The Austrian Mint has shared images and information on its upcoming 2016 Easter Coin featuring an image inspired by Albrecht Dürer’s 1502 masterpiece, “Feldhase,” which translates from the German to “young hare” or “field hare.” The coin will be issued in copper and silver, and will be available for €5 and €16.80, respectively.
The reverse of the nine-sided coin features Austrian Mint Chief Engraver Thomas Pesendorfer’s recreation of the Feldhase, with Albrecht Dürer’s initials, “AD,” and the year of issue, 2016, inscribed in the field below the image. The obverse bears a design common to Austrian 5 euro coins, which includes the denomination placed in the center, surrounded by shields representing the nation’s nine provinces. Inscribed along the rim is REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH and the EURO portion of “5 EURO.”
The copper coin features an Uncirculated finish and has a mintage limited to 200,000 pieces, while the silver issue has a Special Uncirculated finish and will be limited to 50,000. The silver coin is composed of 10 grams of .800 silver; both coins measure 28.50 mm in diameter.
Dürer’s original painting was rendered in watercolors and is considered one of the finest animal studies ever created; an image of the work adorns the coins’ outer packaging. The “Dürer’s Young Hare” 2016 Easter copper and silver coins will be released on February 24, 2016. For more information, please visit the Web site of the Austrian Mint.
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