Silver Niobium Coin
Fascination Light

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.

Born in Vienna in 1858, chemist and entrepreneur Carl Auer von Welsbach was one of the key figures in the development of the gas lamp. The obverse of this coin therefore shows, in exquisite detail, such a lamp being lit outside Vienna’s neo-gothic city hall. The coin’s striking green colour is achieved by heat treating and oxidising the niobium core and applying an extra finish prior to its striking. This process has provided engraver Herbert Wähner with a brighter, almost glowing background for his exquisitely engraved designs. The reverse depicts the sun, the ultimate source of light, a portrait of Carl Auer von Welsbach and, in the Sterling silver outer ring, the evolution of lighting technology.

With a maximum mintage of 65,000 pieces in Special Uncirculated quality only, the coin contains 9 grammes of 900 Fine silver in its outer ring and 6.5 grammes of 998 pure niobium. Each coin is encapsulated, boxed and comes complete with a numbered certificate guaranteeing its authenticity.