NumisMaster hat geschrieben:After the Royal Canadian Mint released the new world record largest gold coin in 2007, it seemed logical that eventually we'd see a record shattering silver coin as well.
Last week, perception was proven true when the Austrian Mint announced the production of the new world's largest silver, the Europe Taller 2008. The Mint chose this year's European Championship of Football as the forum to release the design, which will soon go on display at the Mint Museum in the city of Hall in Tirol, Austria.
Weighing in at 20.08 kg (aprox. 44 lbs.), with a diameter of 36 cm (14 inches), the Europe Taller puts a world record bullion coin a bit more in line with collectors budgets.
The obverse of the coin mimics the design of a 500-year-old coin featuring the image of Kaiser Maximilian I, who crowned himself Emperor in 1508. The coin was issued as propaganda and heralded the ruler as the "King of all the lands in Europe." The inscription included the word "Europe" on a coin for the first time.
The reverse of the coin centers around famous Europeans from throughout history, beginning with Martin Luther, and continuing through time to feature composer Antonio Vivaldi, inventor James Watt and Nobel Peace prize winner Bertha von Suttner.
In addition to the Europe Taller, the Mint will also issue smaller versions of the coin, weighing in a at 120 grams of fine silver with a diameter of 6cm. These coins have been minted specially for sale in 2008.