From the CoinWeek IQ Encyclopedia:
5 Euro Silver Coin – 250th Anniversary of Schönbrunn Zoo | Tiergarten Schönbrunn (2002)
Once the imperial stomping grounds of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I (1708-1765), the Schönbrunn Zoo, also known as the Vienna Zoo, is the oldest zoo in the world and is home to more than 600 species of animals, including four Giant Pandas. The Austrian Mint issued a 5 euro silver coin to commemorate the zoo’s 250th anniversary. The first issue in Austria’s 5 euro coin program, this nine-sided coin is struck on 0.800 fine silver and measures 28.5 mm. The coin is legal tender in Austria at a face value of 5 euros and comes in two finishes: uncirculated and special uncirculated.
Coin Specifications:
Composition: 0.800 fine silver | Weight: 10.0 grams | Size: 28.5 mm
Design:
Obverse:
Designer: Helmut Andexlinger
The numeral “5” is encircled by the heraldic shields of Austria’s nine federal states (Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Vienna). The inscription REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH wraps around the rim. EURO is centered between two dots at the bottom. This design remains constant for all Austrian 5 euro silver coins struck to date.
Reverse:
Designer: Herbert Wähner
The historic imperial breakfast pavilion, a Schönbrunn Zoo landmark, is centered in the background. In the foreground is an assortment of animals, which from left to right are a penguin, a seal, a bear, a lion, a beaver, an ape, an owl, an elephant, and a giraffe. The designer’s name H. WÄHNER appears to the bottom left of the pavilion. The dual date 1752-2002 is located beneath the stairs at the bottom right. Wrapping around the top of the coin is the inscription 250 JAHRE TIERGARTEN SCHÖNBRUNN (250th Anniversary of Schönbrunn Zoo).
CoinWeek Austria 250th Anniversary of Schönbrunn Zoo Price Guide
Date | Mintage | MS-69 | |
2002 (Unc.) | 500,000 | $15.00 | |
2002 (Special Unc.) | 100,000 | $25.00 |