1 oz Gold Philharmonic Coin .9999

Description

The Vienna Philharmonic (German: Wiener Philharmoniker), often shortened to Philharmonic, is a bullion coin of gold, silver, or platinum produced by the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich). The coin is named for the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, which inspired the design of both sides. It was introduced in 1989 as a one-troy ounce (ozt), gold coin with a face value of 2,000 Austrian schillings. It is generally one of the world’s best selling bullion coins.^[1][2] In 2002, with the adoption of the euro currency, the nominal value of the one-ounce coin was changed to 100 euros. In 2008, the Mint introduced a one-ounce silver version of the coin with a nominal value of 1.50 euros. The silver coin is also one of the top selling bullion coins, ranked third in 2013.^[1] In 2016, the mint introduced a one ounce platinum coin with a face value of 100 euros.

Like any bullion coin, the value is based primarily on the metal content and the spot price of that metal on the commodities markets. The gold Philharmonic has a fineness of 999.9 (often written 0.9999, also known as 24 carat or 99.99% pure).^[4] In most countries in Europe, the gold Philharmonic is traded VAT-free while the Silver Philharmonic is partly subject to a reduced VAT rate. The coins are minted according to demand and production varies from year to year accordingly. The design on the coin remains the same each year; only the year of issue changes. From the outset, the obverse of the coin depicts the pipe organ in the Vienna Musikverein‘s Golden Hall. The reverse of the coin shows instruments of the Vienna Philharmonic, including Vienna horn, bassoon, harp, and four violins centered on a cello. Both designs were produced by the chief engraver of the Austrian Mint, Thomas Pesendorfer.

Philharmonic is an adjective used to describe one’s love of music, and this coin is aptly named. The Vienna Orchestra of Austria is globally renowned as one of the world’s foremost orchestras and comprises dedicated experts of their craft. Likewise, the Austrian Mint, which has been in operation since 1194, has mastered the art of minting bullion productions. Renowned for its exquisite beauty, the Philharmonic is routinely among the most sought-after bullion coins to date and has been since its inception in 1989.

ABOUT THE AUSTRIAN MINT

Internationally renowned for its know-how in precious metal processing and coin production, the Austrian Mint is a global player in the international minting industry. The Austrian Mint ranks among leading global mints and produces some of the world’s best-selling bullion coins along with a range of collector items. With more than 825 years of coin-making experience, since 1988 the Austrian Mint has operated as a private company and is the sole manufacturer of coins in Austria. Owned in its entirety by the Austrian National Bank, the Austrian mint combines centuries of craftsmanship tradition with some of the world’s leading coin-making technologies, much of it developed and innovated by their unique numismatic experts.