The obverse of the Austrian 10 Corona features a profile of Franz Joseph I facing to the right. Franz Joseph I was the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire from 1848-1916. After the death of Franz’ son, Archduke Franz Ferdinand became the heir-presumptive of the Austro-Hungarian empire until he was assassinated, leading to the start of the first world war.

The reverse of the 10 Corona holds the Austrian Coat of Arms and the restrike date, 1915, in commemoration of Franz Joseph I’s 68 years reign. The Austrian Coat of Arms depicts a double-headed eagle with crown and symbols of empire based upon the crest of the Hapsburgs, the dynasty which formed the Austrian Empire in 1804.

An Austrian 10 Corona like its counterparts the 100 and the 20 Corona are re-strikes. This coin was first produced in 1892 and most commonly now has the restrike date of 1912 in commemoration of Franz Joseph I’s 82nd birthday. Corona coins came to be from Austria’s currency reform in 1892. The 10 and 20 Corona replaced the Gulden and became Austria’s first gold currency. The 10 Corona was produced until during World War I when its minting was ceased due to the restraints of the time. At various times, in later years, these coins were issued as re-strikes with the date of 1912.