Myths, Treasures and Legends series

The Austrian Mint has launched its Myths, Treasures and Legends series with a proof gold coin that highlights relics associated with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. The series explores the Imperial House of Austria’s history and the religious and mythical worldviews connected to it with designs inspired by works of art in the Imperial Treasury in Vienna. 

The first release depicts relics that were believed to have come into contact with the blood of Christ: the Holy Lance (the weapon wielded by the Roman soldier Longinus, who is said to have inflicted Christ’s fatal wound), the Holy Grail (the bowl believed to have held Christ’s blood), a metal pin said to have been used to nail Christ to the cross, and the Relics of the True Cross, which are believed to have been stained with Christ’s blood. 

Helmut Andexlinger, Rebecca Koini, and Kathrin Kuntner designed the coin. The obverse features the Holy Lance, the metal pin, and the Relics of the True Cross. In the background is the Holy Grail (a 4th-century agate bowl). Along the rim is the legend 100 EURO • REPUBLIK OSTERREICH, and 2026 is at the bottom. The reverse depicts the crucified Christ as blood flows from his side into a bowl. Longinus stands at left, holding his lance. 

Available from the Austrian Mint’s website for US$2,776, the proof gold coin has a mintage of 20,000.

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