Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Euro 2008, KM# 3156, Austria, Eurostar - Cultural Heritage, 100th Anniversary of Birth of Herbert von Karajan
  • 5 Euro 2008, KM# 3156, Austria, Eurostar - Cultural Heritage, 100th Anniversary of Birth of Herbert von Karajan
Description

Herbert von Karajan (1908–1989) was an Austrian conductor. He was principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for 35 years. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, and he was a dominant figure in European classical music from the mid-1950s until his death. Part of the reason for this was a large number of recordings he made and their prominence during his lifetime. By one estimate he was the top-selling classical music recording artist of all time, having sold an estimated 200 million records.

The collector coin is part of the Europa Coin Programme, also known as the European Silver Programme, or the Eurostar Programme. It is an initiative dedicated to the issuance of collector-oriented legal tender coins in precious metals to celebrate European identity. The issuing authorities of EU member countries voluntarily contribute coins to the Europa Coin Programme. Multiple countries have participated in the programme, beginning in 2004. Some coins are denominated in euro, others are denominated in other currencies.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Herbert von Karajan in one of his well-known dramatic poses while conducting. It is based on a photo portrait. In the background are the notes of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony; a reference to his arrangement of the European anthem. The Eurostar logo before the date.

The Eurostar logo is the special mark used on coins to indicate participation in the Europa Coin Programme.

Designer: Thomas Pesendorfer (TP)

2008
HERBERT
VON
KARAJAN
1908
1989
TP

Reverse

Depicts the coats of arms of Austria's nine provinces encircling the number 5. The nine sides of the coin symbolize those nine provinces.

Designer: Helmut Andexlinger

REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH
5
• EURO •

Edge

5 Euro

Eurostar - Cultural Heritage
100th Anniversary of Birth of Herbert von Karajan

Subscribe series
KM# 3156 Schön# 354
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.800
Weight 10 g
Diameter 28.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 9
Alignment Medal
Mint
Austrian Mint

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