Austria: Easter is soon approaching with new “Spring Awakening” five-euro silver coins

The Mint of Austria has unveiled new silver and copper coins which are issued to welcome the Easter holiday that is the beginning of a favourite season for many, springtime. Held on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox, Easter may shift every year, but Easter and Spring belong together. A time of hope and rebirth, Spring is also host to Easter, the oldest of the Christian festivals. For so many, Spring is the time of year when the natural world bursts back to life in an explosion of activity after the long, cold sleep of Winter.

The Easter coin is designed by Kathrin Kuntner, Helmut Andexlinger, and Herbert Wähner, and charmingly includes images of bees busily collecting pollen while a butterfly flutters by — the ultimate symbol of transformation and rebirth. Spring flowers adorn the coin’s outer edge, while a hare, the symbol of fertility, takes centre stage. Also symbolic of Easter, the hare is the predecessor of the Easter Bunny, th endearing character who brings Easter eggs for children. The reverse side includes a collection of all nine crests representing the states included in Austria’s federation. The numeral 5 is encircled by the crests and the text REPUBLIK OSTERREICH is placed above the primary design. The additional text, EURO, is shown below.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
€5	Copper	8.9 g	28.5 mm	Uncirculated	200,000
€5	.925 Silver	7.78 g	28.5 mm	Brilliant Unc.	50,000

The silver Brilliant Uncirculated coins are available from the 13th March and are presented in a special vacuum-sealed colourful and informative blister pack. The copper pieces are available in post offices and commercial banks for their face value. For more information about these coins and others available from the Mint of Austria, please visit their website.

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