2022 Austria Copper-Nickel 2022 Austria Copper-Nickel Course set PP PP

Approved by the European Council of Ministers in 1987, the Erasmus Programme promotes cultural, social and academic exchanges between European students. But who exactly was the Erasmus after whom the programme was named?

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was a Renaissance cosmopolitan who worked in many European countries. He died in Basel almost half a millennium ago, but is still considered an important humanist, philologist, church reformer and pioneering spirit of the Enlightenment. In 1509, he wrote his most famous work, In Praise of Folly, a satire that looks at the many faces of human ignorance.

The Erasmus+ programme 2021–2027 places a strong focus on social inclusion, digital change, combating climate change and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. In 2022, the countries of the EU Economic and Monetary Union are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Erasmus Programme with the issue of a special 2 euro Erasmus coin. The coin is the crowning glory of this Official Austrian Euro Coin Set 2022, which consists of eight Proof quality coins with values from 1 cent to 2 euros. The set makes for an ideal gift, a lasting memento or a fitting souvenir of Austria. 

Proof quality coins are the fruit of the most advanced minting know-how, technology and craftsmanship. Only after 22 high-precision procedures is the die used to strike the first coin, which is then subjected to the most rigorous technical demands. Before each coin leaves Münze Österreich AG, it is scrutinised in great detail to guarantee that design, craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology have successfully transformed a simple piece of metal into a work of art.

2 Euro

In front of a network symbolising intellectual and cultural exchange between students from different nations, the largest coin features a representation of the famous portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam painted by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1523.

1 Euro

Born in Salzburg, Austria’s most famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, will forever be remembered for his dominance of Viennese classical music during his short life.

50 Cent

The jewel in the Viennese Modernist crown, the Secession exhibition hall still exudes modernity more than a century after it was built.

20 Cent

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the Belvedere was once the palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today it is home to some of the world’s most famous paintings, including The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

10 Cent

 Construction began on Vienna’s gothic St Stephen's cathedral over 800 years ago. Its roof and tower, which feature on the 10 cent coin, still dominate the Vienna skyline today.

5 Cent

The three smallest coins in the collection are all decorated with alpine flowers. The 5 cent piece with primula auricula, the mountain cowslip.

2 Cent

Made world famous by the song from the musical The Sound of Music, the edelweiss adorns the 2 cent coin.

1 Cent

The smallest coin in circulation rounds of the coin set’s trio of alpine flower with a gentian.