AUSTRIA. Kaisertum Österreich-Ungarn. Franz Josef I, 1867-1916. 12 Dukaten (Gold, 39 mm, 41.95 g, 12 h), so-called 'Wahlspruchmedaille' ('motto medal' in German), variety with dot after signature. By J. Tautenhayn, Kremnitz (Kremnica), no date (circa 1880). FRANCISCVS•IOSEPHVS•I•D•G•AVSTRIAE•IMPERATOR•ET• HVNGARIAE•REX•APOST•✱ Laureate head of Franz Josef I to right, signature J•TAUTENHAYN• below. Rev. VIRBIVS / VNITIS in two lines; above, crown, all within laureal and oak branches. Edge: hallmark A. Holzmair 115. Horsky -. Julius -. Extremely rare. A prooflike example of this highly popular large gold medal. In original red case of issue with gilt-embossed double eagle. Tiny hairlines and minor edge nicks, otherwise, virtually as struck.


Multiple-ducat issues that served purposes beyond ordinary currency have long held a special place in numismatics. During the Thirty Years’ War, for instance, the so-called Gnadenpfennige - early tokens of imperial favor that later evolved into orders and decorations - were often struck on ducat standard to emphasize their significance. That tradition carried well into the twentieth century, when rulers used such pieces to honor loyal subjects or distinguished visitors.

The Habsburgs continued this practice with their Wahlspruchmedaillen (‘motto medals’), which followed ducat weights. The medal offered here, struck in Vienna around 1880 on a full twelve-ducat planchet, features on the obverse a finely executed portrait by none other than Josef Tautenhayn (1837-1911), one of Austria’s most gifted and celebrated medalists. The reverse carries the personal motto of Emperor Franz Joseph I, Viribus Unitis (‘With United Forces’).

Intended as an imperial gift for the emperor’s closest circle, these pieces were presented to senior military commanders, noble ambassadors, and visiting heads of state. Impressive in scale and preserved in its original case of issue, this rare piece stands at the crossroads of numismatics, medallic art, and phaleristics.