The Austrian Mint’s gold Philharmonic coins celebrate the art and culture of the nation. Some nations put their national symbols on their gold coinage: eagles and Lady Liberty for the U.S. or Canada’s maple leaf or the South African springbok. Seems like Austrians are mighty proud of their Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra!

Here’s why. Since 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic has widely been regarded the as among, if not the, world’s greatest orchestra. Back in 1989, when the Austrian Mint first decided to produce an official gold bullion coin, their chief engraver Thomas Pesendorfer developed a design celebrating the Philharmonic. 

The Philharmonic’s reverse in detail

At first glance, you might think a building is featured on the Philharmonic’s reverse design. Perhaps the Viennese concert hall? Turns out, that epic structure you thought was architecture is really the Musikverein pipe organ. Found inside of the Golden Hall (Großer Musikvereinssaal)in the Innere Stadt neighborhood of Vienna, this truly incredible pipe organ is often used in performances by the Vienna Philharmonic. And just to be clear, the colors are fairly accurate. The organ is housed in an elaborate neoclassical case made of gilded wood. 

The obverse features inscriptions in German (the native language of Austria): Republik Oesterreich and Unze Gold 9999 or “Republic of Austria” and “1 ounce 0.9999 pure gold.” Face value of €100 (euro) and mintage year also appear on the obverse.

The obverse of the Austrian gold philharmonic

The obverse of every Philharmonic minted since 1989 has showcased instruments used by the Vienna Philharmonic. Specifically, a cello with two violins on each side make up the foreground. Behind, from left to right, are a French horn, a bassoon and a standing harp which represent the dozens and dozens of musicians who collaborate to perform absolutely breathtaking music. (I know what you’re thinking: Where are the percussion instruments? You’re thinking strings, brass and woodwinds are all represented here. You may be surprised to know that standing harps are played by “percussing” the strings, and therefore are considered both a percussion and a string instrument. See, they’re all there!)

You’ll also note the inscription Weiner Philharmoniker, or Viennese Orchestra in Austria’s native language, German.

2022 1 oz Austrian Philharmonic gold coin highlights:

• 34th issue of 1 oz Austrian gold Philharmonic coins, one of the very few bullion coins in the world with a face value in euro
• Contains 1 troy oz of 0.9999 pure gold in brilliant, uncirculated, straight-from-the-mint condition
• Legal tender issued by the government of Austria with a face value of €100 (euro)
• Design celebrates Austria's proud musical heritage: the famed pipe organ of the Musikverein on the reverse, orchestral instruments on obverse
• Individual coins ship in protective plastic flip cases

About the Austrian Philharmonic series

Like the American gold eagle (until recently) and the Canadian gold maple leaf, the designs of these gold Philharmonic coins don’t change. Their first issue was so wildly popular that the Austrian Mint kept these designs since 1989. They even use exactly the same design on the Austrian silver philharmonic (2008) and platinum Philharmonic (2016) mintages. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.

Gold Philharmonic coins are regularly issued in five weights: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz (just like American eagles) plus a miniscule 1/25 oz coin. There were also two special and very limited issues: a 2004 1kg gold Philharmonic, and a 2009 20 oz. gold Philharmonic. 

Despite this variety, the 1 oz gold Philharmonic has been a top-selling bullion coin year after year. 

Watch: the inspiration for the Austrian Philharmonic gold coin's reverse design

Condition: New

Shipping: Free Shipping on $199+ Orders