Gold Coin "THE CROWN OF THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE" 2008 “Crowns of the House of Habsburgs” Series

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November 5, 2008 Vienna, The Austria Mint today unveiled its new gold commemorative series “Crowns of the Habsburg Empire”. The five coin series begins this year with the 1,000 year old crown of the Holy Roman Empire.

The new 100 Euro gold coin depicts the crown on the obverse side of the coin. The representation of the crown on the coin is shown place on top of a part of the mediaeval coronation robes. The robe incorporates the single headed eagle which was the symbol of the Roman Empire and of the Caesars. Also depicted on this side is the country of issue “Republik Oesterreich”, the Republic of Austria, the year of issue 2008 and the face value, 100 euros. As well along the lower inside edge are the words “Krone des HL Romsichen Reiches” or crown of the Holy Roman Empire.

The reverse shows a picture of Otto I based on a drawing from c. 1200. In the background is old St. Peter’s Basilica in mediaeval Rome where Otto’s imperial coronation took place in 962.

[It is interesting to note that Mediaeval drawings were not portraits as we understand them, but representations. Often the artist (sitting in a monastery scriptorium) would never even have seen his subject. This drawing is based on a sketch in a Milan manuscript from about 1200 in other words over 200 yrs after Otto's death. The crown depicted in this drawing is not any particular crown, rather it is there to simply represent royal power,
and imperial status.)

When the empire of the Caesars in the west sunk beneath the waves of barbarian invasions, it left a ghostly memory of unity and peace among the peoples of Europe and even among the rulers who had replaced it. On Christmas Day in the year 800 Pope Leo III, seeking a powerful protector from his enemies, crowned the Frankish king, Charlemagne, in St. Peter’s in Rome, thus reviving the imperial title that had vanished three centuries before. Charlemagne was the first ruler to unite much of what had been the Roman Empire in the west. Charlemagne’s empire, however, declined amidst the squabbles of his heirs.

Most historians regard the coronation by Pope John XII of Otto I in 962 as the true birth of the Holy Roman Empire. For it was during the reign of Otto I (936 – 973), that a territorial empire comparable with that of Rome and Charlemagne once more existed. The Holy Roman Empire continued until Francis II, when under pressure from Napoleon, he was persuaded to lay down the centuries-old crown in 1806 and finally dissolve the remnants of the Roman Empire in Europe.

There is hardly a crown with such symbolic importance in the history of Europe as that of the Holy Roman Empire. Although it became largely the symbol of a prestigious office having little actual power outside the territories of the emperor himself, the crown was a coveted prize for the powerful kings of Europe. Even Henry VIII of England tried to get himself elected to the venerable crown of Rome in 1519. The crown was never hereditary, but by arranging the election of each successor in the lifetime of the emperor, the House of Habsburg ensured an almost unbroken possession of the crown and title for three and a half centuries.

The crown of the Holy Roman Empire is an octagonal shaped crown with eight panels that are round at the top and hinged together. The panels contain pearls and stones that are set into holes cut into the gold panels, allowing the light to shine through and held in place by fine gold wires. Four of the eight panels have enamelled panels with scenes from the Bible, surrounded with stone and pearls. The enamelled panels depict King David, King Solomon, the Prophet Isaiah and King Hezekiah, as well as Christ enthroned between two angels with the inscription “per me reges regnant” (through me do kings rule). The other four panels, known as “stone plates” are set with precious stones, and pearls. The frontal cross was added by Henry II, while the arch symbolising universal rule was an addition by Conrad II. The arch is decorated with pearls, some of which are also arranged to spell the name Conrad II.

Today the crown is housed in the imperial treasury in the Vienna Hofburg. The crown is usually attributed to Otto I in 962 and was probably the work of goldsmiths in the Rhineland.

The new 100-Euro gold coin is struck in proof quality (reverse frosting) with a maximum mintage of 30,000 pieces. The coin has a diameter of 30 mm., contains 16 grams of gold and is .986 fine. Each coin is encapsulated and comes in a box with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Not only does this coin mark the beginning of a new series, but it is also accompanied by a unique lapel pin plated with gold and bearing a miniature version of the Holy Roman Empire Crown.

A wooden collection case with a red velvet insert on the lid with a miniature reproduction of a heraldic crown of an Austria Archduke, may be purchased separately for the series.

The series “Crowns of the House of Habsburg” will be continued next year with a coin for the crown of an Austrian Archduke.

Gold Coin "THE CROWN OF THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE" is a perfect gift coin for Birthday or any special occasion for a loved one!

Nice and perfect gift!

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