PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

OBVERSE :

FRANC IOS I D G AUSTRIAE IMPERATOR
The laureate head, facing right, of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

REVERSE :

HUNGAR BOHEM GAL LOD ILL REX A A 1915
The arms of Austria superimposed upon a crowned double-headed Imperial eagle.

An Austrian classic with a large module, the "4 ducats" combines very fine gold (986 ‰), large diameter and weight. Its slim, wide, instantly recognizable silhouette and 1915-dated reissues (official reissue coins) make it a format prized by European investors for its technical legibility and international circulation. It is mainly found in the Franz Joseph Iᵉʳ type.

 

History of the 4 Ducats Gold coin

The ducat has a centuries-old tradition in Central Europe; in Austria, it established itself in the XIXᵉ century as the gold value of reference alongside modules denominated in florins/francs. Under Franz Joseph Iᵉʳ, the 4 ducat denomination is struck at 986 ‰ with a standard weight ~13.9636 g and diameter ~40 mm.

This standardization explains its commercial appeal: a very thin coin (≈ 0.7-1 mm thick), but with a large blank, it condenses a clear quantity of gold into a format easy to identify by the moneychangers and banks of the time. "Current" issues range from the late XIXᵉ to the very early XXᵉ (up to 1914/1915 according to references).

After the First World War, the monetary system changed and gold ceased to circulate on a daily basis; however, the Austrian Mint regularly issued refrappes dated 1915, intended for the gold market: these are later official productions (notably from the 1920s-1930s), which perpetuate the standard and explain the presence of examples, often in very good condition, today.

In total, the historical volumes mentioned exceed 2.4 million units, which ensured wide distribution of the type while maintaining a finished supply, inherited from period issues.

 

Price evolution of the 4 Ducats Or coin (from 2005 to 2025)

Over twenty years, the trajectory of this format above all reflects the price of gold: a sharp rise from 2005 to 2011, consolidation over the period 2013-2015, then a new upward leg from 2019, with record highs in 2024-2025 (particularly in euros).

 

Why invest in 4 Ducats Or?

An exchangeable coin worldwide, the 4 ducats offers a high gold quality (986 ‰) rarely matched on classic modules. Official reissues dated 1915 explain why we frequently come across examples in superb condition, convenient to check and resell. Highly prized on the European market, these coins remain rare in the sense that the supply comes from historical issues (and not from continuous modern minting), which limits the quantities available for resale.

 

VARIABLE VINTAGES / EFFIGIES

Vintages and/or effigies of these coins are sent randomly according to 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.

 

Photos non contractual.

 

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
• Still in good condition
• Fine gold
• Very popular on the European market
• Uncommon

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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