2020 Austria Copper €10 Knights' Tales (Fortitude)

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This striking 2020 copper coin from Austria transports observers back to the medieval era, celebrating the virtue of fortitude through the legacy of the Hospitallers. Founded in Jerusalem in the year 1099, this historic order is commemorated in the third release of the engaging Knights' Tales series. Struck in copper with a weight of 1/2 ounce, the coin showcases how everyday life and noble duties intertwined centuries ago. The obverse features the Republic of Austria inscription alongside the ten euro denomination and the 2020 year of issue. The central design displays the coat of arms cross of the order, supported by a mythical, heraldic hippocamp, which is a creature resembling a sea-horse. This distinctive eight-pointed cross carries deep meaning, representing an ongoing struggle against human hardships including sickness, loneliness, homelessness, hunger, unkindness, and neglect. On the reverse, the design shifts to a vivid narrative scene depicting two figures in a medieval setting. One figure stands with a drawn sword, while the other is shown haggling at a busy market stall. This detailed illustration offers a captivating glimpse into the commerce and security of the era, inviting modern viewers to contemplate the daily realities of the ancient knights and the communities they protected.