The 1976 Austrian Gold 1000 Shilling was commissioned to honor the 1000-year anniversary of the House of Babenberg's rise to power in Austria in the year 976. This coin features a design by Martha Coufal-Hartl. It includes the seal of Duke Friedrich II, a stylized knight on horseback, with the dates “976-1976” and “EINSETZUNG DER BABENBERGER” (which translates as “Setting up of the Babenberger”) inscribed on one side. A design by Gertrude Simon that includes the Austrian Coat of Arms, a stylized eagle holding the symbols of industry and agriculture in talons encircled with snapped chains on the other side. This illustration is to commemorate Austria's liberation from Nazi Germany during World War II.

 

The history of the 1976 Austrian Gold 1000 Schilling was inspired by Austria's most famous ruling family, the Babenbergs, during the Middle Ages. The Babenbergs were a Frankish family originating in what is now Bavaria. They were appointed to rule over the Eastern March, which is modern-day Austria, as part of a series of Margraves tasked with guarding the eastern front against invasions by Charlemagne in 976. One of the Babenberg family's most famous members was Duke Leopold V. He took part in the Third Crusade and then infamously imprisoned King Richard Lionheart of England.  Duke Leopold V released him only when a ransom was paid during the 12th Century. Other notable members include Leopold III, who became the patron saint of Austria after being canonized in 1948. Their rule coincided with an especially prosperous period in Austrian history, enhanced by the fact that they formed alliances with other noble families in Europe through marriage. The Babenbergs were replaced by the House of Habsburg in 1248.

 

The commemorative coin contains 0.3906 ounces of gold at a purity of 90% and weighs 13.5 grams. This is the first 1,000-schilling gold coin issued by the Austrian Mint, which chose the denomination specifically to honor the 1,000-year anniversary and the fact that the Austrian region was prosperous under the rule of the Babenbergs. 1000 schillings was the highest denomination available for Austrian coins. Until the switch to the Euro, coins of 1000 schillings and other denominations were considered legal tender in Austria. However, the gold coins produced by the Austrian Mint were rarely seen in circulation and were usually produced as proof gold coins.

 

The exact value of this gold coin can fluctuate according to the value of gold. It's still a top favorite among collectors of notable international coins and investors who favor collectible gold and silver coins over bars of precious metals. It's usually sold by reputable sellers of premium gold and silver collectible coins and precious metals to coin collectors and investors who wish to diversify their portfolio with gold and silver. Some collectible dealers that specialize in collectible currency may also have this in stock, but it can be difficult to find in collectible shops outside of Europe. Collectors of international coins will find this an interesting one to add to their collections partly because they can tell the story of how it was inspired by the family that ruled Austria at the time of the Crusades.

 

To purchase your own gold and silver collectible coins, contact Capital Gold Group, Inc. at 1(800)510-9594 today or visit startwithgold.com!