Description
Gold coin 20 crowns (Münze Österreich)
The gold crown is the first official currency of Austrian Hungarian Monarchy. It has been in circulation since 1892, which is the year that the Monarchy incorporated a golden standard in their monetary politics. Prior to this, in the first half of the 19th century, gold guilders were in use. Their primary purpose was to standardize Austrian currency with currencies used in the Latin monetary union.
20 crowns gold coin were in use for longer periods of time than other gold crowns. It was crafted from 1892 till 1912. The face of this gold coin has the Emperor’s portrait and the year 1912 engraved. This is also the year that they were withdrawn from print.
Austrian mint Münze Österreich is owned by the Central Austrian bank. It is one of the oldest mints in the world. Historically, it was first mentioned in 1371, but the actual history is about two centuries longer. There is an interesting story about its beginnings. On his way back from the Crusades, Richard the Lionheart was apprehended in Austria (due to a prior offence towards Duke Leopold V). Richard paid 15 tons of silver in ransom. Leopold decided to use that silver to make coins, thus starting the first mint business in Vienna. Along with coins, Munze Osterreich produces Austrian euro coins, as well as commemorative medals. Auro Domus is their official partner in Croatia.
