Austria has released its latest nine-sided five-euro coin in 0.800 silver and this one has a very cool design depicting the Bundesheer, the Austrian Armed Forces. Tasked primarily with the military defence of Austria, but also with defending constitutional institutions, preserving law and order and providing humanitarian aid in case of natural catastrophes, the forces consist of the usual land and air elements, but being a land-locked country, no navy.

The coin celebrates the work of the Bundesheer in peacekeeping and rescue missions, Austria not having been at war since the end of WWII. Designed by Mag. Helmut Andexlinger and Herbert Wähner, the reverse is an expertly realised combination of a soldier on a peacekeeping patrol carrying his Steyr Aug bullpup assault rifle and a Black Hawk helicopter in the act of rescue. Excellent composition, with nice detail and perspective, at just €15.40 it’s a no-brainer for the military coin collector. While only 8g of silver (10g overall weight as it’s 80% pure silver), it’s good value, although comes in a blister pack, not a box. Even cheaper is a copper version with a 200,000 mintage that sells for the coins face-vale, €5. Available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

In addition to their duty to defend Austrian territory, the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) play a vital role in international peacekeeping and humanitarian relief missions, and also provide invaluable assistance in cases of natural disaster. Commemorating the foundation of the Bundesheer in 1955, this dynamic 5 euro coin pays homage to the brave men and women who have been performing those duties for the past 60 years.

Signed on 15 May 1955, the Austria State Treaty brought an end to the occupation of the country in the aftermath of the Second World War and re-established Austria as an independent and democratic sovereign state. The treaty also paved the way for the foundation of the Austrian Armed Forces later the same year. The S-70 Black Hawk military transport helicopter, shown carrying out a rescue operation on the coin’s reverse, is symbolic of the vital role those forces play in protecting and assisting citizens, as is the soldier on a peacekeeping mission alongside the slogan ‘Schutz und Hilfe’ (protection and assistance) on the right of the coin. The coin’s obverse shows the coats of arms of the nine federal provinces of Austria.

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