Since its first issue in 1989, this Austrian gold coin has become Europe’s best-selling investment coin and one of the most appreciated worldwide. We explain what makes it so popular.

The most appreciated gold coin in Europe comes from Vienna, specifically from the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich), founded in 1194. The Vienna Philharmonic gold coin was first released in 1989, initially only in 1-ounce and 1/25-ounce examples, but due to its popularity, 1/10-ounce and 1/50-ounce coins were later minted.

Building on the success of other collector coins that paid homage to the cultures of the nations in which they were minted, the Münze Österreich decided to create a series of coins featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the most famous orchestras, which every 1 January brings classical music lovers to their television sets to enjoy the most anticipated concert of the New Year.

Since its launch, it quickly established itself as one of the most popular investment coins among collectors, not only in Europe but all over the world. Since then, a new edition has been released every year with the same design created by Thomas Pesendorfer, the now-retired chief designer of the Austrian Mint, which is so popular with collectors and investors. According to the World Gold Council, it was the world’s best-selling gold coin in 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2000.

A quality and detailed design

The obverse of the coin is engraved with a selection of classical musical instruments of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, such as the bassoon, harp and four violins surrounding a cello, topped with the legend “Wiener Philharmoniker” in the form of a bow.

On the reverse is the recognisable pipe organ of the Golden Hall, above which the words ‘Republik Österreich’ can be read in a semicircle at the bottom, while under the organ balustrade, the weight, purity and year of issue are specified.

As with any other gold coin or investment coin, its value is based mainly on its precious metal content, but also, in part, on its numismatic value. In the case of the Philharmonic, it is one of the purest and most prestigious coins, given that it is minted with 999.9 gold, using a process with very strict quality control procedures.

These peculiarities have turned the Vienna Philharmonic gold coin into one of the most popular gold investment coins in Europe, and one of the best-selling in the rest of the world. Undoubtedly, an ideal choice for investors and collectors, which is now available at Preciosos 11Onze.