On the obverse of the Austrian Four Ducat is the laureate bust of Franz Joseph I. Franz Joseph I ruled to the Austrian empire for a total of 68 years. He is respected on the coins as a leader who brought about great strides in cultural life, politics, and economics for the Austrian empire. The Austrian Coat of Arms, a double eagle with crown, is presented on the reverse.

The Austrian Four ducat has been struck since the 16th century. Similar, to its Austrian accomplices, the Coronas, the striking of the Austrian Ducat ceased in the year 1915 due to the resource restrictions of the first World War. From 1857, when the Ducat lost its status as legal tender, until 1915, the Austrian One and Four Ducat were used as trade pieces. The modern re-strikes coming from years later all bear the 1915 date.