By World Coin News April 20, 2010

The Austrian Mint issued on April 14 the third silver coin in its series, “Tales and Legends in Austria.” The new coin recounts the folktale surrounding the discovery of Erzberg, one of the most important iron ore sources in Europe still in use today.

The obverse of the coin shows a scene of iron ore mining in the Middle Ages. On the left side a miner pushes a cart-load of ore out of the mine shaft, while on the right side another miner breaks up the ore with a pick and hammer. In the background is the step-like form of the iron mountain, Erzberg.

The reverse of the coin depicts two men with a tar-covered cloak held between their hands creeping up on a sleeping merman, who is loosely holding a trident spear in his webbed right hand.

According to the tale, a merman lived in a deep, dark grotto filled with cold water in the southeast of Austria. During the day, he would slip out of the water and warm himself in the sun. The people of the area were afraid of him.

However, legend had it that if you caught a merman, in order to gain his freedom he had to grant you a wish.

One day, two men snared him in a dark cloak covered in sticky tar. As he was being drug away, the merman offered the men a deal: gold for a year, silver for 10 years, or iron forever.”

The men decided to benefit from iron forever. The merman told them the location of the Erzberg Mountain that was filled with iron, so they then released him. He slipped back into his grotto and was never seen again. The mountain and its riches continue to be mined today.

The 10 euro silver coin is struck in 925 fine silver and is available in either of two finishes: proof with a maximum mintage of 40,000 pieces, or in special uncirculated finish with a maximum mintage of 30,000 coins.

The series will continue in October with a coin marking the capture of Charlemagne in Salzburg.

Collectors in the U.S. and Canada may purchase the “Erzberg” coin for $42.50 US for the proof edition and $32 US for the special uncirculated version by calling Euro Collections International at (877) 897-7696. It can also be ordered online at www.eurocollections.com



More Resources:

• Subscribe to our Coin Price Guide, buy Coin Books & Coin Folders and join the NumisMaster VIP Program

• 2010 U.S. Coin Digest, The Complete Guide to Current Market Values, 8th ed.

• State Quarters Deluxe Folder By Warmans

• Standard Guide to Small-Size U.S. Paper Money, 1928 to Date

• Strike It Rich with Pocket Change, 2nd Edition