1912-1916 Hungary Silver 1 Korona

This 83.5% silver coin was minted under Hungary’s longest-reigning monarch. Though Emperor Franz Joseph I sought peace for much of his 68-year reign – he ultimately sparked the flames of World War I with one fateful decision.

When his nephew and heir Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, the emperor issued nationalist Serbia an ultimatum. When it was rejected, he declared war. The result triggered a conflict involving over 100 nations. Franz Joseph died in 1916, two years before the war ended. His defeated empire was dissolved in 1918.

This historic 1 Korona silver coin bears his image on the obverse. The reverse shows the Crown of St. Stephen, protector of kings, and a wreath. Great addition to a world silver collection.