Austria 20 Euro 2018 Clemency and Faith

This is the third coin of a series of four of the Austrian series which are entitled Maria Theresia. Maria Theresia (1717-1780) was a Habsburg princess. She succeeded her father Charles VI in 1740 as the first female head of state of the Habsburg Monarchy. She was a strong and brave woman who knew the ropes and despite the problems she encountered - no money, no military or political talent, she became one of the most influential people of that time. In the year 2017 it was 300 years ago that Maria Theresia was born. In memory of her 300th birthday, a series of four coins is issued. Two coins were issued in 2017 and two coins will be issued in 2018. The theme of the third coin is Meekness and Faith. Maria Theresia had the unique talent to fulfil three roles - wife, mother and absolute ruler. The first role came to an abrupt end in August 1765 by the death of her husband Franz I. She plunged into a deep mourning and wore exclusively black clothes until her death. She became known as the "Black Widow". The room where Franz I died, she converted as a chapel. The images of this series of coins are based on Medals from the time of Maria Theresia. On the face of the coin is a portrait of Maria Theresia wearing a widow's veil. In a circle are the country name Republik Oesterreich and the value indication of 20 Euro. At the bottom of the coin is the Latin text æM THERESIA PIA FELIX AVGÆ (Maria Theresia the pious and happy ruler). On the reverse of the coin different elements of historical medals are depicted. In the middle is a woman with a palm leaf in her hand. She stretches out her hand to a soldier lying on the floor. On the right side of the coin a tamed lion is pictured with a tree in the background. On the left is the Latin text æCLEMENTIAÆ (Gentle) and at the bottom is the year in Latin numerals MMXVIII (2018). The coin is presented in a luxurious package and is delivered with a numbered certificate of authenticity.