PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

OBVERSE :

Description: Laureate head of François Joseph I on the right.

Title : FRANC. IOS. I. D. G. AVSTRIAE IMPERATOR.
Translation: Francis Joseph I Emperor of Austria.

REVERSE :

Description: crowned double-headed eagle, stamped with a shield surrounded by the collar of the Golden Fleece, holding a sword and a cruciferous globe.

Title : HVNGAR. BOHEM. GAL - LOD. ILL. REX. A. A. 1915.
Translation: King of Hungary, Bohemia, Galicia, Ledemaria and Illyria, Archduke of Austria.

Franz Joseph I was the son of Archduke Franz Charles and Sophie of Bavaria. He succeeded his uncle Ferdinand I of Austria in 1848, in the midst of the European Revolution. His throne wavered in Hungary, Bohemia, Milan and Venice. With authority, he re-established order and reigned over "Mitteleuropa" for 68 years.

In 1854, he married Elisabeth of Bavaria (1837-1898), better known as Sissi. Their only son Rodolphe (1858-1890) committed suicide with his mistress in Mayerling in 1890. Empress Sissi was assassinated in Geneva in 1898. Her nephew Franz Ferdinand was murdered with his wife in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, triggering the First World War. The old emperor died in 1916, before his empire was dismembered two years later.

An emblematic coin of imperial Austria, the 1915 ducat combines a very high titre (986 ‰), a weight of around 3.49 g (≈ 3.44 g fine gold) and a diameter close to 20 mm. It is still made to the same specifications, making it easy to appraise and resell. The date 1915 indicates later official refrappes issued for the gold market: clean, regular coins suitable for wealth saving.

 

History of the 1 Ducat François-Joseph gold coin

Heir to a centuries-old tradition in Central Europe, the Austrian ducat established itself in the XIXᵉ century as the gold standard. Under Franz Josef Iᵉʳ (1848-1916), the Vienna workshops adopted a precise standard: gold 986 ‰, thin and wide blank, ~3.49 g for ~20 mm. This calibration met the requirements of commerce and banking in an open economic space, where rapid acceptance of a coin depended on its technical consistency. The "current" issues cover the end of the XIXᵉ and the beginning of the XXᵉ century, until the First World War.

After 1918, gold ceased to circulate on a daily basis, but interest in this format remained: the Austrian Mint produced reissues dated 1915 (modern refrappes), taking up exactly the historical characteristics to supply the investment market. This continuity explains why many examples can be found today in very good condition, while retaining a finished supply - inherited from period issues and official refrappes.

 

1 Ducat François-Joseph price trend

Over a twenty-year period, the price of the 1 Ducat François-Joseph follows the price of gold: a sharp rise from 2005 to 2011, followed by a breathing space from 2013 to 2015, then a recovery from 2019, with record prices in 2024-2025 (in euros).

 

Why invest in 1 Ducat François-Joseph?

This format ticks all the boxes for a globally tradable, highly liquid medium: stable specifications, immediate recognition among professionals and regular availability in Europe. Its historical interest - as the last great coin of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - makes it both a rational and patrimonial purchase. With a strong presence in German-speaking markets (Austria/Germany), it is equally suited to neophytes and experienced savers: ideal for investors who want to add fine gold to their metal pocket via a compact, easy-to-value unit. Presented in a box or individually, it's also a magnificent piece to give as a gift, combining classic beauty with tangible savings.

 

VARIABLE VINTAGES / EFFIGIES

Vintages and/or effigies of these coins are sent randomly, depending on our stocks.

As these are bullion coins and not collector's items, their years of issue or effigies have no impact on their value or resale price.

 

GOLD BULLION COINS FAQ :

 

WHAT IS AN EXCHANGEABLE GOLD COIN?

This is a standardized, liquid gold coin, generally minted after 1800, which is often exempt from VAT in France if it meets the purity and shape criteria defined by regulations.

 

HOW TO INVEST IN PHYSICAL GOLD?

You can buy or sell physical gold (coins or bars), which are considered exchangeable products. We invite you to consult our gold investment guide to help you define your investment strategy.

 

HOW CAN I SELL MY GOLD COIN ?

Simply send it to us by post. We'll send you a free Gold Kit, which explains how to return your investment gold coins to us. You can also fill in the "You're selling" box at the top right of this page, which will give you a real-time price estimate.

 

WHAT CAPITAL GAINS TAX APPLIES TO THE SALE OF INVESTMENT GOLD?

In France, two options are available:

- TMP (flat-rate capital gains tax): 11.5% of the sale price if no proof of sale is provided,

- TPV (taxe sur la plus-value): 36.2% applied to the actual capital gain, with an annual allowance of 5% from the 3rdᵉ year, and total exemption after 22 years of ownership.

 

WHAT IS THE PREMIUM ON A GOLD COIN?

The premium represents the extra cost above the value of pure gold, reflecting manufacturing and distribution costs and market demand. The rarer the condition or vintage, the higher the premium.

 

HOW CAN I STORE MY GOLD SAFELY?

We offer two storage solutions for your precious metals: Gardien'Or and Coffre-Fort Privé.

 

BENEFITS

• Exchangeable worldwide
• High liquidity on the market
• Historical interest
• Popular on the German market
• Good for investors
• Ideal gift

IMPORTANT

Our posted buy-back prices are 100% guaranteed for all coins or bars under Godot et Fils seal. Please contact us if you have any questions on this subject.

DELIVERY RATES

Transporteur premium - Valeur Déclarée
Pick up in store

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