Like many other mints, the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich) produces a variety of coins in precious metals targeted at collectors or investors. Most of these are in formats based on the internationally popular troy ounce, including in the half ounce (1/2oz) of gold format. The most famous range that the mint produces is the Vienna Philharmonic, but it also strikes gold half ounces with other themes.
This coin is the third release in the Magic of Gold six-coin series, and features the Gold of the Incas.
The mint says about it:
From the 13th to the 16th centuries, the Incas ruled over a huge, highly developed empire made up of hundreds of Andean tribes, the origins of which were derived from a sacred place, star or animal. The official religion was the sun cult. Temples dedicated to the sun were built throughout the realm, which at its peak stretched from Ecuador in the north to parts of Chile and western Argentina in the south. The best known is the Coricancha, which was located in Cusco in present-day Peru, the political, military and administrative centre of the Inca empire. Unfortunately, the temple, and little else besides, did not survive the Spanish conquest of the late-sixteenth century.
So in awe of the sun were the Incas that they believed gold to be its tears and a representation of the sun's regenerative powers. This may explain why gold had a purely spiritual meaning for the Incas and why they were such skilled goldsmiths. The smelting and crafting of gold were religious rituals for the Incas, who crafted incomparable works of art with the precious metal. Their sun temples were decorated with gold, which is even believed to have adorned the walls, both exterior and interior. Among the living, only the ruler was allowed to wear gold jewellery as proof that he was of divine birth - a descendant of the sun god himself, no less.
All six coins in the Magic of Gold series feature ancient art treasures, and the word "gold" is written on each of them in the respective script of the culture they explore. |
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The obverse of the coin features a stylised llama in the centre, which is modeled on gold offerings. Behind it stands an opening in a highly decorative wall, a reference to the Coricancha, the "Golden Temple". To the right is a deity with tears rolling down his cheeks. A Quipu, or knot record, the system used by the Incas to communicate information and keep records, is shown on the bottom left.
Around above, the legend REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH (translated from German: Republic of Austria).
On two lines above left, the face value and denomination: 100 EURO, below which the date of issue 2021. |
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