1/2oz Austrian Philharmonic - Varied Years

Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin

First released in October 1989, the Vienna Philharmonic quickly became Europe’s most successful bullion coin and, according to the World Gold Council, was the world’s best-selling gold coin in 1992, 1995, 1996, and 2000. Its enduring popularity is matched by its distinctive design and rich cultural symbolism.

History & Concept
A change in Austrian law in November 1988 allowed for the minting of pure gold coins for investment. Seeking a design that would embody Austria’s identity, music was chosen as the universal theme. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, renowned worldwide, became the natural emblem for the coin.

Design Details
Created by Thomas Pesendorfer, Chief Engraver of the Austrian Mint, the reverse depicts eight orchestral instruments: a cello framed by four violins in the foreground, with the Viennese horn, bassoon, and harp behind. The obverse features the celebrated pipe organ of the Golden Hall in Vienna’s Musikverein, the setting of the Philharmonic’s famous New Year concerts.

The organ’s case was originally designed by architect Theophil von Hansen and built by Friedrich Ladegast in 1872. While renovated and replaced several times, most recently in 2011, its iconic visual form has remained unchanged.

Around the upper obverse appears the inscription “Republik Oesterreich”. Beneath the organ are the weight, purity, and year of issue, while the face value is shown at the base. The edge of the coin is traditionally reeded.