The original gold ducat was designed by the Venetians in the early 14th century. The ducat was preferred over other trade coins due to its high gold content as well as its quality. With permission from the Venetians, other countries began issuing their own ducat, keeping the same standards.
The Universal standard of a ducat being : 3.494 grams of gold, 98.6% purity. Over a dozen countries minted ducats during the Middle Ages as it was the most widely used Trade coins in Europe. Austrian and Dutch gold ducats are the most popular among them.
The Austrian Gold Ducat restrike is known for its storied past. In the 1950’s there was a high demand for gold in the U.S. A law had banned the buying and selling of all gold bullion since 1933. However, there was a loophole in the law.
The law only applied to gold coins minted after 1932. Recognizing the loophole, The Austrian mint issued countless re-strikes using the last remaining dies featuring the Emperor Franz Joseph, dated 1915. By the time it was realized in the, countless ducats were being traded in the US.
The Austrian mint has continued issuing the 1915 ducat restrike as a commemorative coin as recent as 2015. ABS Bullion offers the finest quality brilliant uncirculated gold ducats direct from the mint.
Each coin arrives encapsulated and housed in a new Guardhouse glass-top display box in a teak finish. This helps protect the coin and it’s beautiful luster, also adding a touch of elegance to any collection.
