Austrian Gold 1915 4 Ducat Restrike
Coin (Bullion, Restrike) · High-Purity Yellow Gold with classic rich luster
Purity: 23.75 Karat / .986 Fine; contains 98.6% pure gold and 1.4% copper alloy
Type
Coin (Bullion, Restrike)
Purity
23.75 Karat / .986 Fine; contains 98.6% pure gold and 1.4% copper alloy
Gold Type
High-Purity Yellow Gold with classic rich luster
Weight
13.96 grams (0.4438 troy oz of pure gold content)
Description
An exceptionally large, thin, and high-purity gold coin featuring the double-headed Imperial Eagle of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This 4-ducat piece was originally minted to commemorate the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I and is now one of the most popular gold bullion coins in Europe due to its nearly pure gold content and historical beauty.
Key Features
Extraordinarily thin planchet for its 39.5mm diameter; signature '1915' restrike date; (4) denomination marking on reverse
Color & Finish
Vivid deep yellow with a satin-mirror-like prooflike finish; features original mint luster with minimal toning
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: Emperor Franz Joseph I; Reverse: Imperial Eagle with '4' in brackets; Date stamp '1915' (indicative of restrike status)
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 39.5 mm; Thickness: 0.8 mm (notably thin and wide profile)
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features numismatic relief and a beaded border
Clasp & Closure
Reeded (milled) edge; standard coin edge finishing for security
Chain & Links
Not applicable; circular solid bullion disc construction
Craftsmanship Details
Precision struck with high-relief dies; excellent symmetry in the eagle motifs; fine beading along the rim
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive high-pitched 'ring' when tapped; specific weight of 13.96g; sharp detail in the feathers of the eagle and clear '1915' date
Origin & Maker
Münze Österreich (Austrian Mint), Vienna
Era & Period
Austro-Hungarian Empire (Late Period); 1915-dated restrike produced modernly by the Austrian Mint
Age Estimate
Modern production (post-1915) using original 1915 commemorative dies
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the peak of the Habsburg Monarchy; traditionally used in European dowries and as a prestigious gift for major life events
Condition Notes
Excellent to Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-65 range); minor surface bag marks visible; sharp strike details
Value Estimate
Market value is typically Spot Gold Price x 0.4438 plus a 3-8% dealer premium; primarily valued for its gold weight
Care & Maintenance
Handle only by edges; store in a non-PVC airtight capsule; avoid cleaning or polishing which destroys numismatic surfaces
Similar Items
Single 1 Ducat Austrian Gold Coin (smaller version); Mexican 50 Pesos (larger bullion gold); Sovereign gold coins
Interesting Facts
Virtually all 4 Ducat coins dated 1915 are official restrikes produced by the Austrian Mint to allow investors to own high-purity gold without numismatic premiums