Silver Proof Coin
Richard the Lionheart in Duernstein

The legend of minstrel Blondel singing his way from castle to castle in search of his master Richard the Lionheart has captivated adults and children alike for centuries. The second 10 euro silver coin in our popular Austrian Tales and Legends series will captivate collectors of all ages too.

On his way home from the Crusades, King Richard I of England was captured by Duke Leopold of Austria and held in Duernstein castle, which serves as a backdrop to the mounted Blondel on the coin’s obverse. The reverse shows the King’s capture at an inn outside Vienna where, although disguised as a humble pilgrim, he was recognised either due to his elaborate signet ring or his desire to eat roast chicken, a delicacy reserved for the aristocracy at that time. Both are shown in the intricate detail of this extraordinary coin.

Struck in 925 Sterling silver in Proof or Special Uncirculated quality with a maximum mintage of 40,000 and 30,000, respectively, both coins are issued in attractive packaging. However, a special collectors’ album resembling a handsome old book of classic tales for collecting all six Proof coins in this fantastic series is also available for purchase.