Obverse. Photo © Tosunidis Coin House
  • 1 Ducat 1868-1869, KM# 448, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary
  • 1 Ducat 1868-1869, KM# 448, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary
Description

Franz Joseph I or Francis Joseph I (1830–1916) was Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and ruler of the Habsburg monarchy from 1848 until his death in 1916. Initially governing the Austrian Empire, he later established the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary in 1867. During his reign, he resisted constitutionalism and faced significant territorial losses in the Second and Third Italian Wars of Independence and the Austro-Prussian War. Notably, he agreed to the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, granting greater autonomy to Hungary.

Franz Joseph's reign was marked by personal and political challenges, including the execution of his brother Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, the suicide of his son Rudolf, and the assassinations of his wife Elisabeth and his nephew Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The latter's assassination in 1914 precipitated World War I. His annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908 and subsequent conflicts in the Balkans further strained international relations. Franz Joseph ruled for nearly 68 years, succeeded by his grandnephew Charles I & IV.

Obverse

Depicts a standing portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I wearing the Hungarian Holy Crown. The ruler is dressed in the Hungarian coronation mantle, holding a scepter in his right hand and an orb in his left hand. The edge of the coin is decorated with a bead pattern, within which "Francis Joseph Emperor of Austria" is inscribed at the top, and the mintmark under the emperor's depiction.

Engravers: Franz Gaul, Friedrich Leisek

FERENCZ J• A•CSÁSZÁR
K•B•

Reverse

Depicts the small coat of arms of the Kingdom of Hungary, with one half displaying seven vertical red and white stripes and the other half showing a red field with a golden crown atop a triple green hill, topped with a double cross. Above the depiction, the Holy Crown of Hungary is held aloft by two angels above the coat of arms. At the bottom edge of the coat of arms, there is a decorative motif made of leaves on both sides. The inscription around the coin reads "Apostolic King of Hungary 1868"

Engraver: Anton Scharff

MAGYAR ORSZÁG AP• KIRÁLYA 1869

Edge

1 Ducat

KM# 448 Unger# 1437 Huszar# 2108 Adamo# M19.1
Characteristics
Material Gold
Fineness 0.986
Weight 3.491 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# 448.1, KM# 448.2
Mints
Alba Iulia Mint (GY.F)
Kremnica Mint (K.B)

Related coins

War of Independence

Gold, 3.491 g, ⌀ 20 mm