1971 Republic of Austria 5 Schilling Coin
Coin (Circulating Non-Precious Currency) · None. The silver-colored appearance is characteristic of cupro-nickel alloys used for modern coinage.
Purity: 0% (Not Gold). This item is composed of Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). It contains no gold content and is a base metal circulating coin.
Type
Coin (Circulating Non-Precious Currency)
Purity
0% (Not Gold). This item is composed of Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). It contains no gold content and is a base metal circulating coin.
Gold Type
None. The silver-colored appearance is characteristic of cupro-nickel alloys used for modern coinage.
Weight
4.8 grams (Standard official weight for this denomination/era).
Description
An authentic 1971 Austrian 5 Schilling coin. While the lighting in the image may cast a slight yellowish tint, this is a cupro-nickel coin, not gold. The reverse depicts the denomination '5' above the Austrian shield, flanked by laurel branches and the split date 1971. This was a workhorse of Austrian commerce before the adoption of the Euro.
Key Features
Features the Austrian federal coat of arms (shield) and the distinct block-serif typography used on Austrian currency of the late 20th century.
Color & Finish
Dull silver-grey with a circulated patina. The finish is matte with significant surface scratches and contact marks consistent with years of circulation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; coins do not feature karat hallmarks. It features the 'SCHILLING' denomination, the number '5', and the split date '19 71'.
Dimensions Estimate
23.5 mm in diameter, 1.7 mm in thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design consists entirely of struck metal relief.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable. The coin has a smooth (plain) edge consistent with the 5 Schilling mintage of this period.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The coin features a plain, non-reeded edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced via industrial minting presses. The strike is centered but the detail is softened by decades of use in commerce. Die state appears mid-to-late life.
Authentication Indicators
The design matches official 1971 Austrian Mint dies perfectly. The color and wear patterns are diagnostic of a copper-nickel alloy. If this were gold, the weight would be nearly double (approx. 9g for a gold planchet of this size), and it would lack the silver-colored oxidation seen in the recesses.
Origin & Maker
Austria; struck at the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich) in Vienna.
Era & Period
Modern (post-WWII Republic of Austria period, 1945–2002).
Age Estimate
Manufactured in 1971; approximately 53 years old.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of Austria's post-war economic stability and the 'Second Republic.' These coins were ubiquitous in Austrian daily life for decades.
Condition Notes
About Good (AG) to Good (G) condition. Heavy circulation wear, significant micro-scratching (bag marks), and flattened relief on the shield and laurel leaves.
Value Estimate
Melt Value: ~$0.05 USD. Numismatic Value: $0.10–$0.50 USD. The value is purely nominal and sentimental as it is no longer legal tender and contains no precious metals.
Care & Maintenance
No special care required for base metal. Avoid using abrasive cleaners which will damage the numismatic surface. Keep in a dry environment to prevent nickel oxidation.
Similar Items
1960-2001 Austrian 10 Schilling (Silver or Cupro-Nickel), 1971 German 5 Mark, and Various Euro coinage. Often mistaken for silver by novice collectors, but rarely mistaken for gold unless plated for jewelry.
Interesting Facts
The Schilling was the currency of Austria from 1925 to 1938 and again from 1945 until the introduction of the Euro in 2002. This specific design was retired in 2002.