Austria: New Year’s Annual Silver Collector Coin For 2025 Features The Theme Of Dance

First introduced along with the adoption of the Euro currency in 2002, the annual New Year's coins highlight various themes, traditions and events associated with New Year celebrations in Austria. Since their launch, the coins have become favourite items of gift-giving during the holidays. For 2025, the theme of the coin is entitled Dance Away which welcomes the start of the New Year with an inspiring experience filled with lightness and joy. The New Year symbolises for many the freedom to release oneself from the burdens of the past year and to step confidently into the new one with vitality and optimism. The theme combines Vienna’s rich dance tradition with the positive symbolism of new beginnings. There is nothing more liberating than feeling completely detached for a moment and free of life’s everyday pressures. There is a sense of euphoria to dance with abandon, into a brand-new year whether on a ballroom coupled in the style of a Johann Strauss II. However, that same sense of contentment can be had just by dancing yourself as Grete Wiesenthal did with her solo waltz at the beginning of the 20th century. She caused quite a stir with her hitherto unseen force of physicality and intensity, but a highly developed sense of rhythm and movement for dance isn’t needed to have a positive effect on mind and body. Grete’s interpretation of the waltz was a welcome departure to all those who longed to dance into the New Year with ease, confidence and a sense of joie de vivre.

The coin‘s year of 2025 also marks the birthdays of composer Johann Strauss II and Grete Wiesenthal. Born 200 years ago, Johann Strauss II is world famous for the unforgettable waltz melodies that shaped Vienna's ballroom tradition and continue to embody its lightness, joy and unique elegance. His universally adored waltz The Blue Danube has become a symbol of the happiness and carefree spirit many feel during New Year’s celebrations. Born in 1885, Grete Wiesenthal revolutionised the world of dance in the early 20th century with her modern solo interpretation of the waltz. With her distinctive physicality and intensity, she broke away from traditional conventions, bringing an expressive, dynamic and vibrant style to the stage that continues to captivate to this day.

Designed by Helmut Andexlinger, the obverse side and intricate design of these nine-sided coins is inspired by two iconic figures of the legendary Viennese music and dance culture – the King of the Waltz, Johann Strauss II and dancer / choreographer Grete Wiesenthal, whose birth year anniversaries are celebrated. Depicted is a woman in her New Year’s party dress, on the dance floor and welcoming in the New Year with abandon and enthusiasm through dance. To the right, the year 2025 is shown in stylised numerals. The reverse of the coin shows the coats of arms of all nine of the provinces of Austria along with the denomination of 5 EURO with the numeral centred.  

Available from the 4th December, each selected uncirculated silver coin is presented in a blister-type folder with illustrations and text describing the coin’s motif. The uncirculated copper coins are sold without packaging and are available for their face value. For more details, please visit the e-webshop of the Austrian Mint.