The Vienna Philharmonic coin’s design, by Thomas Pesendorfer, is a tribute to the jewel of Austria’s culture, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, whose members are chosen from the Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera. To be able to play with the Philharmonic is not a simple process. The musician would have to devote a minimum of three years, playing for the Opera and Ballet to prove his/her skill. Only then can the musician ask the Board of the Wiener Philharmoniker to consider an application for a seat in the Vienna Philharmonic. On the obverse, or “heads” side of this striking coin, is pictured a collection of some of the instruments that produce the orchestra’s glorious music: a bassoon, a harp, a cello, a Viennese horn and four violins. On the arc of the coin, above the instruments, are the words, “Wiener Philharmoniker”, meaning Vienna Philharmonic.

The reverse, or “tails” side, of this amazing gold coin is adorned with the design of the grandiose and stately Great Pipe Organ in the Golden Hall in Vienna’s Musikverein, which is where the Philharmonic holds its concerts. Above the Great Organ, in an arc, are the words, “Republik Osterreich”, which is the country of issue. Underneath are stamped, the coin’s fineness, year of issue and the weight in ounces. In mintings prior to December 31, 2001, the face value is shown in Austrian Schilling and in Euros afterwards. This makes the Philharmonic unusual in that it is one of the world’s few gold coins struck and circulated with two different currency values.

The breathtaking Philharmonic coin is considered to be one of the most spectacular and desired of all contemporary gold bullion coins. This brilliant coin is struck in 99.99% or 24-karat pure gold and according to the World Gold Council; it was the world’s best selling gold coin in 1992, 1995 and 1996. The exceptional Philharmonic is the largest diameter one-ounce pure gold coin in the world. It is also available in ½ ounce, ¼ ounce and 1/10 ounce. The Austrian Mint, to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of Europe’s only pure gold bullion coin, issued the huge 1,000 troy ounce Vienna Philharmonic Gold Coin in October 2004. This magnificent coin was made under the supervision of Dietmar Spranz, the Master of the Mint and was nicknamed, “Big Phil”. Each weighing in at a little more than 68 pounds, only fifteen of these massive, .9999 pure gold coins were produced. Investors and collectors alike can appreciate the incomparable flawless quality, the extraordinary symmetry, the painstaking minting process and the utmost purity; making the Vienna Philharmonic gold coins a standout in any collection! Check this extraordinary gold coin out at GovMint.com for Gold! Click here!