Gold Ounce (1 oz) Pre-Euro, Coin Type from Austria - detailed information

Gold Ounce (1 oz) Pre-Euro, Coin Type from Austria (issued 1989 - 2001)
Coin TypeGold Ounce (1 oz) Pre-Euro

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 with a face value of 2,000 and 500 Austrian schillings respectively. In later years, more sizes and metals were added. It is generally one of the world's best selling bullion coins.

In 2002, with the adoption of the euro currency, the nominal value of the one-ounce gold coin was changed to 100 Euros. Like any bullion coin though, their actual value is unrelated to the face value, and is based primarily on the metal content and the spot price of that metal on the commodities markets.

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.

Obverse
Austria / Gold Ounce (1 oz) Pre-Euro - obverse photo

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 1 UNZE GOLD 999.9 (one troy ounce of 99.99% gold), below which the date of issue [year].

Around below, the nominal face value 2000 SCHILLING.

Obverse Inscription REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH 1 UNZE GOLD 999.9 [year] 2000 SCHILLING
Reverse
Austria / Gold Ounce (1 oz) Pre-Euro - reverse photo

The reverse design features an array of musical instruments typical for the orchestra: four violins either side of a cello in the foreground, and the Viennese horn, the bassoon and the harp behind.

Around above, the inscription WIENER PHILHARMONIKER (Vienna Philharmonic).

Reverse Inscription WIENER PHILHARMONIKER
EdgeMilled interruptedEdge InscriptionNone
Notes

The gold ounce Vienna Philharmonic series continues with a denomination of 100 Euros.

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Gold Ounce (1 oz) Pre-Euro: Details
CountryAustria
CurrencyAustrian Schilling
From1989
To2001
Face Value2000 (x Schilling)
CurrentNo (demonetised 2002)
Material0.9999 Gold
DesignerThomas Pesendorfer
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size37.0000 mm
Thickness2.0000 mm
Mass31.1030 g