Gold Philharmonic Specifications, Information & History

The Vienna Philharmonic coin is struck in pure gold, 999.9 fine (24 carats) and is the official bullion coin of Austria. Commonly known as the “Philharmoniker”, it was first minted in 1989 and is issued every year by the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich AG”). Statistics provided by the World Gold Council, show the Philharmonic was the best selling gold bullion coin in the world in 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2000. Austria followed Britain and became the second European state to introduce an official gold coin.

The coins have legal tender status and carry a face value in Euros. However, coins struck prior to Austrian entry to the Single European Currency carry a face value in Austrian Schillings. The Gold Philharmoniker is available in four different face values, sizes and weights and these are listed below. To mark the 15th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmoniker a limited edition of just 15 Gold coins each weighing 1,000 ounces was issued by the Austrian Mint. The gold content was 31.103 kg and each coin had a nominal value of 100,000 Euros. It was recognised at the time as the largest Gold coin of its kind in the world but was outranked by the massive 100kg Gold Canadian Maple in 2007.

The world famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is the inspiration for this coin and is reflected in its design. The obverse of the coin shows the Great Organ in the Golden Hall of Vienna's Musikverein, which houses the Philharmonic Orchestra. Above the great organ the words "Republik Österreich" (Republic of Austria) are shown in capital letters. Also featured on this side are the weight, fineness and year of issue under the Great Organ image. Face value is indicated in Austrian Schilling in mintings prior to 31 December 2001, and Euro afterwards.

The Vienna Philharmonic coin is also produced in Silver.

Gold Philharmonic Technical Specifications


Size	Face Value Euro	Total Weight (g)	Fineness /1.000	Gold Content (T oz)	Gold Content (g)	Diameter (mm)	Thick (mm)
Full	100 Euro	31.104 g	.9999	1.00	31.104	32	2
Half	50 Euro	15.552g	.9999	0.50	15.552	28	1.6
Quarter	25 Euro	7.776g	.9999	0.25	7.776	22	1.2
Tenth	10 Euro	3.110g	.9999	0.10	3.110	16	1.2

Since February 2008, the 1 ounce version of the coin has also been minted in silver. Previous to Austrian entry to the single European currency, Philharmonic coins had face values in Austrian Schillings.