Austrian Philharmonic Gold Bullion Coin

Fineness: .9999 Actual Gold Content: 1.0 troy ounce (31.103 grams)
Diameter: 37 mm Face value: 2000 schillings or 100 euro
Also minted in 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 ounce sizes

For more than eight centuries, the Austrian Mint has had a profound influence upon the culture, the economy, and the everyday life of Austria, Europe, and the financial world. About 800 years ago, the Austrian Babenberg Duke, Leopold V, took King Richard the Lionhearted of England prisoner after an argument in the Holy Land. When the King's ransom was paid, a part of the silver was used to found the Vienna Mint.

The Austrian Mint is known for magnificently engraved gold coins like the Philharmonics, which feature musical instruments honoring the world famous Philharmonic Orchestra of Vienna. The obverse features the great organ in the Vienna's Golden Concert Hall (Musikverein), which houses the Philharmonic Orchestra. Arranged underneath the organ are the weight, fineness, date of issue, and face value in Euros. At top sits the official name of the country, 'REPUBLIK 'STERREICH'. The reverse depicts a collection of orchestral instruments: a cello, four violins, a Vienna horn, bassoon, and harp. These instruments are arranged underneath the German name of the orchestra: 'WIENER PHILHARMONIKER'.

The Austrian Mint first began producing the Vienna Philharmonic in 1989 and it quickly became very popular. This coin was the best selling gold bullion coin in the world in 1992, 1995, and 1996 according to World Gold Council.

Directory of Gold Bullion Coins