Liechtenstein: Tercentenary of state celebrated with new gold and silver collector coins

The treasury of Liechtenstein has announced (3rd February) a series of new coins that celebrate the 300th anniversary of the establishment of the Principality of Liechtenstein and will be available as part of the country’s national celebrations. Unveiled during the World Money Fair in Berlin by the company which has produced the series — Coin Invest Trust in Balzers, Liechtenstein. The coins are five in total, with two silver coins and three gold pieces ranging from a half-gram, a quarter-ounce, and one-ounce. The silver crown examples are minted in one ounce and as Piedfort for a two-ounce coin, utilising Smartminting technology which results in exceptionally high relief.

The start of Liechtenstein’s statehood came about on the 23rd January 1719, when Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor (reigned 1711–1740), created the new Principality of Liechtenstein from the domains of Seigneury of Schellenberg and the County of Vaduz, which were both held by the Liechtenstein family. This was done so the-then Prince Anton Florian (1656–1721) could be admitted to the Reichstag. The move was essential so that all members held land, which were subordinate only to the emperor himself, as opposed to land held in fief by higher nobles. Thus, Anton Florian became the first prince of Liechtenstein, which today celebrates its 300th anniversary of establishment and is the only monarchy granted by the Holy Roman Empire that still exists. The current head of state, Prince Hand Adam II, succeeded his father Prince Franz Joseph II in 1990 and is the state’s 12th consecutive sovereign prince since 1719.

Liechtenstein is a land-locked monarchy bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. It is Europe’s fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of 37,877. The principality has undergone prolific economic and cultural development in the last 50 years like no other Western country. In the last half of the 20th century, Liechtenstein developed from a mainly agricultural state to one of the most highly industrialized countries in the world. The capital of Vaduz is a small town of 5,000 people and has become famous for its many private and investment banks.

All of the coins within the range of five options share the same obverse and reverse designs. The obverse includes a depiction of Anton Florian, prince of Liechtenstein, the first Imperial prince to rule over Liechtenstein from 1719 until his death. The image is based on a painted portrait created during his reign and is part of the art collection of the princely family.

The reverse includes an image of the mantled crest of the principality, crowned with the inscription FURSTENTUM LIECHTENSTEIN placed above, with the denomination of the coin placed below the crest.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Dimension	Quality	Maximum Mintage
Five franken	.999 silver	31.1 g	38.6  mm	High-relief Proof	7,500
10 franken	.999 silver	62.2 g	38.6 mm	High-relief Proof	1,719
10 franken	.999 gold	.05 g	11 mm	Proof	15,000
25 franken	.999 gold	7.78 g	22.5 mm	Proof	999
100 franken	.999 gold	31.1 g	33 mm	Proof	*300

The silver and smaller gold coin options are available as separate purchases from Post Liechtenstein, which is retailing the coins on behalf of the treasury. The one-ounce gold coin is only available as part of the five-coin set, composed of both silver and three gold coins presented in a custom case. Pre-issue ordering is encouraged for the coins with a low mintage, with delivery expected towards the first half of April. For additional information, please visit the website of Post Liechtenstein.

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