2016-02-27 Sat

Time waits for no one. Or does it? Chronometry or the study of time has been a mysterious subject that has amused philosophers, physicists and religious figures all over the world. From theory of relativity to black holes and time machines, time has played a very vital role in physics, science and life too.

The Austrian Mint’s best-selling silver-niobium coins, uses a two-tone niobium core and outer silver ring to show a selection of timepieces throughout the ages.

The obverse shows the country of issue REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH (Republic of Austria) and the face value. Main design devices include an analogue clock face in the two-toned niobium core, incorporating Roman numerals for the hours, and signs of the zodiac marking astronomical progressions, as well as a chronometer showing seconds and minutes in the outer silver ring.

On the coin’s reverse, ZEIT is inscribed at the bottom, in the outer ring. The sun and moon are featured, along with an hourglass and watch mechanism. A time spiral begins in the ring and extends into the centre core. Concurrent digital times in Tokyo, Vienna and New York City are shown along the right side of the ring.

Both sides of the coins were designed and engraved by mint engraver Helmut Andexlinger.