Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins
Gold bullion coin investors looking to buy .9999 fine (99.99% pure) gold coins should consider the 1-oz Austrian Philharmonics, sometimes called Vienna Philharmonics. They are among the most beautiful gold bullion coins minted. Other popular .9999 fine gold coins are the Australian Kangaroo gold coins, minted by the prestigious Perth Mint.
First struck by the Austrian Mint in 1989, the Austrian Mint has claimed that Philharmonics were the best selling gold bullion coins in the world. Although Philharmonics are very popular in Europe, they never gained popularity in the U.S. Still, they are excellent choices for investors who prefer pure 24 karat gold coins.
The world’s best selling and most popular gold bullion coins are U.S. Mint’s American Gold Eagles and the South African Krugerrands, both of which are 22 karat (91.67% pure).
Philharmonic Design
The obverse depicts the great organ in the Golden Hall in Vienna’s Musikverein Concert Hall, the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Also stamped on the obverse on the current year coin is the face value 100 Euros, the year of mintage, the purity (.9999 fine) and the weight (1 unze, or ounce). Older Vienna Philharmonics carry a face value of 2000 Schillings. The reverse of the gold Philharmonic coins has an array of musical instruments, keeping with the theme of the coin.
One-ounce Philharmonics are larger in diameter than standard 22-karat gold bullion coins, 37 mm as compared to 32.7 mm for Gold Eagles and Krugerrands. Philharmonics have a thickness of 2 mm, versus 2.83 mm for Gold Eagles and Krugerrands.
From the Austrian Mint, Philharmonics are packaged ten coins to a tube. The tubes are a rigid plastic and are sealed with a blue snap-on lid. Secondary market Philharmonics often are still in the original tubes, but occasionally they are put in secondary market containers.
Buying Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins
If you would like to discuss buying Philharmonics or would like to discuss any aspect of investing in gold, call us at 800-528-1380. We take calls 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST, Mondays through Fridays.
For more information about buying gold, visit our Doing Business with CMIGS page.