Austrian 5 Ducat

The Austrian 5 Ducat gold coin was minted from gold so pure—typically 986 fineness—that it could be bent without breaking, a trait that saved many a pocket during hasty escapes from creditors. Weighing around 17.5 grams, these pieces were struck mainly in Vienna for coronations, weddings, and other imperial occasions, reflecting the Habsburgs' penchant for ostentation without much innovation.

Production spanned from 1670 to 1915, with designs featuring the double-headed eagle and the ruling emperor's portrait, though exact mintages for most years remain murky due to incomplete records from the era. Some planchets came from recycled sources, like melted-down foreign coins, which added an ironic layer to Austria's economic woes.

If you're hunting for one, remember that counterfeits abound, especially from the 19th century. As for me, after three decades, I've seen enough ducats to know they're more reliable than politicians.