2017 Austria 20 Euro Silver Empress Maria Theresa Courage and Determination Proof

A Regal New Coin Series Begins!

Thrust into power at the age of 23, Empress Maria Theresa became the Habsburg Empire's first female ruler. When her father, Charles VI, died in 1740, the House of Habsburg was in a state of disarray. Fortunately, through her will and intelligence, Empress Maria Theresa established herself early as a powerful force in 18th century Europe. Through four decades, the Empress asserted her successful rule inside and outside of Austria -- all while giving birth to 16 children, including Marie-Antoinette! Now, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of her birth, the Austrian Mint has released the first of four silver proofs commemorating the life of this monumental monarch.

• A YOUNG EMPRESS, A GUIDING VIRTUE -- The first of the Empress Maria Theresa series depicts the young ruler as portrayed in an early 18th century medal designed by engraver Matthäus Donner. The "Courage and Determination" theme of the proof is realized on the coin's reverse with the image of an armed Minerva beneath the inscription "Fortitudo."
• STRUCK ON A CANVAS OF SILVER -- Each Empress Maria Theresa Proof is struck in two-thirds of an ounce of 92.5% pure silver over a diameter of 34 millimeters.
• A PREMIUM PROOF FINISH -- Beginning as hand-selected silver planchets, each proof is expertly minted using polished dies and multiple strikes by the Austrian Mint. As a result, the designs of both the Empress and Minerva display intricate and sharp details in bold relief over a mirrored surface.
• AUSTRIAN LEGAL TENDER -- Each 2017 Empress Maria Theresa Proof is 20 euros legal tender, reflected in the inscription that wreathes the Empress on the obverse along with "Republik Osterreich" -- the Republic of Austria.
• PACKAGING FIT FOR ROYALTY -- Your Empress Maria Theresa Proof will arrive to you in its original Muenze Oesterreich (Austrian Mint) packaging, encased in an acrylic capsule and secured in a gorgeous red mint-branded box along with an official certificate of authenticity.

Only 30,000 of these superb proofs will be minted, with the other three in the series ("Justice," "Clemency" and "Prudence") soon to follow. Don't be late to this 300th anniversary celebration -- get your 2017 Empress Maria Theresa "Courage and Determination" Proof today!