Republic of Austria 10 Schilling Silver Coin (1957-1973 Series)
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Curreny) · Münze Österreich (Austrian Mint), Vienna
Pattern: Second Republic Schilling, 10 Schilling denomination (Silver issues)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Curreny)
Maker
Münze Österreich (Austrian Mint), Vienna
Material
Low-grade silver alloy: .640 silver (64% silver, 36% copper), ASW (Actual Silver Weight) approximately 0.1543 troy oz
Dimensions
Diameter: 27 mm; Thickness: 1.5 mm; Total Weight: 7.5 grams (4.8g fine silver content)
Description
An iconic piece of mid-century European coinage, this 10 Schilling coin served as a pillar of the Austrian economy during its post-war reconstruction. The design is clean and modernist, featuring a prominent eagle and bold sans-serif lettering characteristic of the era's graphic design. While common in its time, it remains a favorite for 'silver stackers' due to its recognizable purity and historical weight.
Key Features
Stylized eagle with broken chains, .640 silver purity, reeded edge, and the scalloped border surrounding the central motif.
Material & Composition
Low-grade silver alloy: .640 silver (64% silver, 36% copper), ASW (Actual Silver Weight) approximately 0.1543 troy oz
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck matte to satin finish typical of circulation coins. Features a stylized Austrian Federal Eagle (Bundesadler) holding a hammer and sickle, representing the classes, with broken chains symbolizing liberation from Nazism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH, 10; Reverse (not pictured) typically shows three gentian flowers and the date. Legal tender stamps rather than metal hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck using industrial planchets. Reeded edge to prevent clipping and counterfeiting.
Functional Features
Standard currency for the Republic of Austria until the transition to the Euro in 2002; demonetized since.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld currency object.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting; crisp die definition even in lower purity silver, reflecting the high standards of the Austrian Mint.
Authentication Indicators
Correct die-struck lettering, sharp defined edges of the scalloped border, and weight consistent with official Austrian Mint specifications.
Origin & Manufacturing
Vienna, Austria; Manufactured by the sovereign state mint under strict monetary standards.
Era & Period
Modern Austrian Republic (Post-WWII / Cold War era), Specifically 1957-1973 (the period silver was used for this denomination).
Age Estimate
Produced between 1957 and 1973; judging by wear, likely from the early to mid-1960s.
Cultural Significance
Represented the economic stability and regained sovereignty of Austria after the Occupation years; part of the everyday life for a generation of Austrians.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF). Shows consistent surface circulation wear, light handling marks, but no major gouges or deformations. Natural silver oxidation (patina) is present.
Value Estimate
US$5.00 - US$9.00 (primarily based on silver melt value plus a small collectors premium).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if intended for a numismatic collection. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1974-2001 10 Schilling (Copper-Nickel, non-silver), 5 Schilling (Silver, 1960-1968), 25 and 50 Schilling commemorative silver coins.
Interesting Facts
The silver content of these coins became worth more than their face value in the early 1970s due to rising silver prices, leading Austria to switch to copper-nickel for this denomination in 1974.