Hasegg Castle, Hall in Tirol, Austria

Hasegg Castle construction was completed soon after 1300, when Hall was rapidly becoming the center of Tyrolean commerce and salt mining. The building was originally erected to protect the salt mines, the shipping industry, the bridge across the river Inn and the old Roman Road. The castle's mint was established by Sigismund, Archduke of Austria in 1477. The first dollar-size silver coin was struck in 1486.

When Ferdinand II, Archduke of Austria had the old mint transferred from the Castle of Sparberegg to Hasegg in 1567, Hall experienced a decisive upswing. Between 1748 and 1768, Hasegg Castle became universally famous for its minting of silver Thalers of which it produced over 17 million specimens.

The mint ceased production in 1806 due to the Napoleonic Wars and the increasing lack of local silver resources.

The mint in Hasegg Castle is a museum now, and open to the general public. Demonstrations of historical minting techniques are given from time to time. The castle itself is an example of early Gothic era Tirolean fortress architecture. The pointed roof of the mint tower is of heavily tarnished copper.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Dr. Nizam Uddin Anon (17 months ago)
Excellent natural view, Mind peaceful historical place.

Leo Brandt (2 years ago)
Yes very nice here. I started a heist, sadly all coins are no longer valid

Bogdan Garkusha (2 years ago)
Very interesting museum. Incredible how big influence this small city had on mint history in the world. There are also nice view from the top of the tower. You can also make one coin with picture of old coin at the end of the journey through museum. If you have Hall city welcome card from your hotel, don't forget to show it to get some discount.

Mike Pennacchi (3 years ago)
When in Hall, you must visit the Hall Mint. This is a nice view of the history of minting coins. Even if you're not a coin collector, it's a get chance to see how the minting process has developed over the centuries. The tower climb is worth the extra few Euros.

G V (3 years ago)
The place is the first modern mint using industrial machines to mint coins. The tour is not made interesting. The movie on TV has so much bass it's hard to make out what is said. The exhibits are ok, no attempt to weave a story. The humor in the audio visuals is a little heavy and forced.

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