Description
One ducats are among the oldest and purest gold coins, with a 98.5 % gold purity. Although these austrian gold coins 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.
One Ducats gold coins display on their obverse the head of 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 House of Habsburg’s coat of arm and a double headed imperial eagle.
The coin design was made by Friedrich Leisek
This is a great addition to any coin collector’s collection.
History of the One Ducat Gold Coin
The Ducat originated in medieval Italy, and was then first struck in Austria in the early 16th century.
The one ducat (alongside the 4 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.
