100 Corona Austria

The Austrian 100 Corona is a well-known and popular gold bullion coin among investors. The coin is struck in 0.900 fine gold (21.6 karat) and contains 0.9802 troy ounce of pure gold (30.48 grams). This makes it a historic alternative to modern 1 troy ounce bullion coins. The total weight is 33.87 grams. With a diameter of 37.1 mm and a thickness of 2.3 mm, the 100 Corona ranks among the larger European gold coins. Thanks to its high gold content and relatively low premium compared to the gold price, this coin is an attractive choice for investors looking to buy physical gold.

The Austrian 100 Corona was struck as a circulation coin between 1908 and 1914, with relatively small mintages per year. Original coins from these years are therefore rare today. In 1915, however, an official restrike was issued with a mintage of several million pieces. This restrike is identical in terms of gold content and specifications and is the version most commonly traded. When ordering, there is a strong likelihood that you will receive a 100 Corona dated 1915.

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 100 Corona?

• 21.6 karat gold (90% pure gold)
• Recognised worldwide
• Classic and historic design
• Low premium relative to the gold price

Design

The obverse of the Austrian 100 Corona features a dignified right-facing portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830–1916), with the signature of engraver Stefan Schwartz below the portrait. Surrounding the image is a Latin inscription listing his full title: Franciscus Josephus I Dei Gratia Imperator Austriae Rex Bohemiae, Galiciae, Illyriae etc. et Apostolicae Rex Hungariae. This refers to his position as Emperor of Austria and King of, among others, Hungary and Bohemia.

The reverse depicts the coat of arms of Austria: a crowned double-headed eagle. Above the eagle, the denomination C CORONAE and the year are shown in Roman numerals. Below the eagle, the value 100 COR and the year appear in Arabic numerals. Along the edge of the coin runs the Latin motto Vnitis Viribvs, the personal motto of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

This 100 Corona was minted in relatively small quantities between 1908 and 1914, which makes original coins from these years increasingly scarce. In 1915, an official restrike of the Austrian 100 Corona was issued, with a mintage of several million pieces.

History

Franz Joseph I reigned from 1848 until his death in 1916, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in European history. His motto Vnitis Viribvs (“With united forces”) was intended to emphasise the unity of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was deliberately placed on his coinage. 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.

Following the death of his son, his nephew Franz Ferdinand was designated as heir. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand in 1914 ultimately led to the outbreak of the First World War. Franz Joseph I lived to see the beginning of this war and died two years later, bringing to an end the era in which the 100 Corona acquired its lasting historical significance.

Price and buyback value Austrian 100 Corona

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.