2005 Austria €10 Silver Coin "Second Republic"

• Mint: Austrian Mint
• Denomination: €10
• Quality: Proof/BU
• Limit: 60,000/40,000
• Alloy: 92.5% Sterling Silver
• Diameter: 32 mm
• Weight: 16 grams
• Artist: Th. Pesendorfer/H. Wähner
• Proof in jewel box with numbered certificate of authenticity. BU delivered in informative blister pack.

Additional Information

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In 1938, Austria was incorporated into the Third Reich and ceased to exist as an independent state. In 1945, Austria was divided into British, French, Soviet and American zones and governed by the Allied Commission for Austria. On April 27, the Declaration of Independence declared Austria's secession from the Third Reich and set up a provisional government in Vienna. This date is officially named the birthday of the Second Republic.

Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, graces the obverse of the coin as well as the front of the Austrian national parliament building. Together with the shields of the nine federal provinces along the right edge of the coin, she represents the Republic itself.

The reverse depicts the impressive National Parliament building, located in the capital city, Vienna, designed by Theophil Hansen. A broken chain stylistically flows through the middle of the coin, below which is depicted a cheering crowd – all celebrating the beginning of a new and democratic era.