Replica of Maria Theresa of Austria standard

Exclusive ducat of the only regnant Czech queen

Maria Theresa, daughter and heiress of the emperor Charles VI, ruler of the Habsburg empire; acceded to the throne after the death of her father on the basis of so-called Pragmatic Sanction. Despite this, the rulers in neighbouring countries did not recognize her heritage claims and challenged them. Karel Albrecht Bavorský presented a claim to Bohemia and Austrian lands, Frederickh II of Prussia claimed Silesia and Frederick August II of Saxonia claimed Moravia. Thanks to her clever policy and political circumstances Maria Theresa succeeded in saving most of her inheritance. The only major loss was the split of a larger part of Silesia from the Czech crown. Due to bleak economic prospects and financial situation Maria Theresa decided to introduce the first copper coins (in Bohemia - greschlen and kreutzers) and, later on, also the first paper money (banknotes). These were the first credit money in the Czech lands. The reform of the mintage system did not however affect the coinage of ducats. Maria Theresa’s ducat is the only Czech gold coin depicting a female figure – the queen.