2017-04-21 Fri

The 300th anniversary Maria Theresa was celebrated with the release of a four-coin series entitled Empress Maria Theresa - Treasures of History. She was the only woman who ruled Hapsburg Empire. Each coin depicts different aspects like Courage, Justice, Clemency and Prudence. Maria Theresa is depicted differently in each coin like a young woman, a wife, a mother and a widow.

The first coin called Courage and Determination depicts the young queen, based on a 1704-1756 medal design. Maria Theresa was brave to tackle all the challenges against hostile forces at a very young age during her reign. Other inscriptions on the obverse include REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH, 20 EURO, * MARIA * THERESIA * AUGUSTA *

The reverse depicts standing Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, wearing an armour and a military helmet, holding a spear in her right hand and wields a shield on her left arm with a coat of arms. Other elements include eight standards or battle flags and four cannons, military encampments on the hills, inscription FORTITUDO, Roman numerals "MMXVII" for the date, 2017.