Ducats were gold coins, and also units of account, formerly used in most European countries - including Holland, Russia, Austria, and Sweden. Ducats were issued by Austria in 1612, and probably earlier. The last regular issue of ducats was in 1914. All the 4 ducats dated 1915 are restrikes, struck between 1920-1936. Four ducat coins dated 1915 are still being produced by the Austrian Mint as official restrikes.

* Restrikes using the 1915 date. The Austrian Mint continues to make restrikes with the 1915 date today. Mint: Vienna Mint, Austrian Mint AG

* Other dates minted with different specifications Mint: Austrian Mint AG

Franz Joseph I Austrian Ducat gold coins were extremely high in gold purity for their day Ð over 98% pure gold! Gold Ducats featuring various rulers of the day were minted throughout the 19th Century and into the 20th Century. They trace their origin back to Venice during the Middle Ages; Austria began minting Ducats in the early 16th Century.

* Restrikes using the 1915 date. The Austrian Mint continues to make restrikes with the 1915 date today.

The gold British Sovereign can trace its history to Henry VII (1485-1509) who issued the first 20-shilling gold coin in 1489. The minting of the British Sovereign was suspended shortly after James I ascended to the throne of England in 1603. More than 200 years later, gold Sovereigns were once again struck commencing with George III in 1817.

In the 19th Century, the Master of the Mint commissioned his protege, Royal Mint engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, to create the now classic image of St George and the dragon for the reverse of this coin. In 1890, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Goschen , declared: "Nothing, in my opinion, is more handsome than the St George and Dragon."

From the time of Queen Victoria until Britain went off the gold standard, sovereigns were minted as circulating gold coins with the stated value of one pound.

The Constitutional Bicentennial $5 gold coin portrays a stylized eagle holding a massive quill pen on the obverse. Another large quill pen is featured on the coin's reverse. To the left are nine stars, signifying the first colonies that ratified the Constitution. Four stars to the right represent the remaining original states. Both Uncirculated and Proof versions of the coin were minted at West Point.

Denmark was a strong Viking kingdom around 1000 who controlled great masses of land and people including Iceland, Greenland, Britain, and Norway. Sweden and Finland were added in later years but Britain got loose from Danish control. Denmark occupied outposts in India and the East Indies for many years. In the succeeding centuries, Finland and Sweden gained independence and Norway became part of a joint kingdom with Sweden. Other territory was ceded to Prussia (Schleswig-Holstein) and they sold the Danish West Indies (Virgin Islands) in 1914. Iceland became independent in 1944. Before World War II, Denmark signed a non-aggression treaty with Germany which was broken months later when the Nazis invaded and occupied Denmark.

* 1926-27 and 1930-31 dates were not released for circulation

In America we call these beautiful gold coins "French Angels." In Europe they're often called "The Lucky Gold Angels" and they're famous for bringing good luck to their owners.

Their reputation started with Augustus Dupre, the coin's original designer, who credited his escape from the guillotine to the 20 Franc Gold Angel in his pocket.

These stunningly beautiful coins are minted in .1867 troy ounces of pure gold and every one is at least 100 years old. With the popularity of angels today, we thought they would make interesting additions to any collection of world gold coins. They're also ideal as gifts for ladies, children, and grandchildren.

The French 20 Franc Rooster is one of the most affordable, and therefore popular, of all our classic rare European gold coins. Each coin contains almost a fifth of an ounce (0.1867) of pure gold and is available in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. It is ideal for investors who have the ability to acquire from 20 to 1,000+ coins

* All coins minted after 1914 were officially re-struck with dates from 1898-1914. Mint: Paris

Napoleon III (1808-1873) was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870. Napoleon III strove to restore the glory of France to the lofty stature attained under his famous uncle, but his rule was undermined by a succession of political blunders including rifts with the Vatican over papal lands and French industry over his free trade policy with England. In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, in part due to the disunity at home, he met defeat at the hands of the Prussians near Sedan. Within days, the weakened Napoleon III was unseated by a new revolution and he left France for England where he died, failing to restore the glory of Napoleonic France.

The Italian 20 Lire Umberto I gold coin is a superb example of 19th century European coinage. Umberto I served as the Duke of Savoy before being crowned King of Italy in 1878. He ruled until his assassination in 1900. His image first appeared on these 20 Lire coins in 1879.

Swiss 20 Franc Gold Coins are among the most beautiful gold coins ever minted. Swiss gold coins were first struck in 1492 and were known worldwide as a universal currency.

Today, Swiss Gold is put away by both coin collectors and gold investors. Collectors love the beauty and classic designs while investors are typically looking to hoard away small gold coins.

* Minting of this coin in 1896 has been reported, but not confirmed. Mint: Bern