4 Ducat Austria

The Austrian 4 Ducat is a well-known gold bullion coin with a long and distinguished history. Most pieces are restrikes dated 1915, which are still produced to this day by the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich). The 4 ducat has a fineness of 986/1000 (23.6 karat), weighs 13.96 grams, has a diameter of approximately 40 mm and a thickness of about 0.7 mm. An unusually large diameter relative to its weight. The coin meets all international quality standards and is renowned for its high level of craftsmanship and finish.

The origins of the ducat go back to 1140. From the 16th century onwards, Austria struck its own ducats, which remained official legal tender until 1858. In 1857, a proclamation confirmed the ducat’s status as a trade coin, laying the foundation for the modern issue. Because the coin is still struck each year bearing the date 1915, it is primarily of interest to investors and less so to collectors who value clearly verifiable age.

Delivery and packaging

• Insured shipping or collection by appointment in Alkmaar, Rotterdam or Tilburg
• Individually packed in a plastic coin sleeve or hard plastic capsule
• Secure and insured storage available via Holland Gold Safe

Why choose the Austrian 4 Ducat?

• 23.6 karat gold (98.33% pure gold)
• Recognised worldwide
• Classic and historic design

Design

The obverse of the Austrian 4 ducat features a portrait of Franz Joseph I (1830–1916), Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary. Around the portrait runs the Latin inscription FRANC·IOS·I·D·G·AVSTRIAE·IMPERATOR, meaning: Franz Joseph I, by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria.

The reverse shows the double-headed Habsburg eagle, a symbol of imperial power over east and west. Around the eagle is a Latin list of titles, including HVNGAR·BOHEM·GAL·LOD·ILL·REX, referring to his rule over, among others, Hungary, Bohemia and Galicia. At the bottom of the reverse, the value mark ‘4’ is shown, and the date appears at the top.

The eagle holds a sword and sceptre in its right claw and a crown topped with a cross in its left, representing secular and spiritual authority. Most Austrian 4 ducats are restrikes dated 1915 or later. Because these coins are still struck with exactly the same design, the same inscriptions and the same specifications, the coin itself does not reveal whether it is a historic piece or a modern restrike. This is why the 4 ducat is particularly attractive as a gold investment, and less suitable for the collector who values clearly verifiable age.

Franz Joseph I

Franz Joseph I reigned from 1848 until his death in 1916, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Europe. His only son and heir, Crown Prince Rudolf, died in 1889 in the so-called Mayerling incident, a murder-suicide that deeply shocked the imperial court. After the loss of his son, his nephew Franz Ferdinand was named as successor.

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand in 1914 would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the First World War. Franz Joseph I lived to see the beginning of this war and died two years later.

Price and buyback value of the 4 Ducat Gold Coin 

Looking to sell your gold coins? Holland Gold offers a buyback guarantee for this coin. We also purchase coins that were not originally bought from us. On our website, under the section ‘sell to us’, you can view the current buyback price.