The Austrian 4 Ducat Gold Coin
The Austrian 4 Ducat Gold Coin
98% Purity / 23 Karat / Gold Content – 0.4489 Troy Oz. / Diameter 39 mm
Ducat gold coins have one of the richest history of any gold coin from Europe and have become one of the most popular gold coins amongst investors and collectors alike. The first ducat gold coin was introduced sometime around 1284 by the Republic of Venice. Gold Ducats started getting minted by several countries in Europe, becoming the most popular gold currency coin, and traded throughout Europe for centuries. The first Austrian Ducat gold coin is thought to have been minted in 1612, yet many gold coin historians believe it to be even earlier. Austria minted their versions of the gold ducat for more than five centuries, and were used as a trade currency throughout Europe all the way up until World War I at which time most countries in Europe fell off the gold standard during the period of the war.
ABOUT THE COIN
The Austria 4 Ducat is one of the highest gold purity coins ever minted in Europe, with a content of .986 percent. Originally minted in 1612 (possibly earlier), the last date used on the 4 Ducat is 1915. Many of these coins, however, are restrikes from either 1920-1936 and even more recently by the Austrian Mint.
The Austrian 4 Ducat gold coin minted from 1854 until 1915 was one of the most beautiful and popular designs.
The obverse side of the coin features the bust of Franz Josef I, who one of the most historical notorious leaders in Europe. From the upper left wrapping around to the right of the coin above Franz Josef I reads ‘FRANC’IOS’I'D’G'AVSTRIAE’IMPERATOR’.
The reverse side of the coin features the coat of arms of Austria superimposed on a crowned double headed Imperial eagle. Below the Imperial eagle in parentheses is the number 4. Wrapping around the upper coin from left to right is the inscription: ‘HUNGAR BOHEM GAL LOD ILL REX A A 1915′. The date of the mintage for each individual coin is also displayed within the inscription, appearing on the upper left corner.
ABOUT THE DESIGN: FRANZ JOSEPH I
Franz Joseph I was born August 18th, 1830, in Schonbrunn Palace Vienna, into a royal family. His father was Archduke Franz Karl and his mother was Princess Sophie of Bavaria. From a very early age, under the guidance his mother raised him under, Franz was very determined and devoted to rise to power. At the young age of 13, Franz joined the Austrian army quickly rising to the rank of colonel. From this point onward, Franz’s fashion style was always depicted by that of a military uniform.
During his service in the Austrian army, Franz Joesph I was to be appointed Governor of Bohemia in 1848, succeeding his uncle from the thrown. Instead of taking title and rule of the position, he stayed in the army and was sent to the front of Italy, and fought in battle for the first time.
In late 1848, after a successful military campaign, Franz Joseph I became the Emperor of Austria, which he held title to until his death in 1916. He also became King of Hungary when he married Elisabeth of Bavaria (Queen of Hungary), which he served as from 1867 until his death in 1916.
Franz Joseph I led a very interesting life as Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary both on nearly a 68 year reign, one of the longest in European history. He died at the age of 86 during World War I. Shortly after his death at the end of World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy dissolved.
*Investors and collectors should note that due to the restrikes of the Austrian 4 Ducat, there is a fine line between these coins containing real numismatic value. These coins are often valued as bullion.
