Austria - 25 Euro - 2009 - Year Of Astronomy - Niobium

Austria - 25 Euro
Year: 2005
Series Silver Niobium Coin Series
Theme: Year Of Astronomy
Composition: Silver-Niobium 
Fineness: 0.900
Weight: 16.5000g
KM# 
Quality: Special uncirculated FC
Diameter: 34mm
Mint Münze Österreich
Mintage: 65.000
Delivery In original box with certificate of authenticity

It is only fitting that the silver niobium coin struck in honour of UNESCO’s International Year of Astronomy 2009 should bear the portrait of Galileo Galilei. A must for all stargazers, this striking 25 euro coin also pays tribute to 400 years of the telescope.

In 1609, mathematician and astronomer Galileo first observed the moon with a telescope. His subsequent drawings of its surface provide the background to his portrait on this marvellous golden yellow silver niobium 25 euro coin’s reverse. The Sterling silver ring around its niobium core shows the development of the telescope spanning from Isaac Newton to present-day radio telescopes. The dark side of the moon was, however, beyond Galileo’s reach. A satellite is shown orbiting it on the obverse of the coin, while the outer silver ring shows planet Earth partly covered by the moon and a stylised sun illuminating the heavens