Schilling Coins: German and Austrian Denomination

Illustrated Specimen Details: Schilling

Example Specimen: 1 Schilling, 1974 (Republic of Austria)

Authority & Identification: This coin features the iconic edelweiss flower, a national symbol of Austria, also worn as a cap emblem by Austrian troops. The design, created by the Austrian sculptor and medalist Edwin Grienauer, has been minted annually during 1959-2001, with a total mintage exceeding 1.7 billion coins. The obverse reads "REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH", while the reverse displays "1 SCHILLING" and "EIN SCHILLING".

1. REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA (1924-2001): 1 schilling = 100 groschen
2. GERMAN STATES (14th-19th centuries): schilling = 12 pfennig (varies)
3. SWISS CANTONS (15th-19th centuries): schilling (various ratios)
4. LIVONIA (15th-17th centuries): 1 schilling = 1 out of 9 ferding
5. ESTONIA (16th century, Swedish and Danish): schilling

SCHILLING as a coin name. The Schilling is one of the most common historical coins in the world, distinct from the English "shilling". Historically, the schilling is the coin of German-speaking states, whereas the shilling is the coin of English-speaking countries. Issues date from the 14th century through 2001. Notable varieties include the Livonian schilling and the Teutonic schilling.

Historical and Linguistic Origin

Development of the Name

The name "schilling" emerged in German lands long before the first coin of that name. Originally, Germanic tribes used the term to refer to the Roman gold solidus. Following Charlemagne's monetary reform, a unit of account called the schilling was introduced, equal to 12 silver denier. The first actual coin of this denomination appeared in the 14th century, divided into 12 pfennig. The term derives from the ancient Germanic word skillingaz, meaning a division of value or a monetary unit.

Role in Northern European Trade

The schilling became a principal denomination during the medieval period and was instrumental in the commercial networks of the Hanseatic League. Because it was used for centuries across varying territories, its value fluctuated significantly. In many northern German systems (such as Hamburg and Lübeck), 1 schilling = 12 pfennig = 1 out of 16 mark. In other regions, it served as 1 out of 20 pound.

Modern Legacy

The schilling remained a vital part of Austrian life until the introduction of the euro. The 1974 specimen is a classic example of this long-standing currency tradition, blending the aesthetic of the Alpine edelweiss with a coin series that saw massive circulation during the 20th century. While modern collectors are often more familiar with the British shilling, the Germanic schilling holds a deeper, more complex history as a foundational unit of Central European trade.