2009 Electric Railway 20 Euro Silver Coin
2009 Electric Railway 20 Euro Silver Coin - click on images to enlarge
General Coin Information
The fifth of six coins designed as part of the "Austrian Railways" series has been released by the Austrian Mint. The 2009 Electric Railway 20 Euro Silver Coin showcases the pioneering efforts of the Austrian towards rail advances.
History records the first electric train in Austria as a small locomotive circling in the great exhibition pavilion in the Prater on Emperor Franz Joseph’s 50th birthday. Two years later, Emperor Joseph issued a license for the first electric railway in Austria in 1882.
At only 5 kilometers long, this first section would spark interest not only in Austria but worldwide. Expansion would continue, and by 1911 they had created a 90 kilometer section to Mariazell.
The World Wars would hamper rapid growth and the inability to standardize specifications in Europe would keep the Austrian system from dominance. However, the local lines still run today. A testament to the broad visions of those involved in the system's early days.
The coins ship in a box accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. Look for the final coin in the series to be introduced in September 2009.
Obverse Design
The obverse, designed by Thomas Pesendorfer, showcases an electric engine model 1189 (also known as a “Crocodile”) emerging from the western end of the Arlberg tunnel.
Reverse Design
Herbert Wähner designed to reverse to highlight the Trisanna Bridge on the Arlberg Line, with Wiesburg Castle and the mountain range in the background. An electric passenger train is seen being pulled by a model 1100 engine crossing the 231 meter long bridge. The Trisanna bridge was the longest arched steel railway bridge in the world when it opened in 1884.
Austrian Electric Railway Coin Specifications
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Austrian Silver Coin Auctions
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US $68.30
Austrian Electric Railway Coin Resources
- Mint information page
- Coin press release - CoinNews.net
- Additional 2009 Austrian Mint Coins - WorldMintCoins.com
- Silver Coins
