Theodor Billroth 50 Euro Gold Coin

General Coin Information

The Austrian Mint has released the third of four eventual coins in its' "Celebrated Physicians of Austria" series, namely the Theodor Billroth 50 Euro Gold Coin. Billroth was German born, but made his adult-life home in Austria.

Known not only for his medical achievements, Billroth was a lover of music and a talented amateur violin and piano player. He became quite close with composer Johannes Brahms, and helped to support the Viennese musical community.

He felt strongly that his interests in medicine and music were complementary of each other and wrote in a letter:

"It is one of the superficialities of our time to see in science and in art two opposites. Imagination is the mother of both."

Surgery, however, is where Billroth excelled. He completed the first esophagectomy, the first laryngectomy and the first successful gastrectomy for gastric cancer. He was one of the first to consider the effects of bacteria on patients and the traumatic fever it caused after operations. With this in mind, he was instrumental in the launching of the use of antiseptics.

Billroth believed that not only the doctors and surgeons needed superior training, but the nurses as well. To this end, he helped to start the Rudolf House in Vienna, a hospital that had (and still does have) a nurse training school attached to it.

The coin is struck in proof quality in .986 fine gold with a maximum mintage of 50,000.

Obverse Design

A bearded portrait of Billroth is portrayed on the obverse together with an Aesculapius staff, a symbol synonymous with medicine. Included as well are the inscriptions "50 Euro", "2009", "Theodor Billroth" "1829-1894" and "Republik Österreic".

Reverse Design

The reverse depicts Billroth conducting a demonstration operation and to the left is the old Vienna General Hospital, where Billroth worked and taught.

Billroth Gold Coin Specifications

Mint: Austrian Mint    Mintmark: N/A    Finish/Condition: proof    Metal Content: .986 fine gold    Weight: 10.14 grams    Diameter: 22 mm    Edge: Plain    Issue Date: 11 February 2009    Issue Price: based on gold price    Mintage Limit: 50,000    Face Value: 50 Euro    Obverse Designer: Helmut Andexlinger    Reverse Designer: Herbert Wähner

Austrian Gold Coin Auctions

Billroth Gold Coin Resources

• Mint information page
• Mint press release - CoinNews.net