Austrian 500 Schilling Restrike

This 1985 restrike of the Austrian 500 Schilling coin reused dies from its 1976 predecessor, preserving exact details like the imperial eagle and the coat of arms on the reverse.

That makes it a straightforward reproduction for collectors, struck in 900 fine gold at the Vienna Mint. The original design honored the 200th anniversary of Maria Theresa's death, though this version lacks the historical weight. Weighing 15.76 grams, it fits the standard for these commemoratives.

Exact mintage figures are murky; records from that era weren't always kept meticulously. What we know is that it was produced in limited numbers, likely for export or domestic enthusiasts.

Demand spiked briefly in the late 80s, but that's ancient history now. As for why anyone would restrike a coin, well, some things in numismatics are as enduring as bad haircuts from the same decade.