Description
4 Ducats are austrian gold coins, considered among the oldest and purest gold coins in history. with 98.6 % gold. Although these coins are really old and can be seen as numismatic pieces, they are mostly considered as a bullion coin. This is because the Austrian Mint produces restrike version of the coin in large quantities, dated 1915.
4 Ducats gold coins display on their obverse the emperor Franz Joseph, ruler of the Austro-Hungarian empire during the period. Franz Joseph ruled for 68 years, which is one of the longest reign for a monarch in modern history.
The reverse of the coin depicts the coat of arm of Austria and a double headed imperial eagle.
History of the 4 Ducat Gold Coin
The Ducat originated in medieval Italy, and was then first struck in Austria in the early 16th century.
The 4 ducat (alongside the 1 Ducat) was used as a trade coin until 1915. It was a coin with one of the highest gold purity among the coins used for trades. These coins were used in most European countries as a unit of account, including Holland, Russia, Austria and Sweden.
4 ducats are very similar to medieval gold coins. They are very thin compared with modern coins (0.7mm) and very large 40.00mm of diameter).
The Austrian Mint still produces 4 ducats gold coins dated 1915 as official restrikes.
