural world acts as a prototype for technology.

Our unique silver niobium technology has again enabled us to produce a unique coin. The 25 euro coin’s shining surface provides the perfect background for mint designers Helmut Andexlinger and Thomas Pesendorfer to explore robotics.

Not only one of the key watchwords of the 21st century, sustainability is also one of its biggest challenges. In recognition of this, the outstanding 2010 edition of the Austrian Mint’s popular 25 euro Silver Niobium series features renewable energy and the vital role it plays in a world of dwindling resources.

It is only fitting that the silver niobium coin struck in honour of UNESCO’s International Year of Astronomy 2009 should bear the portrait of Galileo Galilei. A must for all stargazers, this striking 25 euro coin also pays tribute to 400 years of the telescope.

The technology developed by Austrian lighting pioneer Carl Auer von Welsbach is still in use in billions of light bulbs around the world today. The stunning 2008 edition 25 euro silver niobium coin celebrates the 150th anniversary of his birth as well as one of the earliest recognised energy sources – light.

By 1912 only France held more world flying records than Austria. The beautiful turquoise blue 2007 edition of our unique 25 euro Silver Niobium series pays tribute to Austria’s magnificent men and their flying machines, as well as to Austria’s contribution to aeronautics.

Commemorating the use of Satellite Navigation in Europe, the 2006 edition of the Austrian Mint’s popular 25 euro Silver Niobium series makes ingenious use of our unique format. In so doing, it makes an indispensable addition to your collection.

Without doubt one of the most influential of all inventions, television has dominated people’s lives for more than half a century. The Austrian Mint’s gifted engravers wonderfully evoke the birth of the ‘box’ in this 2005 edition of the 25 euro Silver Niobium series.

Considered the world’s first true mountain railway, the Semmering Railway is still in full use more than 150 years after its construction. The 2004 edition of the Austrian Mint’s unique Silver Niobium series celebrates the anniversary of this technological wonder in fitting style.

The charming first coin in the Austrian Mint’s innovative Silver Niobium 25 euro series, 700 Years of Hall in Tyrol ingeniously introduces the two elements that combine to set this unique series apart from the rest.