25 Austrian Schilling Gold Coin | 1926 - 1938

25 Schilling, Austria

5.881 g gross, 900 fine, 5.293 g of pure gold, 21 mm across — almost the same size as a 20 franc piece, with a little more gold in it.

Specifications

Two designs, one denomination

From 1926 to 1934 the coin is by Arnold Hartig: an eagle with the Austrian shield on one side, 25 SCHILLING and the date on the other. No coins were dated 1932.

From 1935 to 1938, under the Standestaat, the design changes completely: a double-headed eagle by Joseph Prinz on one side and St Leopold holding a model church and a banner, by Edwin Grienauer, on the other.

Both types hold the same 5.293 g of gold. Which you receive depends on the date.

Exactly 900, and why that matters

HMRC’s test for gold bullion is a fineness of not less than 900 thousandths. This coin is exactly 900. It clears the threshold, but with nothing to spare — a coin a shade below that line would attract VAT as a collectable rather than being treated as bullion gold.

VAT and UK capital gains tax

HMRC treats a coin minted after 1800 as bullion gold if it is at least 900 thousandths fine, is or has been legal tender in its country of origin, and normally sells at no more than 180 per cent of the open market value of its gold (VAT Notice 701/21A). The coin is 900 fine, was Austrian legal tender and is sold close to the gold price, so it meets all three tests.

Capital gains tax is a separate matter. The UK exemption follows sterling legal tender, so it covers Sovereigns and Britannias but not an Austrian coin. This is a statement of the published rule, not tax advice — your own position depends on your circumstances.

Questions buyers ask

Which design will I receive? It depends on the date. Coins to 1934 carry the Hartig eagle type; 1935 and later carry St Leopold.

How much gold does it contain? 5.293 g of pure gold at 900 fineness.

How does it compare with a 20 franc coin? Almost the same diameter, but 5.293 g of gold against 5.806 g. The 20 franc is the heavier of the two.

Is it exempt from UK capital gains tax? No. That exemption follows sterling legal tender.

Authenticity checked at GoldInvest24 before dispatch. Other sizes are on the historic gold coins page. Live quotes on the precious metals prices page.