1979 Austria 100 Schilling Silver Coin Vienna International Centre 🇦🇹 0.640 Silver UN Building Commemorative Vintage Austrian Coin
Condition Notes:
Excellent overall condition with sharp architecture lines and distinct lettering on both sides. The obverse, depicting the Vienna International Centre complex, shows precise engraving with minimal surface contact marks. The reverse features Austria’s federal and provincial shields encircling the denomination “100 Schilling” with clear, uniform strike depth. Minor handling evidence visible under close inspection, consistent with well-preserved silver issues from this series. Please look at photos and judge for yourself.
Description:
This 1979 Austrian 100 Schilling silver coin commemorates the inauguration of the **Vienna International Centre (VIC)**—also known as the **UNO City**—a major complex that became the third official headquarters of the United Nations alongside New York and Geneva. Completed in 1979, it symbolizes Austria’s growing role in international diplomacy and cooperation during the late 20th century.
The obverse depicts the modernist Vienna International Centre architecture designed by Austrian architect **Johann Staber**, reflecting the bold lines and futuristic spirit of late-1970s design. The reverse features the Austrian national and regional coats of arms surrounding the denomination, a layout used across Austria’s distinguished 100 Schilling silver commemorative series.
**Why Collectors Value This Coin**
This issue is highly regarded among both architectural and diplomatic-themed coin collectors. As one of the last commemorative coins of the pre-Euro era, it stands out for its sharp geometric design, symbolic significance, and association with global unity through the United Nations.
**Specifications**
- Mint: Austrian Mint (MĂĽnze Ă–sterreich), Vienna
- Designer/Engraver: Zeiler
- Composition: 0.640 Silver
- Weight: 23.98 g
- Diameter: 34 mm
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.492 troy oz
- Edge: Reeded
- Mintage: Approx. 1 million
Provenance: From my grandfather’s private collection—he was an antique dealer in Austria who carefully preserved Austrian commemorative silver issues for decades. This coin has been stored in a protective sleeve in a temperature-controlled environment and has never been cleaned or polished, preserving its original vintage surface.
Please look at photos and judge for yourself.
Estimated Condition: About Uncirculated (AU)
If you’re collecting Austrian 25 and 100 Schilling commemorative silver coins from the 1960s–1970s, please check my other listings—from the same carefully preserved family collection.