Austria 2014 Piece by Piece: Salzburg 10 Euro Commemorative Coin

Description:

Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital of the state of the same name. For this reason, the state of Salzburg is often colloquially referred to as Salzburgland to help distinguish it in text and conversation from the city of Salzburg.

The state now known as Salzburg had inhabitants as early as the Neolithic period, some 10,000 years ago. From the late 1300s until the early 1800s, Salzburgland was an independent prince-bishopric and separate state of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1805, Austria annexed Salzburg during the Napoleonic Wars following the Battle of Austerlitz. Following Austria’s defeat in 1809, the state was transferred to Bavaria in 1810.

After Napoleon was defeated in 1816, most of the state of Salzburg was returned to Austria.

In 1938, the Nazis annexed the province and all of Austria into the Third Reich, though Salzburg was reorganized as a federal state of Austria following World War II.

Today, Salzburgland is divided into five political districts, each with its own unique culture and flair. Salzburgland, which has a total population of just under 530,000 residents, is one of the smallest federal states in terms of population, yet it is also one of the most dynamic. The state boasts more than 1,100 miles of ski slopes, 4,500 miles of hiking paths, and it even has the world’s largest ice cavern. Medieval fortresses and castles, scenic roads and lakes, and a multitude of winter resorts and other alpine attractions offer locals and tourists endless diversions.

Meanwhile, Salzburg’s vivacious capital city has helped the region retain prominence as a cultural center, notably because it is the birthplace of iconic composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart, who lived from 1756 through 1791, was a child prodigy who composed countless Classical-era pieces, including dances, serenades, and religious music.

The 2014 Salzburg 10 Euro silver and copper coins represent the fifth issue in the Austrian Mint’s Austria by its Children: Piece by Piece series. It is also part of the Europa Silver Coin Programme.

Obverse:

The obverse of the Salzburg 10 Euro commemorative coin features a complex scene by Helmut Andexlinger, whose design incorporates the historic Old Town, known as Alstadt, in the foreground and the Hohensalzburg Fortress of Salzburg on Festungsberg hill in the background. The entire scene captures a region that has been designated a culturally significant site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Construction on Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the most popular landmarks in Salzburgland, was initiated in 1077 and is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. After several expansions throughout the first centuries of its existence, the Hohensalzburg Fortress was extensively refurbished in the 19th century.

The other structures seen on the obverse are houses, churches, and shops that exhibit the traditional architectural style of the region. The Salzach River, which spills forth along the bottom rim from the nine o’clock position on the left down to the five o’clock area on the right, is represented by a crystal pattern that symbolizes the importance of the salt crystal industry that helped the region establish itself economically .

On top of the coin, above the fortress, is the inscription REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH (translates to Austria) and toward the bottom center of the coin by the Salzach River are inscribed 10 EURO and SALZBURG. The coin’s year of issue, 2014, is inscribed in small font along the rim near the two o’clock position.

Reverse:

The Salzburg 10 Euro coin reverse was designed by Melisa Bejic, a young Austrian schoolgirl whose entry for the coin was selected by judges in a design competition. Bejic’s concept was later engraved by Andexlinger. Mozart appears in the bottom-left corner of the reverse at a three-quarters view looking pensively downward toward the rim. Musical notes surround Mozart’s likeness, and a violin – one of Mozart’s favorite musical instruments – floats on its right side toward the center right of the obverse.

Below the violin are Salzburg’s tracht costumes, symbolizing Salzburg’s traditional apparel. The top half of the reverse is dominated by a depiction of Hohensalzburg Fortress, with the inscription SALZBURG appearing to the upper-right of the edifice.

Designer(s): Austrian Mint designer Helmut Andexlinger has created a number of prize-winning coin designs. He studied at the Fachschule für Metalldesign in Steyr, Austria. (View Designer’s Profile).

Coin Specifications:

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