History
The purest classic
The gold 4 Ducat is one of the most iconic investment coins in European monetary history. With almost half a troy ounce of pure gold and a fineness of 986‰, this is the purest classic European investment coin, higher than the British Sovereign (917‰), the Napoleon (900‰) or the Austrian 100 Corona (900‰).
The ducat was first struck in 1284 in Venice and grew into one of the most trusted trade coins in the world. In the Habsburg Empire it became the standard coin for international trade, with the 4 Ducat as the largest denomination in the series.
The Emperor Franz Joseph I (reigned 1848–1916) graces the obverse of the version most traded today. The coin was originally struck between 1872 and 1915 by the Österreichische Münze in Vienna, a mint active since 1194.
After 1915 so-called restrikes were officially reminted with the original design and the year 1915. They make up the largest part of the market and trade close to bullion value. Early original years can carry a considerable numismatic premium.
