Category: Austrian Ducats Gold Coin

Gold Ducats

Mint: Austrian Mint 

Country: Austria

Purity: 23.75-karat, 98.6%

Obverse: Profile of Emperor Franz Josef I

Reverse: Double-headed imperial eagle with a crown, orb, and scepter

The historical Gold Ducat coins are a restrike of the original coin, first minted in the late Middle Ages, and have become a symbol of Austria’s rich history. The obverse of the Gold Ducat coins features a profile of Austrian Emperor and King of Hungary, Franz Josef I on the obverse. Franz Josef was one of the longest reigning monarchs in modern history and ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire for 68 years. On the reverse is an image of the double-headed imperial eagle of the Hapsburg dynasty with a crown, orb, and scepter. 

Originally struck in the 16th century, Gold Ducats were one of Austria’s prime forms of currency until 1857, when they were no longer considered legal tender. Ducats were still used as trade coins until 1915, when the effects of World War I led to economic issues and metal shortages that halted minting of these coins. They were reintroduced in 1920 as a purely commemorative coin honoring Emperor Franz Josef I. 

These modern restrikes still bear the date of 1915 engraved on the reverse in honor of the original coins. 

Gold Ducat features:

• Historically significant coin with old-world design
• Sovereign coin backed by the Austrian government