Austria: Chivalry is the theme with the first coin issued in new “Knights’ Tales” five-coin series

The Mint of Austria has announced the issue of a new series which focuses on an exciting, chivalrous, and, at times, dangerous chapter in European history, the Knight’s Tales of the Middle Ages. Travel back in time to a bygone age that was notorious for being bloody and brutal. The Middle Ages was also the age of chivalry, when high-born warriors known as knights rode into battle on horseback dressed in full armour. The code of chivalry was a combination of the warrior ethos, piety, nobility, and gallantry. To his loyal subjects, Maximilian I, (1459–1519) to whom the first coin in the new series is dedicated, embodied these values. The year 2019 is the 500th anniversary of the death of the Holy Roman Emperor and archduke of Austria.

Born in 1459, at the end of the Middle Ages, Maximilian I of the house of Hapsburg married Mary, duchess of Burgundy, in 1477 as his third wife. This marriage made him not only the duke of Burgundy, but also sovereign of the Knightly Order of the Golden Fleece. With the Order limited to just 30 members, this exclusive club was effectively the crème de la crème of the noble elite. Despite the fact that he was never crowned by the Pope, as the journey to Rome was always too risky, Maximilian was instead proclaimed emperor-elect by Pope Julius II at Trent. This important move broke the long tradition of requiring a papal coronation for the adoption of the imperial title. Maximilian was also something of a renaissance man who could speak seven languages and passionately supported the fine arts.

Maximilian is also remembered for having expanded the influence of the House of Habsburg through war and his marriage to Mary of Burgundy. Although he also lost Austrian possessions to the Swiss Confederacy, he gained lands further west into the Iberian Peninsula. With the marriage of his son Philip (1478–1509) to the eventual Queen Joanna of Castile in 1498, Maximilian established the Habsburg dynasty in Spain, which resulted in his grandson Charles (1500–1558) eventually holding the title of Holy Roman Emperor and the thrones of both Castile and Aragon

The first coin in the new five-piece collection is designed by Helmut Andexlinger, Kathrin Kuntner, and Herbert Wähner. Featured on the coin’s obverse is a portrait of Maximilian I on the left, in which the Holy Roman Emperor is holding a lance. On the right, his colour-applied coat of arms is held by a heraldic lion.

The reverse shows a scene from a jousting tournament, in which a knight on horseback is in full gallop as seated spectators look on from a stand. Maximilian I was famous for his bravery when jousting.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
€10	Copper	15 g	32 mm	Unc.	N/A
€10	.925 Silver	16.8 g	32 mm	Brilliant Unc.	30,000
€10	.925 Silver	16.8 g	32 mm	Proof	30,000

The 10-euro coin “Chivalry” is available on the 10th April and in two special quality formats struck in sterling silver, Special Uncirculated (or Brilliant Uncirculated), and Proof. The Special Uncirculated coins are presented in a blister pack. The Proof coins are housed in a presentation case along with a numbered certificate of authenticity. In addition to technical information, the certificate also explains the design concept and minting quality. A third version of the 10-euro “Chivalry” coins will also be issued in Uncirculated copper strikes and sold at face value. To differentiate between the two, the copper coins will have a ribbed edge, while the silver coins have a smooth edge. For additional information about this series, and to subscribe to receive the Proof quality coins as they become available, please visit the website of the Mint of Austria.

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