page_title: Vienna Philharmonic (coin)
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Vienna Philharmonic (coin) / History
caption_attribution_description: English: Silvercoins "Wiener Philharmoniker"
context_page_description: The Vienna Philharmonic, often shortened Philharmonic, is a bullion coin of gold, silver, or platinum, produced by the Austrian Mint. It is named for the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, which inspires the design of both sides of the coins. The one troy ounce gold version was first introduced in 1989 with a face value of 2,000 Austrian schillings and 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 coin was changed to €100. In 2008, the Mint introduced a one-ounce silver version of the coin with a nominal value of €1.50. The silver coin is also one of the top selling bullion coins, ranked third in 2013. In 2016, the mint introduced a one ounce platinum coin with a face value of €100.
  Like any bullion coin, the value is based primarily on the metal content and the spot price of that metal on the commodities markets. The gold Philharmonic has a fineness of 999.9. In most countries in Europe, the gold Philharmonic is traded VAT-free while the Silver Philharmonic is partly subject to a reduced VAT rate.
context_section_description: The gold Vienna Philharmonic was first offered on October 10, 1989. Initially, it was minted in only two sizes: one troy ounce as well as a quarter ounce. The one tenth and one half ounce coins were added in 1991 and 1994 respectively. All coins feature the same design with the only difference being the weight and face value shown. In 2014, a 1/25 ounce coin was added with a face value of €4.00. The popularity of the Vienna Philharmonic grew quickly: in 1990, the coin was the best selling in Europe and second in the world. In 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2000 the World Gold Council declared it the best-selling gold coin in the world. Since its introduction in October 1989 up to 2012, more than 14 million Philharmonics have been sold for a total weight of 9.6 million ounces or approximately 329 tons of gold.
  Since February 1, 2008, a 1-ounce silver version of the coin with a nominal value of €1.50 has been issued, struck from 99.9% pure silver. Unlike the reeded edge of the gold coin, the edge of the silver coin is smooth. Coins are shipped in boxes of 500, called "monster boxes." Each monster box consists of 25 tubes of 20 coins each. Sales of the silver Philharmonic have been brisk with over five million coins sold, equal to 1,800 tons of silver in the 5-year period of 2008 through 2012.
  The mint introduced a one ounce platinum coin with the same design as the gold and silver in 2016. Like the gold coin, it has a face value of €100. The purity is shown as 999.5 with the obverse of the coin reading "1 UNZE PLATIN 999.5."
  The Vienna Philharmonic is currently the only European bullion coin with a face value in euros, although it is only legal tender in Austria. In 2004, the Vienna Philharmonic accounted for 35 to 40% of sales in Europe. It is also popular in Japan and North America.
  Gold Philharmonic specifications:
  Silver Philharmonic specifications:
  Platinum Philharmonic specifications:
caption: Silver Philharmonic coins
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