Newly released from the Austrian Mint is a Secrets of Snow issue that extols the enchanting virtues of winter weather. German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) was the first to write a treatise on the subject, He asked why snowflakes, although unique from one another, are always hexagonal in shape.
“Secrets of Snow” coin. (Photo: Austrian Mint)
Snowflakes retain that magic and mystery today, as exemplified by the mint’s new proof coin—a silver 20 euro designed by Anna Schlindner. The obverse captures some of this magic with a magnified snowflake bedazzled with an ice-blue gemstone in its center. The reverse continues the theme with an allegorical depiction of Winter, who appears as an ice princess adorned in an intricately decorated crown and cloak. Mintage is limited to 30,000. To order, visit the Austrian Mint’s website.
A version of this article appears in the December 2023 issue of The Numismatist (money.org).