2016-04-20 Wed

The first 2016 Austrian Mint coin is dedicated to the Vienna Opera Ball as it celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

It was first hosted by the Imperial Court of the Habsburg dynasty in 1814. The event was hauled for 17 years due to the Second World War and then re-established in 1956 at the newly re-opened Vienna State Opera. Dancing was not officially allowed that night but after midnight the first dance took place.

The obverse depicts a young couple with a lady holding a bouquet of flowers highlighted in pink, while a young gentleman kisses her hand. Other inscriptions include ‘REPUBLIC ÖSTERREICH, ‘2016’, the text ‘WEINER OPERNBALL’ and the face value.

The reverse portrays the couples coming to the dance floor in straight lines to perform the first waltz. Other participants applaud the young couples. Many more participants are noted observing the official opening.