Logo Title
obverse
reverse
Münze Österreich AG

25 Euro (Carl Auer von Welsbach) – Austria

Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 150th anniversary of the birth of Carl Auer von Welsbach.
Austria
Context
Year: 2008
Issuer: Austria Issuer flag
Period:
(since 1945)
Currency:
(since 2002)
Total mintage: 65,000
Material
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 16.5 g
Shape: Round
Composition: Bimetallic (Niobium center, Silver ring)
Technique: Milled
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard3158
Numista: #27917
Value
Exchange value: 25 EUR = $29.54
Inflation-adjusted value: 40.19 EUR

Obverse

Inscription:
REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH

25 EURO

2008
Translation:
REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA

25 EURO

2008
Language: German
Engraver: H. Wähner

Reverse

Inscription:
NEON
Engraver: H. Wähner

Edge

Plain

Mints

NameMark
Münze Österreich

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
200865,000

Historical background

In 2008, Austria was a member of the European Union and a full participant in the Eurozone, having adopted the euro as its official currency in 1999 (for accounting purposes) and introducing euro banknotes and coins in 2002. Consequently, the country did not have an independent national currency policy; its monetary policy was set by the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt. This meant that Austria's primary economic tools during the unfolding global financial crisis were fiscal policy and the management of its banking sector, rather than direct control over interest rates or currency valuation.

The currency situation was nonetheless critical, as the stability of the euro itself became a central concern. Austria's financial system was particularly exposed to the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe, as its banks (like Erste Group and Raiffeisen Bank International) had aggressively expanded there. As the crisis intensified in late 2008, fears grew about the solvency of these banks and the potential for massive capital outflows, which put indirect pressure on the euro. Austria's currency situation was thus intrinsically linked to the euro's strength and the perception of risk within the wider European banking system.

Domestically, the fixed exchange rate of the euro provided stability by eliminating currency risk with its main trading partners, but it also removed the option of devaluation to boost competitiveness. The government's focus turned to securing euro-denominated liquidity for its banks and participating in coordinated EU-wide rescue efforts. Ultimately, Austria navigated the 2008 crisis within the framework of the Eurozone, relying on ECB interventions and European solidarity to maintain currency stability, while confronting a severe banking crisis that was largely homegrown in its causes.
Somewhat Rare