Specifications
| Metal | Gold |
| Purity | .9999 Fine (24 Karat) |
| Weight | 1 Troy Ounce |
| Form Factor | Coin |
| Denomination | 100 EURO |
| Year | 2021 |
Design & Liquidity
The obverse of the 2021 1 oz Gold Austrian Philharmonic coin prominently features the Great Organ of the Golden Hall in Vienna's Musikverein concert hall. Inscriptions on this side include "REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH" (Republic of Austria), the coin's weight "1 UNZE GOLD 999.9", the year of mintage "2021", and its legal tender face value "100 EURO". [2, 3, 4, 14, 18] The reverse design showcases a harmonious collection of orchestral instruments, specifically a cello, four violins, a bassoon, a harp, and a Vienna horn, representing the renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Above these instruments, the inscription reads "WIENER PHILHARMONIKER". [2, 3, 4, 14, 18] Both sides of this iconic coin were originally designed by Thomas Pesendorfer, the esteemed Chief Engraver of the Austrian Mint, with the design first introduced in 1989. [2, 3, 4, 7] The Austrian Gold Philharmonic is celebrated for its exceptional liquidity in the secondary market, consistently ranking as one of the world's best-selling bullion coins and particularly popular in Europe. [1, 3, 7, 13, 20, 22, 23] Its enduring appeal is further highlighted by its recognition as the best-selling gold bullion coin globally in 1992, 1995, and 1996. [2, 7, 10] These coins are widely recognized and easily traded due to their consistent quality, purity, and globally acclaimed design. [1, 23, 25]
About the Mint
The Austrian Mint, known domestically as Münze Österreich, is a prestigious institution with a rich history spanning over 800 years. Its origins trace back to 1194 when Duke Leopold V of Austria utilized a substantial silver ransom paid for the release of King Richard the Lionheart of England to establish and expand coin production in Vienna. [1, 4, 8, 9, 17, 21] Initially operating as the Vienna Mint, it evolved over centuries, eventually becoming Austria's sole minting authority after World War I. [1, 8] In 1989, it transitioned into a public limited company, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Austrian National Bank. [1, 8, 9, 17] The mint's most recognized and flagship product is the Vienna Philharmonic bullion coin series, which includes gold, silver, and platinum versions, consistently ranking as Europe's top-selling bullion coin and a global favorite. [1, 6, 9, 13] An interesting historical fact is that the Austrian Mint produced a monumental 1,000-troy ounce 'Big Phil' Gold Philharmonic coin in 2004 for its 15th anniversary, which, at the time, was the world's largest coin with a face value of 100,000 Euros. [2, 3, 5] Additionally, the Austrian Mint is unique as the Philharmonic was the first legal tender gold coin to be denominated in Euros when the currency was adopted in 2002. [3, 5, 10, 23]
