Obverse: The coin’s center features the denomination 500 SCHILLING, surrounded by the coats of arms of the nine Austrian federal states, with the Austrian coat of arms at the top. The inscription REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH is engraved around. Design by Edwin Grienauer.
Reverse: On the left is a profile of Pope John Paul II with raised arms, holding a cross with Jesus in his left hand. Behind his head is a cross dividing the date 1983. The inscription KATHOLIKENTAG is above in an arc, and JOHANNES PAUL II is below. Design by Fritz Tiefenthaler.
About the coin: This 1983 Austrian commemorative 500 Schilling silver coin was issued to mark Pope John Paul II’s visit and Catholic Day. The coin is made of 92.5% silver, weighs 24 g with 22.2 g of pure silver content, and has a diameter of 37 mm.
