Austria 20 Euro 2018 Maria Theresia Prudence and Reform

This is the fourth and last coin of the Austrian series of four coins which are named Maria Theresia. This series of coins shows the roles that Maria Theresia played in the history of Austria. These are shown in four portraits in this series of coins. The first coin as a young woman, the second coin as a woman, the third coin as a widow and this fourth coin with her successor Joseph II. 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 when she took office, and despite the problems she encountered û 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 has been issued. Two coins were issued in 2017 and two coins were issued in 2018. The theme of this fourth coin is Wisdom and Reform. At the end of her life she was forced to co-operate with her son the future Emperor Joseph II. This was a collaboration with suspicion because she did not want to share and lose her power: her signature was the most important! Yet she was proud of her son. The images of this series of coins are based on Medals from the time of Maria Theresia.On the face of the coin Maria Theresia is portrayed together with her son Joseph II. Encircling the portrait is the country name Republik Oesterreich and the value indication of 20 Euro. The text IMP IOSEPHVS II AVG M THERESIA AVG (Emperor Josephus II Augustus, Maria Theresa Augusta) is also shown. On the reverse of the coin is a compilation of different historical medals from the time of Maria Theresia. A female figure is depicted on the right side of the coin. Furthermore, the word Sapientia (wisdom) is shown on the left side of the coin. At the bottom of the coin the year 2018 is shown in Latin (= MMXVIII). The coin is presented in a luxurious package and is delivered with a numbered certificate of authenticity.