The 1 oz Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin is a highly regarded bullion coin produced by the Austrian Mint.1 It is a symbol of Austria’s rich cultural and musical heritage, and a popular choice for investors worldwide.2 When purchased as “Year Varies,” you will receive a coin from a random year based on the dealer’s current stock.
Key Characteristics:
- Purity: The coin is made of .9999 fine gold, which is 24 karat and considered to be investment-grade purity.3
- Weight: Each coin contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold.4
- Legal Tender: It is legal tender in Austria.5 Its face value was originally 2,000 Austrian Schillings, but since 2002, with the adoption of the Euro, its face value is €100.6 It’s important to note that the coin’s intrinsic gold value is always significantly higher than its face value.
- Consistent Design: Unlike some other bullion coins that change their design annually, the Austrian Philharmonic has maintained the same design on both sides since its introduction in 1989. This consistency makes it instantly recognizable to investors and dealers.
- Design Details:
- Obverse (Front): Features the Great Organ of the Musikverein, the famous concert hall in Vienna that is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.7
- Reverse (Back): Depicts an assortment of orchestral instruments, including a cello, violins, a bassoon, a harp, and a Viennese horn.8 The words “WIENER PHILHARMONIKER” (Vienna Philharmonic) are inscribed above the instruments.9
History and Popularity:
The Austrian Philharmonic was first introduced in 1989.10 Its popularity grew rapidly, and it became one of the best-selling gold coins in the world, particularly in Europe.11 The coin’s high purity and beautiful, timeless design have contributed to its success and made it a staple in the international gold market.12
Investment Considerations:
- IRA Eligibility: Due to its high purity (.9999 fine gold) and recognition as a government-minted bullion coin, the 1 oz Austrian Philharmonic is eligible for inclusion in a precious metals IRA.13 This makes it a popular option for those looking to diversify their retirement portfolio with physical gold.14
- Liquidity: The coin’s global recognition and consistent design make it highly liquid. It is easy to buy and sell from most bullion dealers worldwide.
- Premium: The premium over the gold spot price for “year varies” coins is often lower than for the current year’s release, as the older coins are already in circulation. This makes it a cost-effective choice for those solely focused on acquiring gold bullion.
