20 Corona Austria

The Austrian 20 Corona is the smaller version of the well-known 100 Corona. The coin is struck in 0.900 fine gold (21.6 karat) and contains 5.81 grams of pure gold. This makes the 20 Corona an appealing historic alternative to other popular gold coins from the same era, such as the British sovereign, the French 20 francs and the Dutch gold ten guilder.

The total weight is 6.78 grams. With a diameter of 21 mm and a thickness of approximately 1.3 mm, the 20 Corona has a convenient, easy to handle size. Thanks to its recognisable design, high gold content and typically low premium relative to the gold price, this coin is popular with both first-time and experienced investors.

The Austrian 20 Corona was originally struck as a circulation coin intended for everyday payments between 1892 and 1914. In 1915, an official restrike was issued with a mintage of several million pieces. This restrike is identical in gold content, weight and specifications and is the version most commonly traded today.

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 20 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 20 Corona features a dignified right-facing portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830–1916). The first version (1892–1905) was designed by Anton Scharff, while the second version (1909–1915) is by Stefan Schwartz. Around the portrait runs a Latin inscription with his full title: Franciscus Josephus I Dei Gratia Imperator Austriae Rex Bohemiae, Galiciae, Illyriae etc. et Apostolicae Rex Hungariae. This title refers to his role as Emperor of Austria and King of, among others, Hungary and Bohemia.

The reverse shows the coat of arms of Austria: a crowned double-headed eagle. Above the eagle, the denomination XX CORONAE and the year are displayed in Roman numerals. Below the eagle, the value 20 COR and the year appear in Arabic numerals. Along the edge of the coin is the Latin motto Vnitis Viribvs, the personal motto of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

History

Franz Joseph I reigned from 1848 until his death in 1916, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Europe. His motto Vnitis Viribvs (“With united forces”) was intended to underline 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.

After the death of his son, his nephew Franz Ferdinand was appointed 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, closing the chapter of the era in which the 20 Corona gained its historical significance.

Price and buyback value of the 20 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.