Austria - Carinthia

Carinthia, the southernmost province of Austria, has a rich and diverse historical past that dates back to the Stone Age. It was already inhabited in the Stone Age, and later the Illyrians and Celts settled here. The Celts founded the state of Noricum, which later became a Roman province. During Roman times, there was significant mining, especially in the field of iron and other metals. The Slavs arrived in the 6th century and established Carantania, the first Slavic state. The area later came under Bavarian and then Frankish rule. From 976, Carinthia became an independent duchy until 1335, when the Habsburgs took control. During this period, numerous monasteries, castles and palaces were built, such as the famous Hochosterwitz Castle. The Turkish wars, peasant uprisings, and the Reformation and Counter-Reformation had a significant impact on the region. Important economic and social reforms took place during the reign of Maria Theresa. The Napoleonic Wars During the wars, Carinthia briefly belonged to the French Illyrian provinces. After World War I, the southern parts of Carinthia were claimed by Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. In 1920, a referendum decided that Carinthia should belong to Austria - the majority of the population voted for Austria. During World War II, the province became part of Nazi Germany. After the war, it was a British occupation zone until 1955. Carinthia is now an autonomous province, with its own parliament and governor. It has a rich cultural heritage, including bilingual communities (German and Slovene). The province is home to numerous museums, castles, chateaux and historical sites that showcase the region's past.

Carinthia, the southern province of Austria, is not only famous for its natural beauty, but also has interesting monetary history. The region saw special coinage events in the early 20th century, especially in the period after World War I. Due to the economic difficulties after World War I, several Austrian provinces, including Carinthia, issued local emergency money (Notgeld). These were unofficial means of payment, but were temporarily accepted in everyday trade. Denominations: 10, 20 and 50 heller, made of paper, year of issue: 1920, characteristics: often with decorative graphics and local motifs, their purpose: to bridge the money shortage and stimulate the local economy. These coins are now considered rare and sought after by numismatic collectors. Although Carinthia does not have its own mint, the region has played an important role in Austrian financial life on several occasions throughout its history - especially in cross-border trade and the stabilization of the local economy.