Before the World War I, Ducat is a gold coin used as a form of currency all throughout Europe. The first silver ducats were said to be first manufactured in 1140 by the Duke of Apulia, Roger the Second of Sicily. The gold ones, however, appeared in 1284 in Venice, attributed to the doge John Dandolo. These gold ducats bear an inscription that has a biblical allusion. “Sit tibi, Christe, datus, quem, tu regis iste ducatus (O Christ, let this duchy which you rule be dedicated to you.” Matthew 22:19-21).
Many European mints were established to follow in the production of Ducat gold coins. Here are some of the gold Ducat coin mints in Europe throughout history: the Byzantine Empire, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Germany (Augsburg, Hamburg and Saxony), Hungary, Italy (Duchy of Milan, Papal States, Duchy of Savoy, Kingdom of Two Sicilies, Duchy of Urbino, Republic of Venice, and the Republic of Genoa), the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, the Kingdom of Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the kingdom of Yugoslavia.
One of the most famous is the Austrian Ducat mint. The mint produced the first Austrian Ducat gold coins in 1612 (even believed to be produced earlier). The Austrian Ducat gold coins have a long and celebrated history. In 1765, the Austrian Ducat gold coins have been used as a commemorative memento following the death of Francis I. The widowed Maria Theresa issued a decree that ducats be manufactured that bears the profile of her beloved Francis I and the date of his death. This took effect on July 21, 1766. Upon her death in 1780, Maria Theresa’s face was made a ducat decoration as decreed by the ever famous, Maria Theresa Thaler.
The last Austrian gold ducats were issued in 1914. But in 1915, recasts were made in honor of Franz Joseph I who was born in 1848 and died in 1916. The obverse face of the Austrian gold ducat coins featured the portrait of Emperor Francis the first, with the inscriptions “FRANC IOS I D G AUSTRIAE IMPERATOR.” And the reverse face housed the superimposed arms of Austria on a crowned double-headed eagled. That is why Austrian Ducat gold coins are coveted collector’s items. Austrian Ducat gold coins have become very valuable pieces. Another thing that made these Austrian Ducat gold coins highly prized is its high carat gold quality. Austrian Ducat gold coins were produced using only high purity gold (which is 23 ¾ carats).
Owning Austrian Ducat gold coins can become a great source of pride because it bears a prestige of owning a piece of history. Also, these gold Ducats have a connection to the fabled Austrian monarchy. Austrian Ducat gold coins are a must in every collectors’ strove of trinkets because not only because of its historical and royal value but because it is a treasure with fancy embellishments. These rare Austrian Ducat gold coins can be a great family heirloom as well. The Silver and Gold Exchange is the best place to buy or sell Austrian Ducat gold coins. The company is the most trusted in any historical coin related memorabilia. Truly, owning the Austrian Ducat gold coins were made to last a lifetime!
