The Maria Theresa thaler, always dated 1780, is the most successful trade coin in history — accepted from the Levant to India and still restruck by the Austrian Mint today. Nearly every example on the market is a restrike, which makes the authentication story (original strikes vs. restrikes) the heart of this entry. The entry covers the 1780 date tradition, trade routes, and how to buy one without overpaying.
Key facts
- .833 fine silver, ~28.07 g, 41 mm; obverse Maria Theresa portrait, reverse Austrian imperial double eagle
- Original standard stabilized by 1780; Maria Theresa died 1780 — every coin struck since carries the 1780 date
- Declared official Austrian trade coin 19 September 1857; lost currency status in Austria 31 October 1858
- Used as de facto currency in the Horn of Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and India into the 20th century; predecessor of the Saudi riyal and Ethiopian birr
- Austrian Mint still produces MTT restrikes in uncirculated condition