The Austrian Gold Philharmonic coin regularly ranks among the best-selling bullion coins in Europe, and for a 27th consecutive year these coins are available for sale from the Austrian Mint. While the program as a whole celebrates 27 years, the ½ oz version of the coin marks 22 years of production. Right now, the 2016 ½ oz Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin is available courtesy of JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in a protective plastic flip for individual coins, or sealed mint tubes of 20 coins.
- Contains ½ oz of .9999 pure gold.
- Face value of €50 (Euros) is fully backed by the Austrian government.
- Designed in 1989 by Thomas Pesendorfer.
- Bears images inspired by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Austrian Gold Philharmonic coins have an interesting history when it comes to face values and the status of the coins as legal tender. When the Gold Philharmonic was originally introduced, the face value of the coins was listed in Austrian Shillings and considered legal tender only in Austria.
The adoption of the common Eurozone currency by member states in 2002 resulted in the Gold Philharmonic receiving a face value listed in Euros. However, the legal tender status of the coins existed only in Austria, despite the fact that Euros are accepted by all member nations in the Eurozone.
On the obverse face of the coin you’ll find the image of the Great Organ of the Golden Hall, located inside the Musikverein Concert Hall in Vienna. The home theatre of the Vienne Philharmonic Orchetra, the Musikverein is located in the Inner Stadt neighborhood of the national capital.
The reverse of the coin bears the images of popular instruments used by members of the orchestra. Included are depictions of the harp, cello, violin, French horn, and bassoon. Engravings on both faces of the coin are listed only in German, the official language of Austria.
These coins are struck on an annual basis by the Austrian Mint. Founded in 1194 by Duke Leopold V of Austria, the original precious metals produced here consisted of 15 tonnes of silver paid as ransom by England’s King Richard the Lionheart to secure safe passage for his troops returning from the Crusades in the Middle East.
Please direct your questions to a JM Bullion associate at 800-276-6508. We’re also available online using our live chat and email features.