Austria 100 Schilling Silver Coin 2000 The Romans

Austria 100 Schilling Silver Coin 2000 The Romans

The second coin of the series commemorates the era of Roman rule in Austria - The Romans (Die Römer).

The obverse of the coin shows a detachment of Roman legionaries led by a centurion crossing the Danube by means of a pontoon bridge along with the inscription "2000 Republik Österreich 100 Schilling".  It was designed by Thomas Pesendorfer and was first released September 13, 2000.

Reverse: Bust of Marcus Aurelius right

Centuries formed the Danube the northern border of the Roman Empire. For strategic considerations, the Romans built a few solid bridges across the river into enemy territory. The Romans were excellent engineers and builders. For river crossings, they built pontoon bridges of boats. Here we see a delegation of Roman legionnaires, in which a centurion leading the Danube crossing. Such representations can also be seen on coins of Marcus Aurelius as well as on the Pillar of Emperor Trajan in Rome. The inscription on the coin is: Republic of Austria - 100 Schilling - 2000th

The striking face of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius grace this side of the new coin. Thomas Pesendorfers impressive profile portrait of the Emperor is based on several Roman models. As a sign of his high office the bearded Marcus Aurelius wearing a laurel wreath. A thrown around his shoulders jacket conceals the armor of a Roman general. His signature Latin Marcus Aurelius is the Rundschrift. His connection to Austria is well known that the Emperor of Carnuntum and Vindobona (Vienna) for two years led wars against the Marcomanni. According to tradition, he even died in Vindobona.