2021 Austria Silver €5 New Year's: Janus

---

Time is a bridge between what was and what will be, a concept beautifully captured in this silver five-euro piece from Austria. Struck to commemorate the arrival of 2021, the coin centers its theme on Janus, the ancient Roman deity of transitions, beginnings, and passages. The Austrian government guarantees this piece, which contains one quarter ounce of fine silver. On the obverse, the dual nature of Janus is brought to life. One face appears aged and bearded, gazing back at the past, while the other face is youthful, looking forward into the future. Behind this double portrait, the doors of the Roman Forum temple of Janus stand as a backdrop, while the outer edge of the design is adorned with a clock face set against a starry sky and a sun. The reverse side of the coin features an intricate, decorative key. Embedded within the bow of this ornate key is the year 2021, symbolizing the unlocking of a brand new year. With a limited mintage of 50,000 pieces, this coin is a fascinating study in how ancient mythology can be woven into modern numismatic art.