1st Republic (1918-1938) Coins
The First Republic of Austria, established after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, marked a period of transition and challenges for the nation. During these two decades, Austria underwent significant changes in its political and economic system, reflected in its monetary system and coinage.
Historical and economic context
After World War I, Austria faced a severe economic crisis and the loss of much of its territory. Hyperinflation in the early 1920s led to the introduction of the Austrian schilling in 1925, replacing the Austro-Hungarian krone. This new currency symbolized an attempt to stabilize the economy and mark a new era for the country. However, the Great Depression of 1929 hit Austria hard, leading to a banking crisis in 1931 and a period of economic stagnation that persisted until the Anschluss of 1938.
Coins of the First Republic
The coins of the First Republic reflected the Austrian national identity and its changing economic situation. Early issues included bronze and nickel coins with groschen and schilling denominations. They featured designs depicting national symbols such as the Austrian federal eagle and allegorical figures of the republic. As the economic situation deteriorated, commemorative silver coins were introduced to attract investment and stimulate the economy. These pieces, such as the 1928 silver schilling commemorating the centenary of Franz Schubert, are now coveted by collectors. The quality and design of these coins reflect the rich Austrian numismatic tradition, which continued despite the economic difficulties of the period.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable 1st Republic (1918-1938) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Ancient coins of Austria
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Austria.
Austro-Hungarian Empire 1806-1918 1st Republic 1918-1938 2nd Republic 1945-2001 Euro 2002-?Coin Catalog
20 heller
20 kroner
100 kroner
200 kroner
1.000 kroner
1 groschen
2 groschen
10 groschen
1/2 schilling
1 schilling
100 schilling
2 schilling (100th Anniversary of the Death of Franz Schubert)
2 schilling (Centenary of the Birth of Theodor Billroth)
2 schilling (700th Anniversary of the Death of W. v/d Vogelweide)
5 groschen
2 schilling (175th Birthday Anniversary of Wolfgang A. Mozart)
2 schilling (Bicentenary of the Birth of Joseph Haydn)
2 schilling (Death of Dr. Ignaz Seipel)
1 schilling
2 schilling (Death of Dr. Engelbert Dollfuss)
5 schilling (Madonna of Mariazell)
50 groschen
2 schilling (25th Anniversary of Karl Lueger's Death)
100 schilling (Madonna of Mariazell)
2 schilling (Bicentennial of the Death of Prince Eugene of Savoy)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Austria
Can't find what you are looking for? Take a look at our coin finder and speed up your searches within the collections of all collectors, or if you prefer you can search directly in the list of coin collectors and access their profile to see their collections.