Obverse: The center of the coin shows the denomination “25”, surrounded by a beaded circle. Around it are the nine heraldic shields of the Austrian federal provinces. Decorative plant sprigs are depicted below. Along the rim is the inscription “REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH”, with “25 SCHILLING” at the bottom.
Reverse: A portrait of the chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach facing right is depicted. Below the portrait are his life dates “1858–1929” and the year of issue “1958”. Around the portrait is the inscription “CARL AUER V. WELSBACH”, with the engraver’s signature “L. HUJER” below.
About the coin: This 25 schilling silver coin was minted in Austria in 1958 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Austrian chemist and inventor Carl Auer von Welsbach. The coin is made of .800 fine silver (20% copper alloy), weighs 13 g and has a diameter of 30 mm. It is a non-circulating commemorative coin issued during the period of the Second Austrian Republic. Auer von Welsbach is regarded as a pioneer of rare earth chemistry and the inventor of the gas mantle, which had a significant impact on science and industry.
