Austria 2009 20€ Future Railways Silver Proof
This latest coin will see the Austrian Railways series come to a close, bringing an end to one of the most popular silver commemorative series' the Austrian Mint has produced. Starting in 2007, the series has showcased a different aspect of Austrian rail transport on each of it's previous 5 issues. Detailing the likes of the Southern and Northern Railways, the Empress Elisabeth Railway, Belle Epoque and most recently the Electric Railways started by Emperor Franz Joseph, the coins in the Austrian Railways series have attracted the interest of collectors the world over. With such detailed designs and stunning strikes, such as we have come to expect from the Austrian Mint, it's really no surprise that each of these coins have been eagerly snapped up by collectors both young and old.
For their final in the series, the Austrian Mint have continued their high level of precion craftsmanship by bringing the series to it's logical conclusion; that of the present day Austrian Railways, with a glance at what the future has in store.
Utilising the expert skills of chief engraver Thomas Pesendorfer, the obverse design of this coin features an image of freight railway yards, with a shunting engine in the foreground and tanks and containers behind. The design symbolises the move for more goods transport to be handled by the railways instead of by trucks on the roads, already over-burdened by growing automobile congestion.
The obverse has been designed by Helmut Andexlinger and shows the design of the new "Railjet" locomotive. This high speed luxury train went into service in December 2008, running between Budapest, Vienna and Munich. Together with a faster travel time, the Railjet offers passengers increased comfort and service, with the latest technical improvements including electronic passenger information systems. It is the plan that by 2014 there will be 67 of these high speed luxury trains in regular service.
In keeping with the rest of the coins in the series, each 20 euro silver commemorative Future Railways coin has been struck to the highest proof standards from 18 grams of 90% fine silver on a 34mm flan. The coins are encapsulated and presented in an official Austrian Mint product box accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity confirming the mintage of 50,000 issues released to the worldwide market.
As official distributor to the Austrian Mint, Euro Collections International has the Austria 2009 20€ Future Railways Silver Proof available to order now. All previous coins in the Austrian Railways Silver Coin Series are currently available to order as well from our website, as well as a special Austrian Railways Series Collection Case that holds all 6 coins in the series in a beautifully crafted wooden box.
Other coins available in the Austrian Railways Series:
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