Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: arguably the three most famous words in musical history. “Wolfgang”, “Amadé” and “Mozart” are the names of three silver coins dedicated to Austria’s most famous son, each of which explores a different phase in Mozart’s short but prolific life, as well as one of his famous stage productions from that phase.
Larger than life
Not only the most revered composer of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the prototype musical genius who died far too young and became a legend in the aftermath. Showing no signs of fading more than two centuries since his death, the Mozart legend is celebrated in the third and final coin in the Austrian Mint’s Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart series.
As in the case of some of the latter-day rock stars who died tragically young, the Mozart legend is not only a product of his undoubted creative genius, but also of his larger-than-life personality. Mozart’s phenomenal work ethic, extravagant lifestyle and flamboyant nature have been dramatized on numerous occasions; most famously in the play Amadeus by Peter Shaffer, which was later made into a hugely successful movie by Miloš Forman, winning eight Oscars. Mozart died at the tender age of 35 in December 1791, just weeks after the premiere of his best-loved opera The Magic Flute, which was a popular triumph.
The coin’s reverse shows a scene from the opera, while a profile portrait of a pensive Mozart graces the obverse. Painted by his brother-in-law Joseph Lange, the portrait gives the impression that Mozart is eavesdropping on his inner music. The word ‘Mozart’ lies beneath the portrait so that, when placed alongside the other two coins in the series, the three coins together spell the composer’s full name.
The series of three silver coins is dedicated to his life, in three acts, as follows:
- September 9, 2015 – Wolfgang: The Wunderkind
- May 11, 2016 – Amadeus (Amadeus or Amadé): The Genius
- September 7, 2016 – Mozart: The Legend
Coin Specifications
The maximum mintage of each coin will be 50,000 and struck in only proof. Each 20-euro silver coin contains 18 grams of fine silver, is 900 fine and will be housed in a capsule accompanied by an individual box, with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Packaging
A three-coin wooden collector case will also be available. Each coin well in the case will have an angled base allowing for an elegant viewing perspective. The wells are positioned so that all three coins in the set will read Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Collectors in the United States and Canada may purchase the “Mozart” coin issue directly from the Austrian Mint by visiting the website http://www.muenzeoesterreich.at/eng
or from these fine dealers:
- APMEX – Toll-free at 1-800-375-9006 or online at www.APMEX.com
- Downies – Toll-free at 1 877 897 7696 or online at www.Downies.com
- Modern Coin Mart – Toll-free at 1 800 362 9004 or online at www.Moderncoinmart.com
]
