2018 Austria Silver €20 Maria Theresa (Prudence and Reform)

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This 2018 silver coin from Austria marks the culmination of a special commemorative series dedicated to Empress Maria Theresa. Released to mark three centuries since her birth in 1717, the multi-coin collection structures its tribute around four essential virtues: courage, justice, clemency, and finally, prudence and reform. Maria Theresa held authority over the Habsburg Empire for four decades, spanning from 1740 to 1780. Crafted with an exceptionally bold relief that evokes the aesthetic of an antique medal, the coin contains 0.666 ounces of fine silver. The front side displays a composite of historical designs sourced directly from medals created during her actual forty year reign. On the other side, the coin depicts Maria Theresa alongside her son, Joseph II. This 20 Euro legal tender issue is backed by the Austrian government and was limited to a distribution of 30,000 pieces.