The Vienna Philharmonic (German: Wiener Philharmoniker), often shortened to just Philharmonic or called the Austrian Philharmonic, is a bullion coin of gold, silver, or platinum produced by the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich). The coin is named for the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, which inspired the design of both sides. It was introduced in 1989 as a one ounce and a quarter ounce gold coin. In later years, more sizes and metals were added. It is generally one of the world's best selling bullion coins.
On the occasion of anniversaries of the series, the Mint also issued some coins in one-off other sizes, which are listed below.
The design on the coin remains the same each year; only the year of issue changes. The obverse of the coin depicts the pipe organ in the Vienna Musikverein's Golden Hall. The reverse shows instruments of the Vienna Philharmonic, including Vienna horn, bassoon, harp, and four violins centred on a cello. Both designs were produced by Thomas Pesendorfer, who was the chief engraver of the Austrian Mint between 1993 and 2016. |
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The obverse design of the coin features the pipe organ from Goldener Saal (the Golden Hall) in the Musikverein, the concert hall in Vienna where the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra plays.
Around above, the legend REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH (translated from German: Republic of Austria).
In the exergue, the precious metal content 1000 UNZEN GOLD 999.9 (one thousand troy ounces of 99.99% gold), below which the date of issue [year].
Around below, the nominal face value 2000 EURO. |
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