Euro Gold and Silver Commemorative Coins (Austria) - 2008 Europe Taler

The design on the obverse of the medal is five centuries old. 500 years ago in Trient, Kaiser Maximilian I crowned himself Emperor and a commemorative coin was issued by the Mint in Hall. An inscription in this side read: MAXIMILIANVS DEI GRA ROM IMP SEMP AVG ARCHIDVX AVSTRIE ("Maximilian, by the grace of God, Emperor of the Romans, Forever Augustus, Archduke of Austria"). This is the oldest known use of the word Europe on a coin. The image on the obverse corresponds to the time of Maximilian's coronation in 1508. It shows the emperor mounted in armour on a horse; in his hand he holds a banner with the imperial symbol, the double eagle.

The reverse shows important people in the history of Europe. One can easily make out the features of: Martin Luther, symbolising the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern period, his reformation affecting the religious and spiritual landscape of Europe; Antonio Vivaldi, exemplifying the importance of European cultural life; James Watt, 18th-century inventor of the first steam engine, representing the industrialization of Europe and the age of technical innovation and Bertha von Suttner, the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

In between the scenes dipicting the work of these notable Europeans is a tower, the symbol of the Hall Mint. Stars, a symbol of European unity, surround the tower and symbolize the transition to the European Union of the 21st century. The Latin text PLVRIVMQ(ve) EUROPE PROVINCIAR REX ET PRINCEPS POTENTISIM ("Of many European countries, King and most powerful prince") is also depicted in this side of the medal.

A special minting of replicas of the 2008 Europe Taler also celebrate the occasion. The design of the replicas is exactly the same, but dramatically reduced in size.