Quad ducat of Francis Joseph I, Emperor of Austria

Unknown Artist

19th century

Quad ducat of Francis Joseph I, Emperor of Austria by Unknown Artist

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

Diameter: 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.)

Classification

Coins

Culture

Austrian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of H.R. Ickelheimer, 1909

Accession Number

09.9.8

Tags

MenProfilesCoat of Arms

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Quad Ducat of Francis Joseph I, Emperor of Austria*, a 19th-century gold that gleams with imperial grandeur. Measuring an impressive 2¼ inches (57 mm) in diameter, this oversized piece—four times the value of a standard ducatserved not just as currency but as a symbol of Habsburg prestige. Minted during the long reign of Francis Joseph I (18481916), who ruled the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire, it reflects the era's economic might and monarchic authority. Crafted in pure gold, the coin showcases exquisite engraving techniques typical of Austrian minting. One side likely features the...

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