Specifications
| Metal | Silver |
| Purity | .999 Fine (99.9% pure) |
| Weight | 1 Troy Ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Form Factor | Coin |
| Year of Issue | 2023 |
Design & Liquidity
The iconic design of the Philharmonic coin was originally created by Thomas Pesendorfer, the chief engraver of the Austrian Mint. First introduced in 1989 for the gold Philharmonic, the same award-winning design was adopted for the silver version when it debuted in 2008. The obverse of the coin features the Great Organ of the Golden Hall in Vienna's Musikverein, the esteemed concert hall and home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The reverse showcases a harmonious array of orchestral instruments, including a cello, violins, a Vienna horn, a bassoon, and a harp.
Recognized globally, the Austrian Silver Philharmonic is celebrated for its consistent design, which aids in instant recognition and strong secondary market liquidity. It consistently ranks among the world's most popular silver bullion coins, particularly in Europe, ensuring ease of resale for investors and collectors alike. Its status as legal tender in Austria further enhances its appeal and marketability.
About the Mint
The Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich) boasts a storied history dating back to 1194, making it one of the world's oldest continuously operating mints, with over 800 years of experience. Located in Vienna, it has been a public limited company and a subsidiary of Austria's central bank, Oesterreichische Nationalbank, since 1989.
Its most recognized and flagship product is undoubtedly the Vienna Philharmonic series, available in gold, silver, and platinum, which has achieved international acclaim as one of the best-selling bullion coins globally. Beyond bullion, the mint is responsible for producing all of Austria's Euro circulation coins and a variety of commemorative issues.
An interesting historical fact ties the mint's origins to a royal ransom: in 1194, Duke Leopold V of Austria received a substantial amount of silver (variously cited as 15 to 35 tonnes) from Richard the Lionheart as a ransom for his release from imprisonment. Leopold subsequently used this silver to strike coins, marking the foundational beginning of minting in Vienna. Another notable product from its past is the Maria Theresa Thaler, first struck in 1741, which was once considered one of the most famous silver coins in the world, with restrikes still produced today.
