Austria Maria Theresia Thaler

1) Popularity - Names - Country of Origin
The Maria Theresa Thaler from Austria, also known as Levant Taler or Levantiner Taler, is a coin that originated in 1753 through a coin convention between Maria Theresa and the Elector of Bavaria. After the death of Empress Maria Theresa in 1780, the coins were first re-minted in the minting facility in Günzburg (Habsburg Austrian territory). Later re-strikes took place in Prague, Milan, Venice, Bombay, Rome, and Paris, among others. Since the end of World War II, the coins have been re-struck by the Austrian Mint in Vienna. The Maria Theresa Thaler has a total weight of approximately 28 grams, with a fineness of 833.33/1000.

2) Description of the Coin
On the obverse side, there is a portrayal of the opulently depicted bust of Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. Surrounding the motif is the inscription (translated from Latin) "Maria Theresa by the Grace of God, Roman Empress, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia." The letters S. F. stand for the names of the two mintmasters of the Günzburg mint, Schöbl and Faby. The reverse side depicts a double-headed eagle with the imperial crown. On the shield are the coats of arms of Hungary, Burgundy, Bohemia, and Burgau. These are framed by the inscription (translated from Latin) "Archduchess of Austria, Duchess of Burgundy, Countess of Tyrol 1780." The edge is reeded and bears the inscription "Justitia et Clementina" – meaning Justice and Clemency.

3) Face Value - Legal Tender - Value
Until the year 1858, the Maria Theresa Thaler was legal tender in the Austrian Empire. Well into the 20th century, the Maria Theresa Thaler was an accepted means of payment in parts of Africa and Asia, extending to the Indian region.

4) Other Units - Denominations
No other units or denominations are available.

5) Special Features - Minting Years - History - Mintage
The distribution of these coins extended across a large portion of the Asian and Islamic regions, as well as significant parts of Africa and India. The mintage of these coins is several hundred million pieces, making them among the most well-known silver coins of all time. The silver coin is highly popular among collectors. Additionally, it is available in Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof quality (Polished Plate). These can be differentiated by the simple tail feathers of the eagle (double in the original) and the sharp claws of the eagle (softer in the original). There is a significant number of counterfeits of the Maria Theresa Thaler. Detecting these counterfeits is often quite difficult. Indications of a counterfeit may include lower weight, different material (not silver), or missing/incorrect edge inscriptions.