Barbara P writes:Â I have a silver coin in relatively good shape that I obtained in Oman. I believe it is European in origin. The date on the coin is 1780. The only words that I can make out include the following: ARCHID AVST DUX BURG COTYR 1780 R IMP HU BO REG M THERESIA D G. The image on the coin is of a woman, possibly Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria. I would truly appreciate any information that you might have on this coin. I am particularly interested in discovering the value of the coin. Thank you,Â
The coin you have is the longest running trade unit in the world but virtually all examples are restrikes. The Maria Theresa Thalers were very successful and are still used today, mostly in the middle east. They’re not made in Austria anymore, but restrikes have been made since 1853 and are still made in Turkey. All have the date 1780, with an “X” by the date. You can purchase these individually or in bags of 1000.
The coin is considered a bullion item and contains .7517 troy ounces of pure silver.
