Sunday, September 26, 2010

Austrian Mint Release Charlemagne Silver Coin As Part Of Tales & Legends Series

October 13, 2010: The Austrian Mint have announced the next silver coin to be issued in their popular series, "Tales and Legends of Austria", will be devoted to Charlemagne in the Untersberg.


Austria 2010 10€ Charlemagne In The Untersberg Silver Proof


This is the fourth issue in the silver series that has captivated collectors across the globe. As with previous releases in the series, this latest coin will be available in both high quality Proof as well as Brilliant Uncirculated quality. This stunning precious metal issue recalls the legends from the Middle Ages of Charlemagne and his army, sleeping deep beneath a mountain near Salzburg and awaiting the need to be called back into active life.

This tale is a common one from the Middle Ages and familiar in some form or other in most cultural circles. A strong king or hero does not die, but merely sleeps in secret until his people need him. Similar tales were woven around the figure of the British King Arthur, who is supposed to slumber on the Isle of Avalon until he is once again needed to save Britain.

Struck as a 10 euro commemorative from 16 grams of 92.5% sterling silver on a 32mm flan, the Charlemagne coin has a total worldwide mintage of 40,000 for the proof and 30,000 for the BU.

The obverse of the coin depicts a young shepherd sitting in a lush mountain meadow with his flute being spoken to by a magical gnome. In the background one can see several ravens soaring in the sky above the meadow. This side of the coin also has the country of issue “Republik Oesterreich” Republic of Austria as well as the face value. In the top center design field depicted on a scroll is the name “Untersberg” which is the name of the mountain in which this tale occurred.

The reverse of the coin depicts Charlemagne sleeping inside the mountain, along with one of his foot soldiers, depicted in the background, standing asleep in full armour. Beside them are the gnome, or dwarf, and the young shepherd boy. Also in the background of the design are stalactites made of silver and covered with jewels, just above the swooping grand staircase.


Sure to continue the success of the "Tales and Legends" series, which has proved to be very popular on ECI, this latest release is presented in an official case for the proof, or a specifically designed coin card for the brilliant uncirculated edition. Also available is a stunning Tales and Legends Collection Album that has been designed to hold all 6 individual releases within an antique book-style case.

Euro Collections International will begin offering the Charlemagne coin in Proof and BU from it's release date on October 13. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive notification of when this exciting new silver coin is available.


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