2017-02-07 Tue

The first Angel, Michael is celebrated on the first of the four-coin Guardian Angel series by the Austrian Mint. Michael is part of many folklore and legends that are common to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He is a protector of the Jews in the Old Testament and the leader of God's army of angels in the Book of Revelations in the Christian New Testament. He was also a patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire which consisted of present day Austria as well.

The obverse features a set of scales and a sword which are common symbols to depict Saint Michael. A letter "M" resembling a medieval manuscript is also inscribed. The grapevine and leaves are in royal blue on the silver proof version. The letters of the word REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH are separated by dots; same is the case with the denomination, 10 EURO. The date 2017 is also mentioned on the obverse.

The reverse recreates the famous 13th-century painting of Saint Michael slaying a dragon. The painting was found on an altar in the Church of Saint Miquel de Soriguerola in Spain; and is now showcased at the National Museum of Art of Catalonia in Barcelona. Michael’s wings are clearly seen and a halo is depicted around the head. The design also includes the eight-pointed stars. Many dragon heads emerge from the dragon's tail. The reverse has no inscriptions.

The mintage limit of the 16.82g .925 Silver coin is 60,000 and that of the 15.00g copper coin is 1,30,000.