The Ducat has one of the most complex coining histories of any European gold coin. Ducats were once available in silver and gold, with the earliest forms of the currency issued by King Roger II of Sicily in 1140. Widespread acceptance and use of gold ducats was powered by the Dutch from the 16^th century onward as the kingdom became a dominant player in global trade. Right now, 1 Ducat Austrian-Dutch Gold Coins are available to purchase online from APR 57.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives inside of protective plastic!
• Coins issued here are restrikes of original Austrian ducats!
• Contains .1106 Troy oz of actual gold content.
• Bears a face value of 1 Ducat from the Austrian Mint.
• On the obverse is Emperor Franz Joseph I of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• The reverse includes the official seal of Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Hapsburg Dynasty.
• Coins available in AU+ condition.

Each of the 1 Ducat Austrian-Dutch Gold Coins available to you here today is an official restrike of the original circulating 1 Ducat Gold Coins of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The coins have either Brilliant Uncirculated or About Uncirculated conditions, the latter of which indicates the presence of only slight signs of wear and tear.

The Ducat has a complex history, as mentioned earlier. This format of gold coin was issued as early as the Middle Ages and adopted in various designs, weights, and sizes by countless empires, kingdoms, and city-states throughout the European continent. One of the most popular forms was the Dutch Ducat, which was first issued by the Holland province in 1583 as a copy of Hungarian Ducats.

By the early 1600s, Amsterdam had become a center of international trade and Dutch-type Ducats were being issued for use as global trading currency. By the 1850s and the formation of Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Austrians would adopt the Dutch Ducat as a format for gold trade currency.

On the obverse of these 1 Ducat Austrian Dutch Gold Coins, youll find a right-profile portrait of a young Emperor Franz Joseph I. He was the Emperor of Austria and the longest-reigning King of Hungary during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The reverse of the gold coins includes the double-headed eagle and shield of the Hapsburg Dynasty, of which Joseph I was the final ruling member.

All of the 1 Ducat Austrian Dutch Gold Coins in this listing come from random years of production. The Austrian Mint ceased regular production of Ducat Gold Coins during World War I, but restrikes such as these were struck by the mint on occasion from 1915 to the end of the 20^th century.

If you have any questions, please contact APR 57. Our customer service team is available at 212-246-2000, online using our live chat, and via our email address.