Description
With a gold purity content of over 98%, the
Austrian 4 Ducats gold coin is among the highest purity gold coins ever
issued for circulation. Non-restrikes (see detailed coin information
below) of these coins were actually minted during the years of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Design
The obverse of this Austrian 4 Ducat gold coin
features a bust of Franz Josef I, the Emperor of Austria and King of
Hungary. He is surrounded by the words:
'FRANC'IOS'I'D'G'AVSTRIAE'IMPERATOR'.
The reverse features the coat of arms of Austria superimposed over a
crowned Imperial double-headed eagle. The words
'HVNGAR'BOHEM'GAL'LOD'ILL'REX A'A" and the date surround the eagle.
Minting Information
Austria has minted gold ducats for over
five Centuries. Interestingly, these coins are not legal tender and
have only been used as commercial gold coins. The latest date found on
any Austrian 4 Ducats gold coin is 1915. However, these coins are
restrikes, coined from either 1920-1936, or more recently in the
country's official Austrian Mint AG. This Mint is a subsidiary of the
Austrian National Bank.
Other 4 Ducats featuring different Franz Josef designs were minted from 1854-1872.
Franz Josef I
Franz Josef I (1830-1916) ruled as both
Emperor of Austria (1848-1916) and King of Hungary (1867-1916). It was
during his reign that the Austro-Hungarian Empire was created. He
became King of Hungary when he married the popular Elisabeth, also
known as Sisi, whom the Hungarian people accepted as their true
sovereign until her assassination on September 10, 1898.
Josef's wife was not the only one who died in a similar fashion. His
brother Maximillian, who had served as Emperor of Mexico was executed
in 1867 and his nephew and heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand was
assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. It was this last act that is
commonly considered the catalyst for World War II. Josef died two years
later on November 21, 1916.
| Detailed Coin Information |
| Gross Weight: |
13.9636g |
| 0.4489 troy oz. | |
| Gold Content: |
13.7773g |
| 0.4438 troy oz. | |
| Composition: 23.68-Karat (98.6667% gold, 1.4333% copper) |
| Diameter: 39mm |
Edge: Milled |
Dates: 1872-1914; 1920-36*
* Restrikes using the 1915 date.
The Austrian Mint continues to make restrikes with the 1915 date today. |
| Mint: Vienna Mint, Austrian Mint AG |
