The cover of the Official Austrian Coin Set 2021 alludes to a fascinating historical figure – Shlom, the first master of the Vienna Mint. Inside, each of the eight euro and cent coins currently in circulation are found in Proof quality. The fruit of the most advanced minting know-how, technology and craftsmanship, Proof quality coins are subjected to the most rigorous technical demands.
Not a lot is known about Shlom. We do not know his date of birth, nor where he came from, but we do know that he was appointed the first master of the Vienna Mint by Duke Leopold V of Austria in 1194. Mint master Shlom was also the first Jew whose settlement in Vienna was officially documented. Unfortunately, Shlom’s sojourn in Vienna ended tragically in 1196. After one of his servants, a crusader, stole money from him, Shlom had the man put in prison. On the instigation of the felon’s wife, crusaders then broke into Shlom’s house and murdered the mint master and 15 members of his household.
The first Jewish community in Vienna
At the beginning of the thirteenth century, Jews began to settle in Vienna in and around what is now known as Judenplatz. They lived there in close contact with the Christian population for more than 200 years, during which the Viennese Jewish community became one of the most important in Medieval Europe. Its abrupt demise in 1420-21 was brought about by Duke Albrecht V, on whose orders the ‘Vienna Gesera’ led to the systematic destruction of the Jewish community in the Duchy of Austria and the expulsion or murder of its members.
2 Euro
The first woman ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, early 20th-century Austrian pacifist and novelist Bertha von Suttner features on the largest coin.
1 Euro
Born in Salzburg, Austria’s most famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, will forever be remembered for his dominance of Viennese classical music during his short life.
50 Cent
The jewel in the Viennese Modernist crown, the Secession exhibition hall still exudes modernity more than a century after it was built.
20 Cent
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the Belvedere was once the palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today it is home to some of the world’s most famous paintings, including The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.
10 Cent
Construction began on Vienna’s gothic St Stephen's cathedral over 800 years ago. Its roof and tower, which feature on the 10 cent coin, still dominate the Vienna skyline today.
5 Cent
The three smallest coins in the collection are all decorated with alpine flowers. The 5 cent piece with primula auricula, the mountain cowslip.
2 Cent
Made world famous by the song from the musical The Sound of Music, the edelweiss adorns the 2 cent coin.
1 Cent
The smallest coin in circulation rounds of the coin set’s trio of alpine flower with a gentian.
| Product No. | 24615 |
| Date of Issue | 20 January 2021 |
| Quality | Proof |
| Occasion | Birth, New Year |
| Packaging | Comes in a case complete with a numbered certificate of authenticity and protective slipcase |
| Mintage (Proof) | 10,000 |
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