Eyes of the World

20 Euro Silver Coin Series

This series introduces five exceptional animals, each one embodying a special characteristic for which it was praised in the myths and tales of previous cultures. The coins manage to create intimate eye-to-eye contact with wonderful creatures such as the snake, owl, elephant, tiger and bear.

The eyes of the five animals featured in the series are resplendent on the reverse of the five different coins, each in its own shade of sublime Swarovski® crystal.

Unexpected encounters with wild animals could be traumatic events for prehistoric people and the sudden appearance of shining animal eyes in the dark a moment of terror. It is no wonder that animals featured prominently in their dreams or they thought that wild creatures had supernatural powers.

They imagined that animals had a special relationship with the gods and some even thought that animals were gods themselves. Prehistoric people admired and envied wild animals, studied their characteristics and hoped that they had skills and qualities that could be passed on to humans.

Issue date of first coin: 20 January 2021

Collector case

Made of elegant, lacquered wood, the Eyes of the World collector case consists of a protective slipcase and a storage box, both featuring a stylised eye in the centre that hints enticingly at what lies inside. As well as space for the five superb silver coins in the Eyes of the World series, under the decorative coin tray there is room to store the coin certificates.

Continent by continent, the coins not only pay homage to the exceptional animals that were praised in the myths of previous cultures, but also take us on a fascinating journey through human history.

THE COIN WITH THE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL®

Swarovski and Münze Österreich, two of Austria’s most prestigious brands, have joined forces for the first time ever on a coin. The eye of the Australia’s mythical Rainbow Serpent is resplendent on the coin’s reverse. But instead of silver like the rest of the coin, the eye is made of Swarovski Crystal® in a shade of orange with a hint of red, called fire opal. The colour fuels creativity and stands for joie de vivre, curiosity and creative activity.