Designers: Michael Powolny (WS), Edwin Grienauer (Madonna)
Minted from 1935-1938
Obv.: Eagle
Rev.: Standing figure of Maria Zell Madonna
Historical
The schilling was introduced in 1925 and replaced the koruna. This currency of the K&K monarchy had been devalued as a result of inflation after World War 1. The shilling was divided into 100 groschen and was originally to be called Stüber. From 1935 to 1938, during the period of the Federal State of Austria, Austrian coins had a double-headed eagle with the inscription Austria on the obverse, in front of which they displayed the single-headed eagle with the inscription Republic of Austria.
The double-headed eagle: although the double-headed eagle is known as the symbol of the K&K monarchy, it was the official state emblem of the Austrofascist "Federal State of Austria" from 1934-1938. After all oppositional activities outside the Vaterländische Front had been banned by the dictatorial government of Dollfuß and Schuschnigg, the intention was to remove from the coat of arms everything that was in the least reminiscent of communism and socialism. Instead, the two-headed eagle was to symbolize a return to the days of the Holy Roman Empire. Therefore, the double-headed eagle was also introduced and modified for this purpose. At the same time, however, the new coat of arms also clarified the ideology of the regime and the desire to present itself as a kind of "better Germany".
Maria Zell Madonna: The reverse of the coin shows the Maria Zell Madonna, the Magna Mater Austriae, also called the Madonna of the Bells. The model for the design is the late Romanesque wooden image of the Virgin Mary in the Mariazell Basilica. The Roman Catholic church is the most important pilgrimage site in Austria and is one of the most important holy places in Europe. In addition, Mariazell is the only place of pilgrimage in the German-speaking world, which also holds the title of national shrine. The Habsburgs already recognized that Mariazell was perfectly suited as a state shrine thanks to its medieval founding legends with references to Bohemian and Hungarian lands. Thus, from the 17th century onwards, the basilica became the dynasty's pilgrimage destination par excellence.
The image of the Virgin Mary itself receives a new, elaborately designed dress every year, which are often donated as votive offerings or by wealthy people. The design of a so-called dress of grace is still considered a special honor today.
