Austrian 100 Schilling 1975

The 1975 Austrian 100 Schilling coin features the Vienna Secession Building on its reverse, a striking nod to the art nouveau movement that influenced European architecture.

Struck at the Austrian State Mint in silver—specifically 0.900 fineness—it weighs 20 grams and has a diameter of 34 millimeters, making it a solid example of mid-20th-century commemorative design. The obverse shows the Austrian coat of arms, but it's the reverse's detailed relief of the Secession's golden dome that draws the eye, complete with its famous motto.

We don't know the exact mintage figure; records from that era can be spotty. What we do know is that these coins were part of a series celebrating architectural landmarks, though they didn't circulate widely.

Demand for silver in the 1970s meant many ended up in bullion hoards rather than collections. Collectors might quibble over toning, but that's numismatics for you.