1oz Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin

History

The Austrian Philharmonic gold coins that were issued from 1989 to 2001 are denominated in Austrian Shillings. However, when Austria switched to the new Euro currency at the beginning of 2000, it automatically meant that the face value of legal tender Austrian Philharmonic gold coins would have to change as well. Hence, from 2002 onwards, all Gold Philharmonic coins have a face value denominated in Euros.

The Gold Philharmonic coin immortalises classical music in pure gold.

The Austrian Philharmonic gold coin was introduced in 1989 and was Austria's first legal tender coin to contain 99.99% pure gold. The Austrian Philharmonic gold coin was significantly well received by the precious metals enthusiasts that cherished the coin's high gold purity, the craftsmanship that went into it, and that it was the first legal tender gold coin to be embellished with cultural symbols that most people could relate to: music. The decision to use music as a theme for the Austrian Philharmonic gold coin made perfect sense since it symbolises the essence of Austria's cultural achievements over the centuries. Many world-famous musicians and composers, such as Mozart, Strauss, and Beethoven, to name a few, have contributed to the creation of Austria. Specifically, its capital Vienna is famous for its operas and symphonies. Their work in classical and romantic music is immortalised in the Austrian Philharmonic gold coin, making it a must for purchasers who have an affinity for the precious sound of pure gold. 

The Austrian Philharmonic gold coins and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The Austrian Philharmonic gold coin is named after the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra was founded in 1842 by a group of people in response to Vienna's lack of professional orchestral organisations in the early 19th century. An administrative committee democratically elected by its musician members managed the orchestra as an independent body. The professional musicians who made up the ensemble were chosen exclusively from the Vienna State Opera. They had to have been playing for at least three years before even being considered a potential member. To this date, the poignant recruiting process has not changed, which ensures the very highest level of artistic performance from every member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Today, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is most famous for its traditional New Year's concerts where nostalgic music from great composers is performed. These concerts have become so popular that they are televised to over 90 countries, sending a message of joy for the New Year through gracious and delightful music.

The Austrian Mint

The Austrian Mint, a subsidiary of Austria’s Central Bank, is a world renowned mint which dates back to the 12th century. The story of the Austrian Mint begins in 1194, when Richard the Lionheart paid 12 tonnes of silver to secure his freedom from imprisonment by the Austrian Duke Leopold V. The Duke would later use the silver to strike silver coins, thus laying the foundation for the Austrian Mint. In its rich and long history, the Austrian Mint has produced many of Europe’s most famous and widely used coins, including gold crowns, guilders, ducats and silver coins such as the Maria Theresa thaler. Many of the gold coins issued by the Austrian Mint were extensively used in trade during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while the silver thaler proved to be one of the most minted and widely used silver coins in global commerce between 1750 and the 1950s.  Today, the  mint  is  best recognised  for producing  Europe’s  most  desired  investment bullion coins, the Gold and Silver Philharmonic bullion coins.