Silver Coin
The Erzberg in Styria

An ancient legend had it that if you caught a merman he would grant you a wish in return for his freedom. The two miners depicted on the third 10 euro silver coin in our Austrian Tales and Legends series did exactly that and in so doing discovered the Erzberg in Styria.

One of the most important iron ore deposits in Europe, the Erzberg continues to be mined today. But in keeping with the origins of the legend the obverse of this exquisitely detailed piece shows a mining scene at the terraced mountain from the Middle Ages. The reverse depicts the scene in the legend itself when, with the help of a tar-covered coat, the two enterprising miners prepare the capture of the sleeping merman in his dark, watery grotto near Graz. In return for his release the merman offered them iron ore for ever, which explains the presence of the inscription “The Discovery of the Erzberg” in German.

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.