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Austrian Gold Ducats — 1 and 4 Ducat Coins
Number of products: 4Austrian gold ducats are restrikes by the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich) bearing the historical date 1915, the portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I and the imperial double-headed eagle. Two denominations are available: the 1 ducat — 3.49 g, including 3.44 g of fine gold — and the 4 ducat — 13.96 g, including 13.77 g of gold. Both are 986/1000 fine and VAT-free. The price of a ducat follows the current gold price.
The Austrian ducat — history and design
In Austria, ducats were officially struck as trade gold coins until 1915. Today the Austrian Mint produces them as historical restrikes — every coin carries the date 1915, whatever the year of striking. The design was first used in 1872.
Obverse: Emperor Franz Joseph I with a laurel wreath and the legend “FRANC IOS I D G AVSTRIAE IMPERATOR”. Reverse: the crowned double-headed eagle with coat of arms, sceptre and orb, a legend with the royal titles and the date 1915. The 4 ducat coin also carries the numeral 4.
1 ducat or 4 ducats — specifications
| Specification | 1 ducat | 4 ducats |
|---|---|---|
| Total weight | 3.49 g | 13.96 g |
| Fine gold | 3.44 g (0.1106 oz) | 13.77 g (0.4427 oz) |
| Fineness | 986/1000 | 986/1000 |
| Diameter | 19.75 mm | 39.50 mm |
| Date on coin | 1915 | 1915 |
| Mint | Münze Österreich | Münze Österreich |
The 4 ducat coin contains four times as much gold as the single ducat. Minting costs are spread over more metal, so per gram of gold it is usually cheaper. The single ducat means a smaller purchase and is easier to divide, for example as a gift.
Circulating or non-circulating
The single ducat comes in two versions: the 1 ducat Austria circulating — which may show signs of handling such as fine scratches — and the 1 ducat Austria non-circulating in mint condition. Both contain the same amount of gold. The 4 ducat coin in mint condition: 4 ducats Austria non-circulating.
How much is a gold ducat worth?
The value of a ducat depends mainly on the gold price: the 1 ducat contains 3.44 g of fine gold, the 4 ducat 13.77 g. On top of the metal value comes a premium for minting and distribution, which per gram is higher for smaller coins. You can check the current quote on the gold price page.
Ducats and VAT
Gold coins of at least 900/1000 fineness, struck after 1800, that are or were legal tender in their country of origin and are sold at no more than 80% above the value of their gold are VAT-exempt in the EU as investment gold (Article 344 of Directive 2006/112/EC). Austrian ducats are 986/1000 fine and were legal tender in Austria, so you buy them without VAT.
Frequently asked questions about ducats
How much does a gold ducat weigh?
An Austrian 1 ducat weighs 3.49 g, of which 3.44 g is fine gold at 986/1000 fineness. The 4 ducat coin weighs 13.96 g and contains 13.77 g of gold.
How much is 1 ducat worth?
The value of a ducat is mainly the value of 3.44 g of fine gold at the current gold price, plus a premium for minting and distribution. The product page shows the current price and the gold price page shows the market quote.
What is a 4 ducat coin?
The 4 ducat coin, also called the quadruple ducat, weighs 13.96 g, contains 13.77 g of fine gold and has a diameter of 39.50 mm, almost twice the size of the single ducat.
Why do the ducats show the year 1915?
The Austrian Mint strikes ducats as historical restrikes. Every coin carries the date 1915, because until that year ducats were officially struck as trade gold coins.
What is the difference between a circulating and a non-circulating ducat?
The gold content is the same, 3.44 g. A circulating coin may show signs of handling such as fine scratches, while a non-circulating coin is in mint condition and usually costs slightly more.
Do you pay VAT on ducats?
No. Austrian ducats meet the EU criteria for investment gold: 986/1000 fineness, struck after 1800 and formerly legal tender in Austria. They are therefore VAT-exempt under Article 344 of Directive 2006/112/EC.
More coins from earlier issues are in historical gold coins, and the full range in gold coins.