Austrian 100 Schilling 1978

This 1978 100 Schilling coin was struck as part of Austria's series commemorating the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, even though it appeared two years later—a delay that might have puzzled athletes still catching their breath.

Weighing 20 grams and composed of .900 fine silver, it features a detailed obverse with the Austrian coat of arms and a reverse showing a stylized skier in mid-descent. The design, by artist Kurt Bodlak, reflects the host country's alpine prowess without the usual fanfare. Mintage figures are murky; official records from the Vienna Mint around that era were inconsistently kept.

Some collectors note the coin's edge inscription, a simple "100 SCHILLING," which contrasts with more elaborate commemoratives. As for myths, I've heard tales of these turning up in Olympic souvenir shops, but that's likely exaggeration—most were circulated domestically.

It's a solid piece, if unremarkable among the glut of event coins.