The Austrian Mint has just released the 6th coin in its bi-metallic Silver /Niobium series. The 2008 installment is titled “Fascination Light” in tribute to the 150 anniversary of the birth of the great Austrian chemist and entrepreneur, Dr. Carl Baron Auer von Welsbach (1858-1929).

The use of Niobium makes this coin both unusual and colorful. Niobium is a shiny gray, ductile metal that takes on a bluish tinge when exposed to air at room temperature for extended periods. It can also be “Heat Treated” and oxidized to create a number of different colors as is evidenced on the other five preceding coins in this bimetallic series.

The new € 25 obverse depicts a scene from the late 19th century when Welsbach’s inventions were quite new. The design features a nostalgic gas lamp lighter perched on a ladder, at dusk, in front of the Vienna City Hall, and lighting one of the gas lanterns. This was an everyday occurrence around 1800. This side of the coin also bears the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich”, Republic of Austria, the face value of 25 euros and the year of issue, 2008.

In the center of reverse of the coin on the niobium core, is depicted a stylised sun, the ultimate source of light. Radiating out from the sun, into the silver ring and starting in the left side of the design field is a three quarter portrait of Carl Auer von Welsbach.

The 2008 silver and niobium coin is struck with a 900 fine outer silver ring and a pure niobium core, was designed by mint engraver Herbert Waehner. This year the niobium has taken on a brilliant green color. The color is achieved by heat treating and oxidizing the niobium core. In addition, the surface of the niobium core has been given an extra finish prior to striking the coin, giving the coin and its finely engraved details a brighter almost glowing finish.

Carl Auer von Welsbach was born in Vienna in 1858. He studied math, chemistry and physics at the Technical University of Vienna and then transferred to the University of Heidelberg. He became a chemist, and excelled in the field of rare earth metals. Rare earth minerals are increasingly important today as they are used in catalytic converters, in petroleum refining and a variety of other items from ceramics to producing compounds to polish glass. He is credited with isolating four elements: praseodymium, neodymium, ytterbium and lutetium. Among his many discoveries and developments probably the most commonly used are the metal filament for light bulbs and the flint used in lighters.

There is a total mintage of 65,000. For more information on how to order, see the Austrian Mint web site

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