Discover the most beautiful coin

In 2024, we launched a loose series of replicas of historical coins dedicated to Franz Joseph I. The first issue, set in a reproduction of a period postcard, commemorated the monarch's Hungarian coronation. The second now commemorates the moment when this Habsburg became Emperor of Austria.

Franz Joseph I ascended the Austrian throne on December 2, 1848, as an 18-year-old young man. This took place in the Archbishop's Palace in Olomouc, as Vienna, which was under revolutionary rule at the time, was not safe for the Habsburg family. In 1908, on the 60th anniversary of this event, the Vienna Mint struck a 100-corona coin, which became known among collectors as the "Lady in the Clouds". The reverse side of the gold coin, which is one of the most beautiful in the world, was decorated with a woman sitting on a cloud. Tradition has it that she was the Austrian theater actress Katharina Schratt, who was the mistress of Franz Joseph I. The monarch's wife, Elisabeth "Sisi" of Bavaria, knew about this relationship and did not prevent it. "The combination of attractive design and low mintage, which amounted to only 16,026 pieces, made the coin a sought-after and highly prized collector's item," explains Martin Furugláš, collector and expert consultant for this issue.

The reverse side of the Czech Mint's miniature gold replica naturally depicts a lady in the clouds, her left hand resting on a shield bearing the Austrian eagle and her right hand holding a laurel wreath. The scene, illuminated by rays of sunlight, is complemented by the dates 1848–1908, the nominal value of 100 COR. and the Latin inscription DVODECIM LVSTRIS GLORIOSE PERACTIS (sixty years gloriously completed). The obverse side of the coin bears a portrait of Franz Joseph I surrounded by an inscription listing the monarch's titles. The faithful replica, based on the original work by Rudolf Neuberger and Rudolf Ferdinand Marschall, was created by medal maker Petr Horák.

The replica is set in a numbered reproduction of a historical postcard. On it you will find the Austrian imperial crown surrounded by period coins, including the "Lady in the Clouds".

If you want to see for yourself how faithful the replica is to the original, visit our store in Brno, where we have prepared a thematic mini-exhibition for you thanks to Martin Furugláš.