Austrian Philharmonic coins are offered in three stunning precious metals: silver, gold, and platinum. The inaugural gold version was released in 1989 to honor the world-celebrated Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Austrian Mint, located in Vienna, releases the Philharmonic coin annually.
The coins have remained a popular choice since they were first released due to their numismatic and bullion appeal. This, coupled with their diverse size and precious metal offerings, has rendered them Europe’s leading bullion coin. Austrian Philharmonic coins are guaranteed by the Austrian Mint.
The weight, face value, and year of issue can be found on the obverse of the coin. The obverse also boldly features the Great Pipe Organ located in Vienna’s concert hall, the Musikverein. The reverse features the following instruments: cello, violin, viola, harp, Vienna horn, and bassoon.
The Austrian Mint can be traced back to the year 1194 when King Richard the Lionheart of England paid 16,370 kilos of Silver to Duke Leopold V of Austria to secure his freedom from capture. Leopold struck coins from the spoils, beginning Vienna’s fascinating minting history.
Gold Austrian Philharmonic Coins
The first Austrian Philharmonic coins were first produced in 1989 in 1 oz .9999 fine gold. The former face value was 2,000 Austrian schillings. However, it was later changed to 100 euros in 2002. Gold Austrian Philharmonic coin sizes have varied from year to year, ranging from 1/25 oz to 20 oz. However, the 20 oz variety is rare. It was produced only in 2009 with a total mintage of 6,027 coins. Today, the most common sizes are 1/25 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz. Their respective face values are 4 euros, 10 euros, 25 euros, 50 euros, and 100 euros.
For several decades, Gold Philharmonic coins have remained a popular choice worldwide. According to the World Gold Council, Gold Philharmonic coins were the best-selling coins in 1992, 1995 and 1996.
Silver Austrian Philharmonic Coins
When the stunning Silver Austrian Philharmonic coins were first released in 2008, it made its mark as the first European silver bullion coin with 99.9% purity. Since its release, the Silver Austrian Philharmonic coin has been offered in one size: 1 oz .999 fine silver. The face value of the in-demand coin is 1.5 euros.
Several million Silver Philharmonics are produced each year. However, the production numbers vary, as adjustments are made according to market demand. The highest number produced so far was in 2011 when 17,873,721 were minted.
APMEX offers a wide selection of Silver Philharmonics in various versions, such as MintDirect®, PCGS & NGC certified, and coin sets. These designations can contribute to elevated value retention.
Platinum Austrian Philharmonic Coins
In 2016, the Austrian Mint produced the first 1 oz Platinum Philharmonic coins with a .9995 fineness. In 2018, the Austrian Mint released a new size, 1/25 oz. Platinum Austrian Mint Philharmonic coins are offered today in 1/25 oz and 1 oz varieties. The face values of the coins are 4 euros and 100 euros, respectively.
Silver, gold and Platinum Austrian Philharmonic coins share the same obverse and reverse designs, aside from variations in the date of issue, the face value and the precious metal content. Consequently, collectors and investors can enjoy the design in stunning detail of their favorite Precious Metals.
How To Buy & Sell Austrian Philharmonic Coins
Buying and selling Austrian Philharmonic coins is easier than ever. Buyers and sellers can visit a local pawn or coin shop. However, investors frequently choose online buyers like APMEX due to industry-leading selection, product expertise, pricing and integrity.
