1oz Austrian Philharmonic - Varied Years

Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin

First issued in October 1989, the Vienna Philharmonic quickly became Europe’s most successful bullion coin. According to the World Gold Council, it was the world’s best-selling gold coin in 1992, 1995, 1996, and 2000.

History & Inspiration
Following a change in Austrian law in 1988 that permitted the minting of pure gold investment coins, the Austrian Mint sought a design that would embody the nation’s identity. Music was chosen as the theme, with the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra serving as the perfect symbol of Austria’s cultural heritage.

Design
The coin was created by Thomas Pesendorfer, Chief Engraver of the Austrian Mint. The reverse depicts a cello framed by four violins, with the Viennese horn, bassoon, and harp completing the orchestral ensemble. The obverse features the grand pipe organ of the Golden Hall (Goldener Saal) in Vienna’s Musikverein, the venue for the Philharmonic’s celebrated New Year concerts.

The organ case was designed by architect Theophil von Hansen, while the original instrument was built in 1872 by Friedrich Ladegast. Though renovated and replaced over time—most recently in 2011—the visual form of the organ remains unchanged.

Inscriptions
The obverse bears the words “Republik Oesterreich” in a semi-circle above the organ. Below are the coin’s weight, purity, and year of issue, with the face value shown at the bottom. The edge of the coin is reeded.