Austrian Empire – 1822G 1 Thaler – Francis I

The 1822 G Austrian Empire 1 Thaler was issued during the reign of Francis I of Austria (1768–1835), the first Emperor of Austria and one of the most influential rulers of early 19th-century Europe. Struck in high-grade silver, the thaler served as a major trade and monetary unit throughout the Austrian Empire and across much of Central Europe.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Emperor Francis I wearing a laurel wreath, symbolising imperial authority and continuity following the upheavals of the Napoleonic era. The surrounding Latin legend reads “FRANCISCVS I D G AVSTRIAE IMPERATOR”, translating to Francis I, by the Grace of God, Emperor of Austria. The portrait style reflects the neoclassical artistic influence common on European coinage of the early 1800s.

The reverse displays the impressive double-headed imperial eagle, crowned and holding the sword and sceptre of imperial power. At the centre of the eagle is the crowned shield bearing the arms of the Habsburg domains. Beneath the eagle appears the denomination “1 THALER”, with the date 1822. The “G” mintmark indicates the coin was struck at the Günzburg Mint, one of the important mints serving the Austrian Empire during this period.

Silver thalers such as this circulated widely and played a key role in European commerce before the widespread adoption of modern decimal currencies. Today, they are highly collectable among numismatists for their historical significance, detailed heraldic design, and connection to the powerful Habsburg dynasty.

Coin Specifications

• Country: Austrian Empire

• Ruler: Francis I

• Year: 1822

• Denomination: 1 Thaler

• Catalogue: KM#2162

• Mintmark: G (Günzburg Mint)

• Composition: Silver (.833 fine)

• Weight: approx. 28.06 g

• Diameter: approx. 41 mm

Condition – VF

(MB 10)