Austrian 1 Ducat

Franz Joseph I Austrian Ducat gold coins are extremely high in gold purity – over 98% pure gold! Gold Ducats featuring various rulers of the day were minted throughout the 19th Century and into the 21st Century. They trace their origin back to Venice during the Middle Ages; Austria began minting Ducats in the early 16th Century.

Learn why European gold coins like the Austrian 1 Ducat are the number one choice of Goldline investors.

Design of the Austrian Ducat Gold Coin

The obverse (front) of the Austrian 1 Ducat gold coin features Franz Josef I. He is surrounded by the words: "FRANC·IOS·I·D·G·AVSTRIAE·IMPERATOR".

The reverse (back) of the 1 Ducat features Austria's coat of arms of Austria superimposed over a crowned Imperial double-headed eagle. The words "LOD·ILL·REX A*A*", the date and "HVNGAR·BOHEM·GAL·" encircle this eagle.

Austrian Ducat Coin Minting Information

Austria has minted gold Ducats for over five centuries, although the coin lost status as legal tender in 1858. From 1858 through 1914 Ducats – including the Franz Joseph I 1 Ducat gold coin – were minted as trade coins. Original mintage ended in 1914 due to issues surrounding World War I.

Coins dated 1915 are restrikes minted from either 1920-1936, or current restrikes minted by the official Austrian Mint AG. This Mint is a subsidiary of the Austrian National Bank.

There are also other variations of the 1 Ducat gold coins featuring different Franz Josef designs from 1866-1872.

Franz Josef I

Franz Josef I (1830-1916) ruled as both Emperor of Austria (beginning 1848) and King of Hungary (beginning 1867) until his death in 1916 in the middle of World War I. It was during his reign that the Austro-Hungarian Empire was created, which is why 1 gold Ducats feature the name of each country.

Learn why European gold coins like the Austrian 1 Ducat are the number one choice of Goldline investors.