Austrian 5 Schilling Coin, 1968-1994 Series (Likely Cupro-Nickel)
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation Currency) · N/A (Identified as Silver-toned Cupro-Nickel)
Purity: 0% / None. This item is not gold. It is a cupro-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel) typically used for mid-20th century Austrian circulation currency.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation Currency)
Purity
0% / None. This item is not gold. It is a cupro-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel) typically used for mid-20th century Austrian circulation currency.
Gold Type
N/A (Identified as Silver-toned Cupro-Nickel)
Weight
4.8 grams (Standard weight for this 5 Schilling mintage)
Description
An Austrian 5 Schilling circulation coin featuring the iconic Spanish Riding School motif. The obverse depicts a rider on a Lipizzaner horse performing a 'Courbette.' While visually similar to white gold or silver to an untrained eye, the strike depth, wear pattern, and luster are characteristic of industrial cupro-nickel coinage used prior to the Euro adoption in 2002.
Key Features
Lipizzaner horse and rider motif, 'REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH' legend, die-struck industrial relief, lack of precious metal hallmarks.
Color & Finish
Silver-white metallic tone with a matte, circulated surface. It exhibits significant hairline scratches, light oxidation, and 'pocket wear' consistent with a circulation coin.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Text: 'REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH' (Republic of Austria). Imagery features a rider on a Lipizzaner horse (Spanish Riding School). No gold purity hallmarks (like 585 or 750) are present because the item is base metal.
Dimensions Estimate
23.5 mm diameter, 1.7 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
N/A (Reeded or smooth circular edge)
Chain & Links
N/A (Solid coin planchet)
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced die-struck coinage; features uniform lettering and mechanical precision characteristic of a government minting facility.
Authentication Indicators
The design corresponds exactly to the 5 Schilling cupro-nickel issue. The absence of hallmarks, the specific grey-metallic hue, and the lack of gold-specific patina confirm this is not a gold item.
Origin & Maker
Münze Österreich (Austrian Mint), Vienna
Era & Period
Modern Austria (Post-WWII Second Republic)
Age Estimate
Circa 1968-1994 (Specific year would be on the reverse side)
Cultural Significance
A symbol of Austrian national identity and pride in its Hapsburg-era cultural traditions, specifically the world-renowned Lipizzaner horses.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good. Visible surface abrasions, minor rim dings, and loss of original mint luster. Not a bullion or proof strike.
Value Estimate
Face value is defunct; numismatic value is roughly $0.50 - $2.00 USD. It has zero gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry. Do not clean with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a non-PVC coin flip to prevent 'green slime' corrosion.
Similar Items
Austrian Gold Ducats or Philharmonics (which would be bright yellow 24-23.75K gold), or the silver 5 Schilling (minted 1951-1960, which contains 64% silver).
Interesting Facts
The design celebrates the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian institutions in the world. These coins were demonetized in 2002 when Austria transitioned to the Euro.