The Maria Theresa Taler

On the 21st of September, 1753, Empress Maria Theresa signed a coinage convention with the Prince Elector of Bavaria. This treaty also defined the silver content of every coin and fixed the ratio between the Gulden and Taler at 2:1. In addition, the coins had raised edged lettering to prevent any clipping, which would otherwise debase the currency.

The first Taler, with the portrait of Maria Theresa was struck in 1741. The present coin, however, shows the Empress in later years and was issued in 1780, the year of her death. In Austria, Maria Theresa Taler were legal tender until October, 1858. In many African countries, this silver coin was still used as legal tender during the Second World War. Owing to an imperial patent dating back to September 19th, 1857, the Maria Theresa Taler has been continuously re-struck, as an historical souvenir combining beauty of design with the value of silver.