By World Coin News March 10, 2010

Renewable energy is the theme of the Austrian Mint’s 2010 edition of the silver niobium 25-euro coin series.

The coin is emblematic of the growing global goal for renewable and cleaner energy as the world’s natural energy resources are limited and rapidly dwindling.

The obverse of the coin depicts a tree in the center, representative of the world’s vegetation. Coming out of the tree is a spiral reflecting the continuous cycle of the world’s four elements: earth, wind, water and fire, all of which are required to keep the tree alive and allow it to flourish.

Fire is depicted by the sun in the background, aiding in photosynthesis. Wind is blowing leaves to the ground. Earth gives the tree its nourishment and works as a recycling plant for its leaves and other organic matter. Water is stylized in the silver ring at the bottom, allowing the tree to absorb the nutrients.

Engraver Helmut Andexlinger, who designed both sides of the coin, said of the obverse design that the theme inspired him to “represent the living, breathing system of plants.”

Also on the silver ring is “Republik Oesterreich” meaning Republic of Austria, the face value “25 euro” and the year of issue, “2010.”

The reverse of the coin features many of the current types of renewable energy that are in use today. In the center of it all is the earth, depicted as a stylized globe in the middle top of the blue niobium core.

Andexlinger again chose to mirror the four elements. To the right of the globe, the sun’s rays are captured by solar panels. On the lower edge, water drives a hydroelectric water turbine. On the left, geothermal heat sources are recovered as steam, depicted by water being pumped into the depths of the earth (the down arrow with the droplets), and heat and energy returning as steam (the up arrow with the wavy line in it). In the upper left area, wind is converted to energy by a large wind turbine. At the bottom are the words, “Erneuerbare Energie,” or Renewable Energy.

The coin is struck with a 900 fine silver outer ring and a pure niobium core. The brilliant blue color is achieved by heat treating and oxidizing the niobium core. In addition, the surface of the niobium core has been given an extra finish prior to striking the coin, giving it and its engraved details a brighter, sky blue finish, according to the mint.

The 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 silver in the outer ring. The core consists of 7.15 grams of 998 pure niobium.

Collectors in the U.S. and Canada can purchase the Renewable Energy coin for $69.50 (US) each by calling Euro Collections International at (877) 897-7696. The coin can also be ordered online at www.eurocollections.com.



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