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08/05/2025

A True Gem in Silver and Niobium: The €25 Silver-Niobium Coin 2025

Since 2003, the Austrian Mint has been issuing its unique silver-niobium coins, which are dedicated to fascinating themes from the fields of science and research. In 2014, the coin was given a two-tone niobium core for the first time; a feature that impresses thanks to its special properties and Plansee's innovative production technology. The 2025 silver-niobium coin picks up on the theme of "digitalization" and in doing so unites the analogue and digital worlds. For the first time this year, the silver-niobium coin is also available in an exclusive set comprising a matching crypto stamp, coin, and crypto stamp with a non-fungible token (NFT) – i.e. a digital twin – on the blockchain.

Two-tone niobium cores embody the magic of color

At the heart of the coin is its niobium core, which is produced by Plansee in a complex process that requires the utmost precision. The colorful surfaces of the niobium coins are produced using a specially developed oxidation process, during which the coin is dipped into an electrolytic solution and an electrical voltage is applied. This voltage causes an oxide layer just a few nanometers thick to form on the surface of the niobium – and it is the thickness of this layer that determines the color which the coin reflects. The anodic oxidation process developed by Plansee is very precise, allowing the same color to be consistently reproduced on every single coin. 

Innovation and design

After production, the niobium blanks are stamped at the Austrian Mint with a ring manufactured from 9 grams of silver (Ag 900). Many technical parameters must be met to ensure that the colors of the oxide layer are retained despite the high minting pressure of 140 tons, requiring close coordination and cooperation between the Austrian Mint and Plansee.

Digitalization: looking to the future

The €25 silver-niobium coin 2025 is captivating with its two-tone green and purple design. On the front face, a finger taps on a smartphone, surrounded by icons representing a camera, music, video, and a digital clock. Contrastingly, the silver border shows their analog counterparts and features a letter, telephone, and book – thereby highlighting the digital revolution.

The coin boasts a high collector's value far in excess of its face value. It is a symbol of technological progress and the digital revolution. Digitalization has fundamentally changed our world in recent decades; from the first calculators to artificial intelligence and blockchain technology – the digital revolution is shaping our everyday lives and our future.

At Plansee, we're delighted to be part of this development and to contribute our expertise in metal processing and innovation. The combination of silver and niobium in this coin is just one example of our ability to process complex materials and develop unique products. 

The €25 silver-niobium "Digitalization" coin can be purchased from the Austrian Mint:

Austrian Mint

Support for the next generation

All proceeds from the Plansee contingent go to the charitable Dr. Paul Schwarzkopf private foundation, which has been supporting eligible pupils and students from the Reutte region for over 50 years. Every year, roughly €150,000 is paid out to around 120 young people.

More information here

Image source: Münze Österreich AG