Coin Facts
- Mint Dates: 1989-present
- Designer: Thomas Pesendorfer
- Composition: 99.99% pure gold
- 1 Troy oz coin
- Diameter: 37mm
- Thickness: 2mm
- Gross Weight: 31.103 grams
- Other coin sizes: 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
The Austrian Philharmonic Coin is a high-purity bullion coin issued by the Austrian Mint. It represents Austria’s cultural heritage as the capital of classical music.
While the design doesn’t change, it is minted in varying quantities. Read more to learn about adding this coin to your precious metals portfolio.
About the Austrian Philharmonic Coin
The Austrian Philharmonic Coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 1989 to celebrate Austria’s musical heritage.
The coin was originally released as a gold bullion coin with a silver coin added in 2008 and a platinum coin added in 2016.
The coin is well-regarded for its high purity and demand-based production schedule.
History
The Austrian Philharmonic Coin was first introduced in 1989 by the Austrian Mint to expand Austria’s presence in the global bullion market.
With Vienna considered the classical music capital of the world, the coin brings awareness to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
The coin has gained popularity due to its cultural significance and high purity. It is made of 99.99% pure gold and the one ounce coin has a legal tender value of 100 euros.
In 1992, 1995, 1996, and 2000, the coin was globally regarded as the best-selling gold coin.
A silver version was added in 2008 to offer investors a more affordable option, while the platinum coin was introduced in 2016. The silver coin is made of 99.9% pure silver while the platinum coin is made of 99.95% pure platinum.
The silver and platinum coins are also considered legal tender. The one ounce silver coin is valued at 1.50 euros while the one ounce platinum coin is valued at 100 euros.
The Vienna Philharmonic is currently the only European bullion coin whose face value is denominated in euros. While it is valued in euros, it is only considered legal tender in Austria.
The coin has gained popularity in part due to Austria’s ethical sourcing practices. The Austrian Mint does not source gold from partners who exploit their workers, harm the environment, or financial unethical activities.
Design
The coin was designed by Thomas Pesendorfer who is the chief engraver of the Austrian Mint. The design has remained largely unchanged since it was originally released.
The obverse of the coin features the Great Organ of the Vienna Musikverein musical hall where the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs.
The inscriptions read:
- REPUBLIK OSTERREICH
- 1 UNZE GOLD
- 999.9
- Year
- 100 EURO
The coin’s reverse includes a collection of musical instruments including the violin, harp, cello, bassoon, and French horn. The inscription reads WIENER PHILHARMONIKER.
The silver and platinum coins bear the same design and similar inscriptions. The only differences are the type of metal, purity, and value.
While the Austrian Philharmonic Coin is widely sought after by investors, the coin itself does not have any numismatic value.
The same design is used for consistency. Except for special releases, the coin doesn’t have collectable value.
Minting & Distribution
The Austrian Philharmonic Coin is produced by the Austrian Mint. Between 1989 to 2012 more than 14 million gold coins have been sold.
Production fluctuates based on demand and varies year to year.
| Year | Gold | Silver | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 351,000 | – | – |
| 1990 | 484,500 | – | – |
| 1991 | 233,500 | – | – |
| 1992 | 537,000 | – | – |
| 1993 | 234,000 | – | – |
| 1994 | 218,600 | – | – |
| 1995 | 645,500 | – | – |
| 1996 | 377,600 | – | – |
| 1997 | 408,300 | – | – |
| 1998 | 330,300 | – | – |
| 1999 | 230,700 | – | – |
| 2000 | 245,700 | – | – |
| 2001 | 54,700 | – | – |
| 2002 | 164,105 | – | – |
| 2003 | 179,881 | – | – |
| 2004 | 176,319 | – | – |
| 2005 | 158,564 | – | – |
| 2006 | 82,174 | – | – |
| 2007 | 108,675 | – | – |
| 2008 | 715,842 | 7,773,000 | – |
| 2009 | 903,047 | 9,014,800 | – |
| 2010 | 501,951 | 11,358,200 | – |
| 2011 | 586,686 | 17,873,700 | – |
| 2012 | 341,411 | 8,769,200 | – |
| 2013 | 579,223 | 14,536,400 | – |
| 2014 | 418,919 | 4,643,508 | – |
| 2015 | 647,100 | 7,298,593 | – |
| 2016 | 451,007 | 3,448,390 | 35,257 |
| 2017 | 355,436 | 2,064,804 | 15,354 |
| 2018 | 318,334 | 2,101,592 | 13,753 |
| 2019 | 164,312 | 2,904,983 | 17,798 |
| 2020 | 706,626 | 7,193,117 | 40,891 |
In addition to bullion coins, the mint also produces proofs and offers investors uncirculated coins.
The Austrian Mint occasionally offers special releases of the coin. In 2004 they released The Big Phil to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the coin. This is a 1,000-ounce gold coin with a face value of 100,000 euros.
The mint also created a 20-ounce gold coin for investors who wanted to purchase in higher denominations.
Best Places to Buy Austrian Philharmonic Coins
I’ve listed my top 3 favorite places online that I like to buy my Austrian Philharmonic coins from.
Goldco
Goldco is a reputable precious metals dealer that offers the Austrian Philharmonic coin for direct purchase or inclusion in a gold IRA.
JM Bullion
JM Bullion is a Dallas-based online precious metals retailer with more than a decade of experience. Investors can purchase Austrian Philharmonic coins directly from the company’s website.
APMEX
Founded in 2000, APMEX is an online precious metals marketplace offering the Austrian Philharmonic Coin.
Are Austrian Philharmonic coins a good investment?
The Austrian Philharmonic Coin is a globally recognized, high-purity bullion coin available in gold, silver, and platinum. Its iconic design celebrates the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
While mintages vary from year-to-year the design itself stays fairly consistent. While it’s a popular coin for investors, it does not have numismatic value for collectors.
The Austrian Philharmonic Coin can be included in a gold IRA. Learn more about investing in precious metals and find a reputable dealer to add the coin to your portfolio.
