Invitation to the Press Conference and Presentation of the Coin Series “White Gold from the Salzkammergut”
02. February 2024
The Austrian Mint is dedicating a new coin series to “White Gold from
the Salzkammergut” and we invite you to a press conference given by Münze Österreich AG and the Natural History Museum
(NHM) Vienna on 13 February 2024 at 10:30 am in the Hallstatt Hall of the NHM Vienna. The images on the exhibited
series of coins are also dedicated to Hallstatt’s rich archaeological heritage.
Hallstatt,
with its millennia-old history of salt mining, takes us on a journey to distant worlds that are still very close and familiar
to us today. The series of coins features images of mining, done by hand yet using sophisticated techniques 3,000 years ago.
The coins also focus on the important finds from the Hallstatt burial grounds; Hallstatt also lent its name to an entire cultural
era, the “Hallstatt period”, which is designates part of the Early Iron Age around 800-400 BC.
A scientific team of archaeologists from the NHM’s Prehistory Department under the direction of Karina Grömer consulted with Münze Österreich AG on the design of the coins. At the press event, we will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration and detail how scientists, artists and engravers worked together to design the coins.
The Austrian Mint has also developed an educational programme for schoolchildren which will also be presented and will be available to the public in the form of coin workshops on Deck 50, the multimedia location for science communication at the NHM Vienna. Scientists collaborated in the development of a school programme focusing on how coin images are created and on Hallstatt research, with special attention paid to how its mining tools were used, but also on the everyday life of the ancient Hallstatt people, including food, jewellery and clothing. Textile archaeology, for example, focuses on the weaving and dyeing technique used for blue jeans and Coco Chanel’s famous houndstooth pattern, which can trace its origins to Hallstatt. The approach people took with valuable resources such as salt, metals, textiles and even wood, including evidence of recycling, is also a part of the workshop, as an emphasis on “lasting values” is at the forefront of our educational work. Images of the Hallstatt culture have been prepared as teaching materials for schools and teachers.
Salinen Austria AG and Salzwelten GmbH have supported the archaeological excavations of the NHM Vienna for years, both financially and with mining expertise. In return, the latest research findings have been incorporated into the guided tours of the Hallstatt’s salt mines. This combination of science, business and tourism is certainly unique for an active salt mine and a world-famous destination for visitors. It is also noteworthy that over one million m³ of brine has been mined in Hallstatt to date.
Events will also take place in the Salzkammergut region, which are planned in cooperation with the Austrian Mint and the Natural History Museum Vienna.
Date: 13 February 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
Venue: Natural History Museum Vienna, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Hallstatt Hall 12 I mezzanine floor
Admission: from 10:00 a.m.; start: at 10:30 a.m.
Programme
Welcome:
Dr. Katrin Vohland, NHM Vienna, Director General and Scientific Director
Introductory words and presentation of the new coin series:
Gerhard Starsich, Director General of the Austrian Mint
On the design of the coins:
Helmut Andexlinger, Head of the Engraving Department, Austrian Mint with
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Karina Grömer, Director of the Prehistoric Department of the NHM Vienna
On the cooperation with the NHM Vienna and the Austrian Mint:
Barbara Winkelbauer, Managing Director of Salzwelten AG
Finally, employees of the Prehistoric Department will provide insights into Hallstatt research.
Please register for the press conference at: presse@nhm-wien.ac.at
A scientific team of archaeologists from the NHM’s Prehistory Department under the direction of Karina Grömer consulted with Münze Österreich AG on the design of the coins. At the press event, we will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration and detail how scientists, artists and engravers worked together to design the coins.
The Austrian Mint has also developed an educational programme for schoolchildren which will also be presented and will be available to the public in the form of coin workshops on Deck 50, the multimedia location for science communication at the NHM Vienna. Scientists collaborated in the development of a school programme focusing on how coin images are created and on Hallstatt research, with special attention paid to how its mining tools were used, but also on the everyday life of the ancient Hallstatt people, including food, jewellery and clothing. Textile archaeology, for example, focuses on the weaving and dyeing technique used for blue jeans and Coco Chanel’s famous houndstooth pattern, which can trace its origins to Hallstatt. The approach people took with valuable resources such as salt, metals, textiles and even wood, including evidence of recycling, is also a part of the workshop, as an emphasis on “lasting values” is at the forefront of our educational work. Images of the Hallstatt culture have been prepared as teaching materials for schools and teachers.
Salinen Austria AG and Salzwelten GmbH have supported the archaeological excavations of the NHM Vienna for years, both financially and with mining expertise. In return, the latest research findings have been incorporated into the guided tours of the Hallstatt’s salt mines. This combination of science, business and tourism is certainly unique for an active salt mine and a world-famous destination for visitors. It is also noteworthy that over one million m³ of brine has been mined in Hallstatt to date.
Events will also take place in the Salzkammergut region, which are planned in cooperation with the Austrian Mint and the Natural History Museum Vienna.
Date: 13 February 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
Venue: Natural History Museum Vienna, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Hallstatt Hall 12 I mezzanine floor
Admission: from 10:00 a.m.; start: at 10:30 a.m.
Programme
Welcome:
Dr. Katrin Vohland, NHM Vienna, Director General and Scientific Director
Introductory words and presentation of the new coin series:
Gerhard Starsich, Director General of the Austrian Mint
On the design of the coins:
Helmut Andexlinger, Head of the Engraving Department, Austrian Mint with
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Karina Grömer, Director of the Prehistoric Department of the NHM Vienna
On the cooperation with the NHM Vienna and the Austrian Mint:
Barbara Winkelbauer, Managing Director of Salzwelten AG
Finally, employees of the Prehistoric Department will provide insights into Hallstatt research.
Please register for the press conference at: presse@nhm-wien.ac.at
© Münze Österreich AG
