Leslie Massey
The Austrian 1780 restrike refers to the modern restrikes of the Maria Theresa Thaler, also known as the world's most famous silver coin. The original 1780 Maria Theresa Thaler was the first issue of this historic coin and was widely accepted as currency in the Middle East and North Africa. The restrikes, which are produced by the Austrian Mint, feature an honorary 1780 date mark to commemorate the coin's first year of issue, as well as the year of Maria Theresa's death. These restrikes have the same weight and metal content as the original coins, which were stabilised at 28.07 grams with .833 pure silver content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Austrian Maria Theresa Thaler |
| Metal | Silver |
| Year | 1780 |
| Weight | 28.07 grams |
| Metal Composition | 0.833 pure silver, remainder copper |
| Obverse | Empress Maria Theresa in a widow's veil |
| Obverse Inscriptions | Identifying her title as the Roman Empress of Hungary and Bohemia Queen |
| Reverse | Coat of arms of Austria |
| Reverse Design | Imperial double-headed eagle with the shield bearing the arms of Austria at the centre |
| Use | Trade Coinage in locations where local coins are not available |
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What You'll Learn
- The Maria Theresa Thaler is the world's most famous silver coin
- The 1780 restrikes are modern coins with an honorary 1780 date mark
- The original 1780 coin was issued the year of Maria Theresa's death
- The restrikes are used as Trade Coinage in locations without local coins
- The restrikes are made from 0.833 pure silver and copper
The Maria Theresa Thaler is the world's most famous silver coin
The Maria Theresa Thaler is one of the most famous silver coins in the world, with a rich history and worldwide use. The coin is named after Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780), who was the ruler of Austria, Hungary and Bohemia between 1740 and her death in 1780.
The coin was first minted in 1741 at the Vienna Mint in Austria, and has been continuously minted since. The Maria Theresa Thaler has been struck in at least 16 different mints around the world, and has a strong reputation in the Middle East and North Africa. It is said that millions of these coins have been struck, with estimates ranging from 300 million to 800 million. The coin was used as Trade Coinage in locations where local coins were not available, and became the official trading coin of most German-speaking countries. Its use expanded across the globe, and it was even used in America alongside the Spanish dollar.
The obverse of the coin features a right-profile portrait of Maria Theresa, with a widow's veil, and inscriptions that identify her titles. The reverse features the coat of arms of Austria, with the imperial double-headed eagle and the shield bearing the arms of Austria at the centre. The edge is engraved with the motto of her reign, "Justitia et Clementia", which means "Justice and Clemency". The coin has a diameter of between 39.5 and 41 mm, a thickness of 2.5 mm, and weighs 28.0668 grams. It has a silver content of .833, with the remainder being copper.
The Maria Theresa Thaler has had a significant impact on the world of trade and is still produced by the Austrian Mint today. Its longevity and widespread use have contributed to its reputation as one of the world's most famous silver coins.
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The 1780 restrikes are modern coins with an honorary 1780 date mark
The 1780 Austrian Silver Maria Theresa Thaler Coin is a modern restrike from the Austrian Mint. The coins bear an honorary 1780 date mark to commemorate the first year of issue for the historic Maria Theresa Thaler coins. The original 1780 Maria Theresa Thaler Coins were issued before 1780, but it was only in that year that the weight and metal content of the coins were standardised at 28.07 grams with ~.833 pure silver content. The restrikes, therefore, carry the honorary 1780 date mark to signify the first year of issue for the standardised historic coins.
The 1780 restrikes are modern coins, newly minted by the Austrian Mint, but bearing the honorary 1780 date mark. The restrikes are minted in silver, with .7517 Troy oz of .833 pure silver content, and the remaining metal content in copper. The coins are available to purchase online at JM Bullion, but they come in varied conditions. The condition of the specific coin received depends on the available stock at the time of purchase.
The obverse of the 1780 restrikes features a right-profile portrait of Empress Maria Theresa, wearing a widow's veil, with inscriptions identifying her title as the Roman Empress of Hungary and Bohemia Queen. The year 1780 was also the year of Maria Theresa's death, and so the 1780 date mark was the last one ever issued on the coins. All issues from 1780 until 1858 carried the 1780 date mark, and so the modern restrikes also bear this date.
The reverse of the 1780 restrikes features the coat of arms of Austria. This side of the coin depicts the imperial double-headed eagle with the shield bearing the arms of Austria at the centre. The Maria Theresa Thaler was one of the most important early silver coins within the pre-modern European economy and was the dominant currency in European trade with the nations of the Levant region. The original silver thalers were a very popular trade coin in the 18th century, and after Maria Theresa's death, the issue continued with the 1780 date mark, which was the last date issued before her death.
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The original 1780 coin was issued the year of Maria Theresa's death
The 1780 Austrian Silver Maria Theresa Thaler Coin is a modern restrike from the Austrian Mint. The original 1780 coin was issued the year of Maria Theresa's death. The 1780 date mark was the last one ever issued on the coins, with all issues from 1780 until 1858 bearing this date. The modern restrikes also feature this date.
The obverse of the coin features Empress Maria Theresa in a right-profile portrait, wearing a widow's veil. The inscriptions identify her title as the Roman Empress of Hungary and Bohemia Queen. The reverse of the coin features the coat of arms of Austria, including the imperial double-headed eagle and the shield bearing the arms of Austria at the centre.
The original 1780 Maria Theresa Thaler coins were struck earlier than 1780, but it was in this year that the weight and metal content were stabilized at 28.07 grams with .833 pure silver content. The restrikes have the same metal content, with the remainder of the coin made up of copper.
The 1780 Maria Theresa Thaler was extremely influential, becoming the most widely accepted silver coin in the Middle East and North Africa. It was so established that it remained the most trusted money in North Africa into the 20th century. Due to its historical significance, it is considered by some to be "the world's most famous silver coin".
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The restrikes are used as Trade Coinage in locations without local coins
The Maria Theresa Thaler is one of the most famous trade coins of the 18th century. Although dated 1780, it has been minted continuously in Austria well into the 21st century for sale to collectors. The coin was previously exported in large quantities to East Africa and the Middle East. It was so highly regarded in Africa that its purchasing power for goods and raw materials was higher there than in Austria.
The process of striking a coin involves several steps with heavy machinery. Striking a coin refers to pressing an image onto a blank metal disc, or planchet, and is a term descended from the days when the dies were struck with hammers to deform the metal into the image of the dies. Business strikes, or circulation strikes, are coins made for commerce and conducting business. These make up the largest proportion of coins produced at the United States Mint.
Restrikes are coins that are re-struck with an unchanged appearance. In the case of the Maria Theresa Thaler, restrikes made after 1850 are considered to be true restrikes. Earlier strikes are typically relatively easy to identify. The restrikes of the Maria Theresa Thaler are used as trade coinage in locations without local coins. A local currency is a currency that can be spent in a particular geographical locality at participating organisations. It acts as a complementary currency to a national currency, rather than replacing it, and aims to encourage spending within a local community, especially with locally-owned businesses.
Local currencies can also be referred to as auxiliary currency, microcurrency, or eco-money. They are not backed by a national government and may not be legal tender. They can be used to achieve social or environmental objectives, such as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, countering inequality and social exclusion, and addressing environmental impacts. For example, the Belgian Portemonnee rewards residents for environmentally positive actions such as composting.
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The restrikes are made from 0.833 pure silver and copper
The 1780 Austrian Silver Maria Theresa Thaler Coin is a modern restrike from the Austrian Mint. The coins bear the honorary 1780 date mark to commemorate the first year of issue of the original Maria Theresa Thaler coins. The restrikes are made from 0.833 pure silver and copper, with a total weight of 28.07 grams. Each coin contains 0.7517 Troy oz of silver.
The original Maria Theresa Thaler coins were issued from 1780 to 1858 and became the dominant currency in European trade with the Levant region. They also served as a major trade currency between Europe and the kingdoms and nations of the Middle East.
The obverse side of the 1780 restrike coins features the image of Maria Theresa, showing her in a right-profile relief wearing a widow's veil. The reverse side depicts the Austrian coat of arms, including a shield with an imperial crown at the centre, the arms of Hungary, Bohemia, Burgundy, and Burgau in the quadrants, and a double-headed eagle supporting the shield.
The 1780 Austrian Silver Maria Theresa Thaler Coin restrikes are available for purchase from various online retailers, including JM Bullion and Provident Metals. It is important to note that these restrike coins come in varied conditions, and the specific condition of the coin received cannot be guaranteed.
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Frequently asked questions
The Austrian 1780 Restrike is a modern restrike of the Maria Theresa Thaler, which is considered "the world's most famous silver coin".
The 1780 date mark celebrates the first year of issue for the historic Maria Theresa Thaler coins. It was also the year of Maria Theresa's death, so the 1780 date mark was the last one ever issued on the coins.
The Austrian 1780 Restrike is made of 0.833 pure silver and copper, with a weight of 28.07 grams.
You can buy the Austrian 1780 Restrike online from various bullion and coin dealers, such as JM Bullion and Black Mountain Coins & Stamps.
The value of the Austrian 1780 Restrike depends on various factors such as condition and metal content. However, it is not considered very valuable.
