Euro Collections Has A New Home!

We are now part of the Downies.com website

At our new location we will continue to offer the latest and greatest in world coins, banknotes and collectables but with added services we weren't able to provide on this website...services such as:

Fully secure account creation!

Saving you time entering your details for each order, as well as the ability to view past order history.

A wider range of products!

Partnering with Downies.com means ECI customers now have full access to the complete Downies/ECI product catalogue in one location!

Improved functionality!

While the change might take a little getting used to, the Downies.com website is more modern, easier to use and all-round user friendly, making the browsing and shopping experience that much more enjoyable.

So come and visit us now at http://www.downies.com/eci, or click on your favorite category to the left to be taken directly over.

It's a new home, but with the same great quality you've come to expect from Euro Collections International.

Euro Collections Moving Sale - Hundred of products drastically reduced!

In line with our current plans to move the ECI operation over to our new home at Downies.com, we've decided to clear as much as stock as we can beforehand by holding a massive ECI Moving Sale!




With close to 300 items listed in the sale - everything from coin sets, proof sets, silver, gold, innovative issues, bimetallic, banknotes and much more - with prices slashed by up to 50%, we're sure there will be something for everyone!

The sale started on August 1st and runs until August 31st

Many of the items in the sale only have between 1-4 available, so be sure to head over to the ECI Moving Sale and browse our selection of available stock to avoid missing out.

Help us sell it so we don't have to move it!

While stocks last. Subject to availability.

Euro Collections International is on the move!

Euro Collections International has been working with collectors for over 14 years, starting as the US distributor for the Austrian Mint and growing into one of the largest suppliers of world coins online. For the past 5 years, Euro Collections International has been owned and operated by Downies Coins – a company with over 80 years of experience in the numismatic industry, and a strong history of partnering with collectors from around the globe.

To maintain our high service levels and increase order processing efficiency to keep prices low, EuroCollections.com will become part of the Downies.com website. You will still be able to secure all of the latest and greatest releases from the US, Europe and Asia/Pacific - all at the same low prices - you will just be ordering through Downies.com.

By making your web and phone orders through Downies.com, you can more fully take advantage of Downies' enormous supply and distribution network, advanced client services team and extensive range. We at Euro Collections will be making sure that along with those benefits, you will continue to receive all the numismatic releases that you have trusted us to source for the past 14 years.

To maintain a smooth transition for our valued customers we will be implementing the following steps:

1) Holding an ECI moving sale from August 1st until August 31st, 2013.
2) From September 1st, 2013 we will be supplying ECI stock on Downies.com under it's own "Euro Collections" category.
3) The eurocollections.com website will continue to operate as a source of information and images for collectors through our Facebook and Twitter accounts, but will no longer be processing orders from October 1st, 2013.

We appreciate every day that we have been able to partner with dedicated collectors like you, from every corner of the globe, and look forward to working with you for many years to come.

We feel this move is a strongly positive one, and we have some big plans to celebrate. Stay tuned and keep collecting!

Warm Regards,

The Team
Euro Collections International

Austrian Mint Issues New 5 Euro Coin - Celebrating The "Land of Water"

June 5, 2013 - The Austrian Mint will issue today a coin celebrating Water, in honour of the UNESCO Year of Water Cooperation 2013.


AU837 - Austria 5€ 2013 Land of Water Silver BU

The reverse of the coin, created by the mint’s chief engraver Thomas Pesendorfer, focuses life on a small pond and stream, with water gently falling over a little step into a pool where a heron surveys all the goings on. A kingfisher, a water snake and part of a school of fish can be seen in the pond. Lush cattails, and irises, all of which benefit from the sustenance supplied by water, surround the pond. In the distant background dense vegetation comes right up to the water’s edge. Several trees have also been incorporated into the design’s background. Also on this side of the coin is the year of issue 2013 as well as the name of the coin “Land des Wassers,” or Land of Water.

Of course, Austria has an abundance of fresh water that has been used for centuries. Austria’s mountains and environment have long supplied this vital requirement of life. The water of Austria has long been used to nourish its population, as well as for farming, animals, transportation, industry and of course leisure. The Austrian Mint’s current location, which dates from 1834, was chosen because there was a stream nearby to help power the manufacturing process.

Water is vital to all parts of life and no one country can take on the responsibility for clean, pure water well into the future. It is a shared resource that affects all aspects of life: personal, social and economic, as well as the world around us. Therefore, in order to raise awareness UNESCO (United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has designated the year 2013 as the Year of Water Co-operation.

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 designed the obverse.

The 5 euro silver coin has a diameter of 28.5 mm, contains 8 grams of fine silver, a total weight of 10 grams and has a fineness of 800. The coin is available only in special uncirculated quality and will have a maximum mintage of 50,000. Each of these coins is vacuum-packed in a colorful, informative and sparkling-fresh blister pack.

Austrian Mint Unveils "Lower Austria" Silver Coin As Part Of "Austria By It's Children" Series

May 15, 2013 - The Austrian Mint has issued the third silver coin in its delightful series “Austria, by its Children.” The new coin features the province of Lower Austria.


Austria 2013 10€ Lower Austria Silver Coin

This coin series celebrates what Austrian children are excited by, and proud to speak about, when they speak of their home. The coin features a UNESCO world heritage site located in the home province of the child from which the design was selected. The series features all 9 provinces and a tenth coin as the finale, which will celebrate Austria as a nation.

The reverse of the coin was designed by ten-year old Christian Kopf of the village of Ertl, in lower Austria, and was engraved by the Mint’s chief engraver Thomas Pesendorfer. Christian’s clever design depicts the four regions of Austria’s largest province and their respective economic contributors, in a clock-wise order from the upper left: woodland, vineyards, business/industry and orchards. The chief engraver enjoyed working with Christian to translate his design into a three dimensional coin work-of-art. Together they decided that the snow capped mountains depicted in the economic quarter would be engraved with a bit more texture and topped off with fluffy white clouds to highlight the snow there. Also the chain saw in the woodland area was made a bit larger in proportion for the coin engraving.

The obverse of the coin was designed by Mint engraver Helmut Andexlinger and features: a river ferry sailing past the monastery of Melk, the ancient town gate of Krems and the baroque church at Dürnstein, the village where King Richard the Lionheart was famously held captive in 1193. This side of each coin also features the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich” Republic of Austria, the year of issue 2013, the face value of 10 euros and the name of the region, in this case an area around the Danube, the Wachau, a very famous part of Lower Austria. This commemorative coin is legal tender in Austria.

Lower Austria is perhaps better known to the world as the province in which the Wachau is located. Famous for the picturesque villages with winding cobblestone streets, gently rolling green fields, over which lush vineyards roll, and the many Monasteries and fortresses that stand guard over the Danube river. However, as Christian has captured so well in his coin this province is a major economic contributor to the Austrian economy. It is Austria’s largest province and it surrounds the capital of Vienna. The region has been an economic powerhouse since ancient times. The Celts, Romans and the centuries since have all had successful settlements and industries here. Today the region is well known for its exclusive wines, major apricot crops, and tourism while at the same time most major Austrian industrial contributors as well as research organizations are located here. Largely because of the Danube River which through history has been the key link to the success of Lower Austria and the centuries of growth and diversification.

The silver Lower Austria coin is legal tender and will be available in two finishes, Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated, with a maximum mintage of 30,000 and 40,000 respectively. The proof coins come encapsulated in a presentation case with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The certificate includes all the technical details as well as background information about the series. The brilliant uncirculated coins are available in a blister pack with Lower Austria themed design on the sleeve.

Perth Mint Announces Recent Sell-outs

The Perth Mint have just announced the following list of their products are now SOLD OUT!




•    2013 Year of the Snake 1oz Silver Proof High Relief Coin
•    2013 Perth ANDA Special: Year of the Snake 2oz Silver Coloured Coin
•    2013 200th Anniversary of the Australian Holey Dollar & Dump 1oz Silver Proof Set
•    2013 Australian Koala 5oz Silver Proof High Relief Coin
•    2013 Australian Opal Series – Kangaroo 1oz Silver Proof Coin (Sold Out at ECI)

With the following items close to selling out.

•    2013 Baby Snake 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin
•    2013 Forever Love 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin
•    2013 Australia Map Shaped Series – Kangaroo 1oz Silver Coloured Coin

All the above linked products are still available on the ECI website but are selling fast and we expect greater demand now that the Mint stocks are exhausted.

Austrian Mint Release First Silver Coin in New "Prehistoric Life" series, Which Also Includes Free App Technology

April 17, 2013 - The Austrian Mint has started an exciting new five-coin series on Prehistoric Life, featuring the dinosaurs and early life in the water, on land, and in the air of middle western Europe from the Triassic to the Quaternary period.


Austria 2013 20€ Prehistoric Life - Triassic Silver Proof

This first coin in the series features the Triassic period. The main focal point of the obverse is a live interpretation of an extinct type of a cephalopod, looking somewhat like a nautilus shell, with its front tentacle-like appendages extending beneath the face value of 20 euros. The cephalopod is also featured in a fossilized form (located in the History museum in Vienna) just a bit lower and to the left of the live interpretation. The line going across the lower third of the coin’s design field is a time line that highlights the Triassic (Trias) period of 250 to 200 million years ago. This line will continue on through each of the next four prehistoric periods and coins featured in this series.

The obverse also includes the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich, the year of issue 2012 and the face value of 20 euros. This side of the coin was designed by Mint engraver Helmut Andexlinger.

The reverse side of the coin was designed and engraved by fellow mint engraver Herbert Waehner. An ichthyosaurus (looking somewhat like a modern-day dolphin) is depicted in the upper half of this side. In its long and narrow jaws is an ammonite. Below the ichthyosaurus swims a nothosauras. Both animals lived in the seas during the middle and upper Triassic period in what would today be the Mediterranean Sea. The depth perception of the coin is cleverly enhanced by the engraver who integrated a great variety of flora that seem to be moving in the water around these two creatures.

Life around 250 million years ago already consisted of land plants and reptiles. The former evolved in the Silurian period over 400 million years ago. The latter evolved towards the end of the carboniferous period about 290 million years ago, from the amphibians, which migrated from water to land at the end of the Devonian period about 360 million years ago. The carboniferous period is of course the key period from which all the rich coal deposits where produced from which we still benefit today.

By the end of the Permian period, 250 million years ago, reptiles had taken over on land. Ninety percent of the flora and fauna on earth disappeared probably because of some catastrophic event causing climate change. The lack of plants meant that the temperature swings were great and reptiles with their hard outer shells could withstand these extremes.

The Triassic period of 250 to 200 million years ago was the period of great change when the dinosaurs first appeared. The super continent of Pangea had formed during this time and by the end of the Triassic period it broke apart into two, Laurasia in the north and Gondwana land in the south.

The Triassic period was rich with sea life and numerous types of shell-like animals such as the ammonite inhabited the waters. Giant reptiles such as the ichthyosaurus and nothosauras appeared in the water. The waters were filled with phytoplankton, the first or lowest part of the food chain, which also still exists today. Corals began to grow during the Triassic period. On land basic insects such as spiders, millipeds, centipodes and grasshoppers developed. Ferns, moss, palms and coniferous trees grew on land. Towards the end of the Triassic period the first dinosaurs and furry animals appeared, such as the kangaroo-like prosauropods and shrew-like megazostrodons. The Triassic period ended with another catastrophic event perhaps a meteor, asteroid collision, or volcanic eruption and much of life was destroyed.

The new coin is available in proof finish-only, contains 18 grams of silver, and is 900 fine, weighs 20 grams, with a diameter is 34 mm. The coin is encapsulated and comes with a certificate of authenticity and packed a protective case, with a sleeve. The maximum mintage for each coin of this series is 50,000.

Exciting new packaging will accompany this coin. An elegant black collector case, in which all the individual coin certificates can also be housed, may be purchased separately. In addition it will be accompanied by a folder with thorough scientific background on the series. As well an exciting new app developed together with the Natural History Museum of Vienna, will be available as of April. Simply download it for free to your smart phone or tablet. For more information Click Here

Austrian Mint Releases New Silver Coin Honouring Stefan Zweig

March 20, 2013 – The 2013 Europa star silver coin series celebrates “European Authors” and the Austrian Mint is honoring the humanist and pacifist Stefan Zweig in a beautifully detailed silver coin.


Austria 2013 20€ Stefan Zweig Silver Proof

Mint engraver Helmut Andexlinger designed the coin. On the obverse he created an excellent depiction of the soft-spoken humanist, Stefan Zweig. Zweig is holding one of his books while his kind eyes look out directly towards you. Behind his book is a typewriter, above which is located the face value of 20 euros. Zweig's signature is found in the foreground of the design. The obverse side of the coin also bears the “Europa Star” privy mark of the European silver program, as well as the country of issue “Republik Oesterreich”, Republic of Austria.

The reverse features one of his most famous works, “The Royal Game”, also known as Chess or “Schachnovelle.” Helmut has included on this side of the coin some of the key thematic elements of this work including in the center the bow of a large ocean-going steam ship on which the name “Schachnovelle” is captured, as well as the image of the protagonist. It is on the ocean vessel that the chess game between the world champion and other passengers takes place. Stefan Zweig is seen on the reverse looking at the chessboard, symbol of the challenges confronting the protagonist who sees his two personas in the white and black chess pieces. The mental anguish which this causes forces the protagonist into a mental health institute noted by the figure in stripes, peering out of the window equipped with large heavy bars.

Zweig was born in Vienna in 1881 to a wealthy textile family. His writings were very prominent in the 1920’s and 30’s. He socialized in circles that included other luminaries such as Sigmund Freud and Richard Strauss. He was a pacifist who refused to bear arms for his country. When Hitler advanced through Europe he moved from England to the USA and finally to Brazil, where he died of a drug overdose.

His writings had a global following and were quite popular in the USA as well.

Zweig's family background led him to see himself as a European. His successful father headed his Jewish family. His mother was born in Italy and had various additional connections to what was then Czechoslovakia. The family was well travelled throughout Europe and he broadened his horizons with travel to North and South America, as well as Asia and Africa. Given that he was a European with a global view. Zweig is most definitely an ideal author to be selected for the Europa series.

The Stefan Zweig coin is 900 fine silver, has a face value of 20 euros, legal tender in Austria, contains 18 grams of pure silver and has a diameter of 34 mm. The maximum mintage of this proof coin is 50,000 pieces. Each coin is encapsulated and comes in box with a sleeve and an individually numbered certificate of authenticity.

Austria Release Second Issue in "Klimt and His Women" Gold Coin Series

February 27, 2013 - The Austrian Mint has issued the second coin in its five gold coin series celebrating Gustav Klimt, a key painter of the art nouveau period whose art is easily recognized and admired around the world.


Austria 2013 50€ Klimt & His Women – The Expectation Gold Proof

The obverse, featuring the “Tree of Life” from the Stoclet frieze, is framed by a square of the artist’s canvas, and was conceptualized by the mint’s chief engraver, Thomas Pesendorfer. The tree is made up of many fine swirls and mosaic-like pieces commonly found in the art of Klimt. To the right of the Tree of Life symbolizing The Eye of Horus, and interpreted by Klimt in the form of the falcon, a symbol of power of the Egyptian Pharos. Also on this side appears the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich” or Republic of Austria, the face value of 50 euros, and the year of issue, 2013.

The reverse features a portion of the frieze showing the head of a woman anxiously looking to the right, which is known as “Expectation.” The scarf on her head has a very intricate pattern of geometric square-like shapes. Her hand is held in a pose found commonly in Egyptian paintings. Her wrist has a beautifully intricate armband, while more jewels and geometric shapes and swirls can be seen in her clothing. The reverse of the coin was conceived and engraved by mint engraver Herbert Waehner.

The Stoclet frieze was a special commission that Gustav Klimt received from a wealthy industrialist of Brussels, Belgium, Adolphe Stoclet. Stoclet was an avid art collector who commissioned the architect Josef Hoffman (also world famous because of his key role in the art nouveau movement of Vienna, along with Klimt.) Klimt was commissioned to create a masterpiece in the dining room. The wealth and appreciation of the art nouveau movement by Stoclet meant that no boundaries were placed on the art nor on the budget of this now world heritage site, The Stoclet House in Brussels. Hence for the artists “The Stoclet House”, (which also includes works by yet another secessionist of Vienna Koloman Moser) were able to produce the most complete work or “Gesamtwerk” of the Vienna Secessionist or Art Nouveau period.

Klimt completed two intricate paintings on the dining room walls, one of which was the well-known “Expectation” featured on this gold coin. The “Expectation” is that of the young lady, who is a dancer, anxiously looking to the right, and yearning for love. (Another part of the frieze completes the search for love depicting a young couple embracing, and therefore is known as “Fulfillment.”) Klimt stated publically that the Stoclet frieze was his ultimate decorative work.

Gustav Klimt was inspired by many cultures of history. Certainly Byzantine mosaics greatly inspired Klimt and hence appear in many of his works. As well, forms and shapes from very early times such as ancient Egypt, right up to more recent periods of his life all influenced his art during his life.

The very complex and meaningful “Tree of Life” is symbolic of our roots deep in the ground, stretching up to the sky and the heavens. The Klimt “Tree of Life” bears both flowers and fruit and thereby symbolically includes both women and men, on their own, as well as together – bearing fruit. Hence the “Expectation” symbolizes the search for love. Scholars have for many years studied the Klimt tree to try and learn all of its secrets which are so pertinent to many cultures and religions.

The gold coins of this series illustrate the importance of women in Gustav Klimt’s artistic life. The coins present his work in a manner similar to an exhibition. Each of the coins will have another letter of his name K-L-I-M-T worked into the design – so that once the series is complete his last name will become part of the signature of the 5 coin series.

2012 AdeleBloch Bauer: letter K
2013 “Expectation”: letter L
2014 “Judith II”: Letter I
2015 Hygieia from the “Faculty Paintings” of the University of Vienna: letter M
2016 “The Kiss”: letter T

The new coin is struck in 986 fine gold to a maximum mintage of 30,000 pieces in proof quality only. The diameter of the coin is 22mm and it contains 10 grams of fine gold. Each coin is packed in an attractive box with a numbered certificate of authenticity, which provides detailed background and technical information about the quality and design of the coin. A beautiful wooden collection case for the whole series, “Klimt and his Women”, may be purchased separately. It contains a booklet explaining the whole series.

Introducing the 2013 $50 Fortuna Redux Cylindrical 6oz Silver Coin!

February 27, 2013 - A world first in numismatics, the Mint of Poland have just released the 2013 $50 Fortuna Redux - Mercury 6oz Cylindrical Silver Coin. Struck from a massive 6 ounces of 99.9% fine silver and featuring the unique "third side" of the coin - the cylindrical shape, which boasts a tube of 22mm (some 70% of the coin's 32mm diameter) - as beautifully struck in the highest Proof quality as the obverse and reverse designs!

Have a look at this video, released by ACSYS Lasertechnik, the company who, in conjunction with Mennica Polska, helped overcome the challenges of creating a coin with 3 sides by using laser technology together with traditional minting techniques.



On the obverse is an image of the Roman God, Mercury, with an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the face value: 50 DOLLARS. In the background is a map of the world with elements symbolized travel. Along the rim is the the inscriptions: "2013" (the year of the issue), "NIUE ISLAND" (the issuer) and "Ag 999" (the alloy).

The reverse features an image of a gold coin (selectively gold-plated) with the effigy of Mercury, while in the background is a map of the galaxy.

The "Third Side" of the coin carries of image of Mercury's winged legs, with a map in the background to symbolise travelling.


Niue 2013 $50 Fortuna Redux - Mercury 6oz Cylindrical Silver Proof

Each of these silver coins are sealed in a specially crafted cylindrical capsule and presented within a superbly designed, official Fortuna Redux display case and outer black box.

Austrian Mint Latest Silver & Niobium Coin Honour "Tunneling"

January 23, 2013 – The Austrian Mint will issue today the highly anticipated silver-niobium coin celebrating the contributions that Austria has made to tunneling. In 1848 the world’s first alpine tunnel, the Semmering, was opened in Austria. One of the most mountainous countries in Europe is Austria and because of this, has developed some very sophisticated tunneling technologies.


Austria 2013 25€ Tunneling Silver & Niobium BU

The obverse of the coin a present-day tunnel boring machine is depicted on the ice-blue niobium core. Its rotating motion is symbolized by the three arrows, which go up and around, from right to left – the outer edge of the tunneling bore. The twinned set of three straight lines, located in the top part of this design field, is a schematic representation of the air access tunnels that must be part of a tunnel’s overall design. The obverse’s outer silver ring shows the mountains through which the machine pierces. Also located on this side of the coin is the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich”, Republic of Austria, the face value of 25 euros and the year of issue 2013.

The coin’s reverse makes excellent use of the niobium core to depict a twinned road tunnel entrance, similar to the many that dot the Austrian and Alpine landscapes. In the silver ring there is a depiction of a tunnel worker, wearing working clothes that were common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using a pneumatic drill to loosen rock. The word “Tunnelbau” (tunnel construction) is located in the lower portion of the outer silver ring.

Both sides of the coin were designed and engraved by Mint engraver Mr. Herbert Waehner.

Mr. Waehner decided not to depict a specific tunnel but rather he created a modern one that depicts the safest type of entrance to a tunnel. These long curves, stood on end, have also been proven to be the most readily recognized by drivers. Waehner also stated that he thought these entrances suited the coin design rather well “since they readily provide the perception of driving into the tunnel.”

Waehner found the tunneling theme rather challenging initially. At first he thought “to depict a static tunnel with a bunch of rocks wasn’t interesting enough.” But then, while driving his car, he “got an inspiration and the designing of both sides then went really well.” The modern interpretation of tunneling allowed him to depict both lanes of travel, as well as a mountainous area at the same time and thereby increasing its 3 dimensional effect very successfully.

The ‘New Austrian Tunneling Method’, (or NATM) which began in 1957. Engineers now continuously monitor the rock masses as the boring machine passes through the various masses of rocks. Depending on how the rock masses react as the tunnel is being created, adjustments will be made to the drilling so that that stress and load factor of the rock masses become part of the finished engineered design. Thereby using strength of the surrounding rock to reinforce the tunnel, and complemented by the supports added to hold up areas of the rock load.

The new 25-euro coin is issued with a maximum mintage of 65,000 pieces and is struck in special uncirculated quality only. It has a diameter of 34 mm and contains 9 grams of 900 fine silver in the outer ring. The core consists of 6.5 grams of 998 pure niobium and has a piercing ice blue color. Each coin is encapsulated, boxed and accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Austrian Mint Release Final Gold Coin In "Crowns of the Habsburg Empire" Series

14 November 2012 – The Austrian Mint will issue today the fifth and final coin of the “Crowns of the House of Habsburg” gold coin series. The new coin features the majestic Imperial Crown of Austria. This distinctive crown became widely recognized throughout Europe during the very long reign of the Habsburgs.


Austria 2012 100€ Imperial Crown of Austria Gold Proof

The obverse depicts the intricate details of the crown. It is made up of three parts: a circle, a high arch and a mitre. From the base or the circle are 8 lilies, an important reflection of the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire which is made of 8 panels. The high arch of the Imperial Austrian Crown also mirrors the high arch of the Holy Roman Empire Crown.

The base of the Austrian Imperial crown is very intricately crafted and set with many precious stones such as zircons and pearls. The mitre consists of two halves, which are intricately engraved and decorated with fine enameled bands of birds and plants. The two halves are delicately engraved with four different scenes representing key moments in the life of Rudolf II. From the halves and in the middle of the crown the high arch rises, set with 8 diamonds and an emerald at the top to symbolize heaven.

Also located on this side of the coin are the country of issue “Republik Oesterreich” (Republic of Austria), the face value of 100 euros, the year of issue 2012 and the words “Die Oesterreichische Kaiserkrone” Austrian Imperial Crown. A ring of tiny pearls along the outer edge encircles both sides of the coin. This side of the coin was designed by the Austrian Mint’s chief engraver Thomas Pesendorfer. Thomas states that he spent well over 40 hours to painstakingly carve the minute details of the elaborate crown into the plaster model.

The reverse of the coin features a depiction of Emperor Francis Joseph I in the imperial robes of the Austrian Empire. The image is based on a painting by Julius Viktor Berger, which currently hangs in the Vienna Supreme Court of Justice. The Emperor is depicted with the richly embroidered robe, and over his shoulders is the mantle of the Austrian Empire made of white silk, red velvet and ermine. On the left side of the mantle are four elaborately decorated orders of the House of Habsburg. From the heavy gold chain across his chest hangs the Order of the Golden Fleece. He is holding the Imperial spectre which, similar to the Imperial crown, is decorated with enamel and set with precious stones and pearls. The Imperial crown rests on a lush cushion in the lower right side of the coin design field, while in the background is the double-headed eagle insignia of the Austrian Imperial dynasty.

This reverse was engraved by mint engraver Helmut Andexlinger. Helmut did give the Emperor a slightly more friendly look in the coin portrait than in the original painting. Helmut found it “very challenging” to carry out the very lengthy engraving work and execute the significant number of very fine details to eventually be included on a coin that has a diameter of only 30 mm.

The Habsburg dynasty, which lasted over 800 years, did not believe that coronations were necessary because it was a hereditary right. The Imperial Crown and the robes were used for the ceremonial investiture rather than a coronation.

The Imperial crown of Austria was originally the personal crown of Rudolf II and crafted in 1602. It is considered one of the best European examples of the art of goldsmithing of this time. Jan Vermeyen of Antwerp was summoned to Prague to craft this very elaborate pure gold crown. Fortunately, this spectacular crown was not dismantled after the death of Rudolf II but succeeded to exist in regal splendour to this day. It is kept in the Imperial Treasury or Schatzkammer located in the Imperial Palace in the center of the city of Vienna.

The order of the Golden Fleece is one of the most prestigious orders of Europe, (the other being England’s Order of the Garter) founded by Duke Philip and Princess Isabella of Portugal on the occasion of their marriage in 1430. The order still exists today and the current head is Karl Habsburg-Lothringen. Other members today include fellow royals from Europe.

The Order of the Golden Fleece was restricted to a limited number of knights. The power of the Order of the Golden Fleece was mighty with the king, who was also the sovereign head of the order, consulting with the members of the order before going to war, and deciding on most corner stone strategic moves of a kingdom. As well, performance of members was also critically reviewed by fellow knights, and punishment was meted out when deemed necessary and signed off on by 6 fellow knights.

The new 100 Euro gold coin is struck in proof quality (reverse frosting) with a maximum mintage of 30,000 pieces. It has a diameter of 30 mm., contains 16 grams of gold and is .986 fine. Each coin is encapsulated and comes in a box with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

A unique lapel pin plated with gold and bearing a miniature version of the Imperial Crown of Austria also accompanies each gold coin.

This coin is available through Euro Collections International

New Coin Featuring Mother of Pearl Dedicated To The Zeppelin

A breathtaking work of precious metal minting, highlighted by a core of lustrous, genuine Mother of Pearl, ECI is delighted to have received an allocation of this imposing, exclusive tribute to aeronautical pioneer Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (1838-1917) and his creation of the rigid airship – universally known as 'the Zeppelin'.


Cook Islands 2013 $50 Mother Of Pearl Zeppelin 5oz Silver Proof

Inspired by hot-air balloons whilst serving as a volunteer for the Union Army during the 1861-65 American Civil War, von Zeppelin spent several decades refining his vision of a rigid airship until, in 1900, the first successful airship was launched – the Zeppelin LZ1. Used for both military and civilian transport, von Zeppelin's important invention had safely transported over 34,000 passengers on more than 1,600 flights by 1914. Unique, dramatic and imposing, this exclusive legal tender coin forms an inspiring, innovative celebration of a truly Golden Age in the history of aviation.

Struck to the height of Proof quality from a massive FIVE TROY OUNCES of .999 fine silver, and measuring a gargantuan 65mm in diameter, this spellbinding legal tender $50 coin is perhaps most notable for the large, authentic Mother of Pearl insert. Glistening with iridescent beauty, the Mother of Pearl carries a stunning design, with one of the most famous German airships, the Graf Zeppelin, portrayed above New York as it completed the first trans-Atlantic commercial passenger flight in 1928.

As with its predecessor, the stunning 2012 $50 Titanic Mother of Pearl 5oz Silver Proof, the tiny worldwide mintage of the 2013 $50 Zeppelin 5oz Silver Proof was instantly devastated by demand. With our allocation strictly limited, and no chance of securing more stock, this pioneering precious metal Proof will be available for a short time only. Do not miss this exclusive opportunity!

- Supreme example of the latest in modern minting – features a genuine Mother of Pearl insert! - Struck to flawless Proof quality from a whopping FIVE TROY OUNCES of pure, prestigious .999 silver! Over 155 grams! - The worldwide mintage has been restricted to a mere 500 coins! Already sold out! - An official legal tender issue – measures an expansive 65mm in diameter! -Presented within a distinctive oval timber case, complete with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Austrian Mint Issue First of their 2013 Releases - The 5 Euro Viennese Waltz!

December 12, 2012 – The Austrian Mint will issue today a 5 euro silver coin celebrating one of the best-known dances of all time, the Waltz.
Austria 2013 5€ Viennese Waltz Silver BU The reverse of the coin depicts a delightful couple in full swing, dancing the graceful waltz. Dressed in elegant full ballroom dress, the lady’s full skirt and scarf-trimmed arms emphasize the swish of their move to the music. Perfectly in step with her, the gentleman is shown in full tux and tails with the swing of the tails also highlighting their movement. It is easy to imagine being there in person as the couple gracefully waltzes by in three quarter time. In the background are the twinkling stars and fireworks, all adding to the festive atmosphere of a waltz. Also on this side of the coin are the words “Wiener Walzer”, or “Viennese Waltz” engraved into the design in a lyrical style. This side of the coin was designed and engraved by the Mint’s chief engraver Thomas Pesendorfer.

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 designed the obverse.

Early mentions of dance movements relating to the waltz date back as far as the 16th century. But it was not until the late 17th century in the imperial court of Vienna that an early form of the waltz really took hold. Starting out as a simple 2 beat step it evolved into the more complicated but very graceful ¾ time. In the 18th century in southern Germany and Tyrol the less graceful but probably more fun dance called the Laendler that swooped couples around the dance floor was very popular. In the late 18th century the two forms of dance merged and the nobles dropped the more sedate minuet in favour of the early form of the waltz. The stately imperial court succumbed to the scandalous requirement of the closed position with your partner in order to waltz together, which was simply not done during a dance in earlier years. The Viennese Waltz, with its light and fast in style, made it more fun to participate in a stately and reserved environments, helping to spread its popularity in the late 18th century all over Europe. Huge dance halls that could hold thousands of dancers at a time were constructed and some social commentators even consider the Viennese Waltz to be the most important ever development in the history of dancing. Thanks to the recent renaissance in ballroom dancing around the globe, though more than 200 years old, the dance is still very much alive and well today.

Austria is of course also famous for Johann Strauss known as the “Waltz King.” He composed several hundred waltzes at a time when the waltz was very popular. Most famous is probably the Blue Danube Waltz, known the world-over as the encore finale performed every New Year’s eve during the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve worldwide concert. Within Austria this waltz is played at the stroke of midnight on radio stations and television channels to ring in the New Year. In some ways it has become Austria’s unofficial national anthem.

The 5 euro silver coin has a diameter of 28.5 mm, contains 8 grams of fine silver, a total weight of 10 grams and has a fineness of 800. The coin is available only in special uncirculated quality and will have a maximum mintage of 50,000. Of this total mintage, and for the first time ever, 5,000 coins will be available in an English-only package. The remaining 45,000 will be available in a German-only folder. Each of these coins is vacuum-packed in a colorful, informative and winter-themed blister pack.

Austrian Mint Release Their Coin Program For 2013!

We are pleased to announce that the Austrian Mint has released their official coin program for 2013! Please see the information about the program below as supplied by the Austrian Mint. Euro Collections Internation, as official distributor for the Austrian Mint, is very excited about the coins on offer next year and we look forward to offering them to you.

From The Austrian Mint:

Our new programme traditionally gets underway with a 5 euro New Year coin. Celebrating the Viennese Waltz, the 2013 coin will be issued on 12 December 2012, together with the 2013 Euro Coin Set and the 2013 Baby Euro Coin Set – both in Special Uncirculated quality.

The first piece actually issued in 2013 will be the 25 euro silver niobium coin. The subject of the coin is Tunnelling, which is illustrated in brilliant ice blue niobium.

The programme continues in February in the shape of the The Expectation, the second edition of our Klimt and his Women 50 euro gold coin series, which features a scene from the famous Stoclet Frieze.

The theme of the 2013 European Silver programme is European Writers. Available from March, the Austrian 20 euro silver coin celebrates the great writer Stefan Zweig and his famous Chess Story.

A brand new series awaits us in April. Entitled Prehistoric Life, the five-coin series, which continues until 2015, will bring to life the ancient landmass that once made up modern-day Austria. Each coin will be inspired by a geological period and its typical life forms, such as Trias depicting life in the water in April, and Jura depicting life in the air in September.

Also dedicated to water, a 5 euro coin will be issued in June celebrating Austria as a Land of Water, in conjunction with the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation and the International Decade for Action, “Water - Source of Life”.

Our 10 euro Federal Provinces series continues with a Lower Austria coin in May and a Vorarlberg coin in October; the former is the country’s largest province, the latter its most westerly. Our Proof quality Euro Coin Set is also on our schedule in October.

The first coin in our new five-part Austrian Wildlife series of 100 euro gold coins, which pays homage to Austria’s native flora and fauna, marks the end of our 2013 programme.

As you can see 2013 is going to be an exciting year at the mint and for collectors. Stay tuned to ECI through our Facebook page, Twitter or here at Numismatters for up-to-date information as each new coin is released!

Austrian Mint Release Second Silver Coin in "Austria By Its Children" Series!

The Austrian Mint has issued the second coin in the delightful silver coin series, “Austria by Its Children.” This coin series continues to celebrate what Austrian children are excited by, and proud to speak about, when they speak of their home. The other side of the coin features a UNESCO world heritage site located in the home province of the child from which the design was selected. The series will feature all 9 provinces and a tenth coin as the finale, which will celebrate Austria as a nation.


Austria 2012 10€ Carinthia Silver Coin

This second coin of the series honours the southern province of Carinthia and bears the winning design by ten year old Philip Ogris on its reverse. Philip included many of the well-known sites of Carinthia. In the foreground is the lovely and popular summer destination, the Woerthersee. Sailboats and fish are floating in the clear green/blue waters of the lake. The lake is correctly depicted south of the snow-covered Alps, more specifically the mountain of Grossglockner, with a brilliant sun shining in the background, which brings to this area some of the warmest and sunniest weather in Austria and warms the waters of the lake. Between the lake and the Alps the ever popular Lindworm of Klagenfurt is depicted. A luscious forest and striking ibexes stand proudly on the mountainside. Carinthia shares it southern border with the country of Slovenia and thus many of its citizens speak Slovenian as well as German. Because of this Philip decided to include the name of the province in both the German and Slovenian languages along the bottom inside edge of the coin’s design.

The obverse features Carinthia's cultural heritage of falconry. This side of the coin was designed and engraved by the mint’s chief engraver Thomas Pesendorfer. Thomas depicted the falconer wearing the very thick leather falconer’s glove, raising his hand as the flacon takes off for full flight. The outfit worn by the falconer is a blend of traditional and contemporary falconry clothing. In the background are the ruins of the castle of Landskron located north-east of the city of Villach in Carinthia. Even today regular falconry events occur on the castle grounds. The castle has been known in a variety of forms since 1351.

Also located on this obverse side of each coin is the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich” Republic of Austria, the year of issue 2012, the face value of 10 euros and the German word for Falconry, “Falknerei”. This commemorative coin is legal tender in Austria.

Philip Ogris design was selected from about 1,200 designs submitted by 9 and 10 year old children living in the province of Carinthia. The selection committee reviewing all the anonymous submissions included officials and coin experts from Carinthia. They particularly liked the ibexes and all the layers of the province so delightfully depicted, as well as the inclusion of the second language of the area.

The castle of Landskron is one of the most spectacular sites of Austria with breath-taking views for miles and miles around. The castle is easily accessed by car and is located in a popular hiking region.

The silver Carinthia coin will be available in two finishes, Proof and Uncirculated, with a maximum mintage of 30,000 and 40,000 respectively. The proof coins come encapsulated in a presentation case with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The certificate includes all the technical details as well as background information about the series. The special uncirculated coins are available in a blister pack with an impressive Carinthia design on the sleeve.

The coin will also be available in Austria only in the regular circulation finish and struck in copper. The copper coins have a rilled edge whereas the silver coins have a smooth edge.

For the BU series there is a frosted plastic box bearing the series logo. The proof case is made from a heavy card stock and includes a small booklet detailing the whole series.

Downies ECI Doing Their Part For The Conservation of Tasmanian Devil

To a lot of people outside of Australia, particularly in the US, the name "Tasmanian Devil" most likely conjeurs up images of the Bugs Bunny Show, where a cartoon tornado would whirl into view and out would pop a growling, snarling, crazy beast! The real-life Tasmanian Devil is native to the island of Tasmania off the Australian South-East coast. Like it's cartoon cousin it also has a reputation for being snarly and cantankerous (although this is more myth than anything else and Devils will sooner flee than attack humans), but due to a rare form of facial tumour that is contagious amongst the Devil population, this small but fearsome native animal is quickly becoming endangered.

First seen in 1996, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) has ravaged Tasmania's wild devils, and estimates of the impact range from 20% to as much as a 50% decline in the devil population, with over 65% of the state affected. The disease is an example of a transmissible cancer, which means that it is contagious and passed from one animal to another.

The Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian devil Sanctuary focuses on Tasmania's three carnivorous marsupials, concentrating primarily on the Tasmanian devil but including both the Eastern and Spotted - tail Quoll. The Devils @ Cradle Sanctuary breeding program is vital to the long term conservation of the Tasmanian Devil which is now threatened by Facial Tumour Disease. This allows for sustainable breeding with the intention of release into the wild. For further information, see www.devils@cradle.com.

Downies/ECI is the proud sponsor of "Mortimer", a young Tasmanian Devil at the Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary. We encourgage our valued clients to visit the Devils @ Cradle Sanctuary website and take part in this worthwhile conservation program.

Perth Mint Unveil Their September New Releases!

September 4, 2012 - The Perth Mint has released a stunning array of new issues to excited collectors this month. At the top of everyone's wish list are the 2013 Lunar Snake Silver & Gold coins - the silver of which sold out at ECI within 10 minutes! Below is a showcase of some of the other amazing products on offer this month.


Australia 2012 $1 High Relief Koala 1oz Silver Proof

A sparkling celebration of Australia's internationally renowned bush icon, and a potent illustration of the unparalleled precious metal expertise of the Perth Mint, Downies is delighted to be able to unveil Australia's very first $1 Koala High Relief Silver Proof!

A massive 50% thicker than a standard Silver Proof, with this chunky coin measuring 6mm in width, the 2012 $1 Koala High Relief 1oz Silver Proof is, like all Perth Mint High Relief coinage, most notable for the exquisite depth and detail in the designs. Struck on concave surfaces to guarantee that the most advantageous flow of the pure .999 silver is achieved by the strike of the die, the enchanting one-year-only 'sleepy koala' design looks truly amazing when crafted to this impeccable standard.

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Australia 2013 50c Birds of Australia - Black Cockatoo 1/2oz Silver Proof



A sensational start to what is sure to prove yet another major global hit for Australia's own Perth Mint, we are delighted to unveil the brand new 2013 50c Birds of Australia Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo 1/2oz Silver Proof!

Large, loud and found right across Australia, the internationally renowned Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo forms an ideal subject for the Perth Mint's wondrous full-colour minting techniques. Contrasting beautifully against the shimmering silver surface of the near crown-sized 36.60mm flan, the distinctive black and red plumage of this Australian native parrot has been perfectly recreated by the craftsmen at the Perth Mint.

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Australia 2012 $1 Young Collectors - Rhinoceros Beetle BU



Official, affordable and, with a mere 7,500 coins struck, extremely exclusive for a BU coin, this Australian legal tender release from the Perth Mint forms a fine tribute to the Rhinoceros Beetle – one of the world's great weightlifting wonders!

A must-have for any Australian coin collector, the 2012 $1 Rhinoceros Beetle Al-Br BU carries an eye-catching design upon its 30.60mm flan, with a fully struck-up appreciation of this fierce fighter set against a vivid full-colour backdrop. Presented within an official Perth Mint card, packed with illustrations and information about the Rhino Beetle, the Official Issue Price has been set at a mere A$14.95 – outstanding value-for-money for a full-colour Australian legal tender coin!

New Deadly and Dangerous Silver Coin Creeping In Soon...Here's The Teaser

As you can see by the teaser banner there is a new Deadly and Dangerous silver coin set for release on July 3rd! By the looks of it this will be another arachnid, similar to the insanely sought-after Red Back Spider. Only time will tell if it manages to create similar demand!

Euro Collections will, of course, have this coin available for order on July 3, 2012

Austrian Mint Releases Sixth and Final Coin in the "Rome on the Danube" Silver Series!

June 13, 2012 - The Austrian Mint has issued “Brigantium”, the sixth and final silver coin in the historic “Rome on the Danube” series.


Austria 2012 20€ Rome on the Danube Brigantium Silver Proof

The Roman Empire was certainly very powerful and influential in many regions of Europe; today’s Austria was no exception. Much of this was because of the interconnected complex of rivers and lakes found in this area of Europe. One of the most efficient and effective transportation networks for centuries.

The obverse of the coin, designed by Mint engraver Herbert Waehner depicts a powerful portrait of the Emperor Valentinian I looking over the harbor of Brigantium. Depicted in the foreground is the golden hand of Brigantium holding a lotus flower. In the background are some of the warehouses that were used for storage and shipbuilding as well as repairs to naval ships of the Roman Empire. This side also has along the outer edge the country of issue “Republik Oesterreich,” (Republic of Austria), the name of the emperor “Valentinian I”, as well as the 20 euro face value. The name of the settlement Brigantium and the year of issue 2012, are in the left central area of the design field.

The reverse of the coin depicts a pair of Roman fast moving war ships, or navis lusoria on Lake Constance. One of these ships is being propelled forward by a troop of Roman soldiers, while two centurions look on from a protected arch along the shore. In the background of both sides of the coin can be seen part of the Alps located just south in this region. This side of the coin was designed by mint engraver Helmut Andexlinger.

Brigantium (today known as Bregenz) was built in the twilight years of the Roman Empire on the eastern shore of Lake Constance. The port of Brigantium is a fitting subject with which to conclude the historic “Rome on the Danube” series. The naval prowess of the Romans may not be the first thing one thinks of but the Romans covered all aspects of logistics and transportation to maintain the wealth and strength of their Empire for a long time.

It was not until the second half of the fourth century that the port was constructed by Emperor Valentinian I. Valentinian was born in Croatia in AD 321 and was emperor for just over a decade until his death in AD 375, Valentinian was the last Roman emperor to engage in military campaigns across the Rhine and Danube rivers.

In order to provide protection to its borders it is believed that he built the harbor at Brigantium and equipped it with navis lusoria, or “dancing ships”, the streamlined troop carrying vessels typical of the late Roman Empire. These ships were small, fast and easy to manoeuver in the waters. The ancient harbor was only discovered and excavated some 40 years ago. The dating of the harbor was found to be back to 370 AD, the time of Valentinian.

The golden hand of Brigantium or Bregenz is the left hand of a female form. It is made of gold plated bronze. Based on this fragment the statue must have been about twice the size of a human being, in other words it is one of the colossus statues that were often located in key Roman cities.

The new silver coin has a face value of 20 euros, is struck in proof quality only and a maximum mintage of 50,000 pieces. The coins are struck in 900 fine silver and contain 18 grams of pure silver. Each coin has a diameter of 34 mm, is encapsulated and comes in box with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity. A wooden case for the whole collection of six coins, decorated on the top with a facsimile of a Roman sestertius (Germ.: Sesterz) coin with a portrait of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.) is available as well.