Austrian Ducat very popular gold coin whose origin dates back to early 16th century, but is still minted by one of the most reputable mints in the world and is sold around the globe like hot donuts.

With the current weight and purity, Austrian Ducat has been minted since 1511. Ducats from previous centuries bore images of old Austrian monarchs.

The first ducat with the image of the Emperor Franz Joseph was minted and put into circulation in 1852, four years after his assension to the Austrian throne.

Thus contemporary Austrian Ducats look exactly the same as ducats minted in 1915.

How can one discern whether an Austrian Ducat is real or not real? Counterfeit ducats are typically produced of base metals which greatly differ from gold in their physical properties. Thus, coins that aren't genuine are either heavier or lighter than the original. Or they are either larger or smaller in diameter or thickness. So, the first precaution is to measure the coin with a caliper and check it's weight with a weighing scale. If a specimen has expected measures, it is almost certainly genuine.

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