Information about effigy: Shield of Austria

This shield is part of the Coat of Arms of Austria, where it is shown on the breast of an eagle with outstretched wings. It is also used on its own on some coins issued by Austria.

The shield is divided horizontally into three parts. The top and the bottom parts have a background of thin vertical lines; this is "heraldic hatching" indicating colour - the vertical lines are for red, and no lines are for white. Thus, it displays the colours of the flag of Austria - red-white-red.