2024 1oz Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin

Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin

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

History
A change in Austrian law in 1988 permitted the minting of pure gold coins for investment purposes. Seeking a design that would represent Austria on the world stage, the Austrian Mint chose music as its theme—the universal language—and selected the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra as its symbol.

Design
Created by Thomas Pesendorfer, Chief Engraver of the Austrian Mint, the reverse of the coin displays eight orchestral instruments: a central cello flanked by four violins, with the Viennese horn, bassoon, and harp positioned behind.

The obverse features the grand pipe organ from the Golden Hall (Goldener Saal) of Vienna’s Musikverein, the concert venue renowned worldwide as the setting for the Philharmonic’s New Year performances. The organ’s case was designed by Theophil von Hansen, architect of the building itself. The original instrument, built by Friedrich Ladegast in 1872, has been renovated and replaced several times, most recently in 2011, though its outward appearance remains unchanged.

Inscriptions
The inscription “Republik Oesterreich” appears above the organ, while the weight, purity, and year of issue are shown beneath the balustrade. The face value is inscribed at the base, and the coin’s edge is reeded.