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HomeWorld CoinsThe Austrian Mint's "Die Fledermaus: The Bat and the Ball

The Austrian Mint’s “Die Fledermaus: The Bat and the Ball

On December 3, 2014, the Austrian Mint will issue a 5 euros silver coin celebrating the renowned Johann Strauss operetta celebrating a bat at a formal dance, Die Fledermaus.

batandballOn this silver coin one sees The Bat fluttering above the sparkling bubbles of a seasonal glass of champagne held by Rosalinde. Rosalinde, one of the main characters, is holding the glass in her gloved right hand, dressed in her finest ball dress with an elaborately feathered collar, and a double string of pearls around her neck. Her ornate facemask is accented by more feathers, which float above her extensively coiffured hair. The year of issue, 2015, as well as the name of the operetta, Die Fledermaus (The Bat), are also seen on the reverse of the coin. This side of the coin was designed and engraved by the mint’s Master Engraver Thomas Pesendorfer (View Designer’s Profile).

The obverse of the nine-sided coin is the standard 5-euro design, with the denomination encircled by the shields of the nine federal provinces of Austria. In the center is the face value of 5 euros. Mint engraver Helmut Andexlinger (View Designer’s Profile) designed the obverse.

Johann Strauss gave the world so many memorable treasures of the music. Of course, the “Blue Danube Waltz” which annually is first tune played in Austria after the clock strikes midnight on December 31, welcoming in the New Year. Many regard the “Blue Danube Waltz” as Austria’s unofficial national anthem. The life of Johann Strauss has been featured in several films and even Walt Disney movies. Music from Die Fledermaus was used in a Tom and Jerry movie back in the 1950’s.

The story line of the operetta Die Fledermaus is light-hearted, complex, and at times even confusing with its many twists and turns. An official gets offended because of a drunken misunderstanding, and throws his weight around. Then others get involved to protect their loved ones, which all works very well under the guise of a masked ball. Someone is sent to jail, and still others pretend to be someone they are not. Confusion builds until finally someone declares the whole thing is an act of vengeance largely because of the love triangle in which Rosalinde is the key female

fledermauslargeThe 5 euro silver coin has a diameter of 28.5 mm, contains 8 grams of fine silver and has a fineness of 800. The silver coin is available in special uncirculated quality and will have a maximum mintage of 50,000. Each of these coins is vacuum-sealed in a colorful and informative blister pack.

 

Austrian Mint
Austrian Minthttps://www.muenzeoesterreich.at/eng
Internationally renowned for its know-how in precious metal processing and coin production, the Austrian Mint is a global player in the international minting industry and ranks among the world’s leading mints. With more than 800 years of coin-making experience, since 1988 the Austrian Mint has operated as a private company and is the sole manufacturer of coinage to the Austrian people.

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