Description
Small ducat (Münze Österreich)
The small ducat Franz Joseph is the most popular gold coin in southern and south-eastern Europe. This product of the Münze Österreich mint has a long history and a rich tradition. The name “ducat” is reserved for special kinds of gold coins made according to historical templates and are of specific weight, purity, and diameter. It is generally accepted that the first ducats in history were introduced by the Venetians in the 13th century. The literal translation of the word ducat is a “prince” or a “duke”. The Frances Joseph ducat was first minted in 1872.
It was used as a wedding present, a decoration or an investment for the future, but also as a means of payment in international business. The last of these coins were minted in 1915, and this year is engraved in all the subsequent re-strikes of this gold coin. It has a specific gold content, 986/1000. There are two variants of this coin that vary in weight – the large and the small one, with the small or single coin weighing 13.96g and having a diameter of 40mm.
Austrian mint Münze Österreich is owned by the Central Austrian bank. It is one of the oldest mints in the world. In historical data, 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 the silver to make coins, thus starting the first mint business in Vienna. Along with coins, Münze Österreich produces Austrian euro coins, as well as commemorative medals.
Auro Domus is their official partner in Croatia.
