History Recap: The Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin

You probably already know that few coins deliver the tour de force of design and history that the Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin provides. But how much do you know about the coin’s history? For instance, did you know that a receptionist almost prevented the coin’s design from becoming a reality? Or that the pipe organ depicted on these Austrian coins plays an extraordinary role?

Beginning Of The Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin

The Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin was first introduced on October 10, 1989, the same year the Austrian Mint became a public company. The coin’s original face value was 2,000 Austrian shillings.

Since its release, the coin has served up something special for everyone: a gold content of 99.99% pure gold for precious metal enthusiasts, a one-of-a-kind design for art and music lovers, and enough history to fill a book. Immensely popular when it debuted, the coin remains not only popular but also profoundly cherished.

In 1992, the Austrian Gold Philharmonic was the best-selling gold bullion coin in the world, CoinWeek reports.

Design Of The Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin

Thomas Pesendorfer, Austria’s chief engraver since 1993, designed both sides of the famed Austrian Philharmonic coins. Interestingly, a skeptical receptionist almost prevented that from happening.

While working out his ideas for a design as part of an internal national bank competition, Pesendorfer sought a conversation with an orchestra official. But since he didn’t have the required documentation to speak with the official, the receptionist turned him away. Eventually, though, the right person heard of Pesendorfer’s interest—and the rest is history.

Celebrating the Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin

Like many popular gold bullion coins, the Philharmonic Coin is available in fractional sizes. It was first minted in one-ounce and quarter-ounce varieties. The one-ounce version carries the unique distinction of having the largest diameter in the world for its length and purity. A one-tenth-ounce coin was released in 1991.

In 2004, the Austrian Mint produced 15 1,000-ounce versions of the Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin and nicknamed this version “Big Phil” to celebrate the coin’s 15th year.

For comparison, consider that a 1,000-ounce gold coin (about 68 pounds) is about three times as heavy as the average Dachshund and six times as heavy as a gallon of paint. “Big Phil” is massive!

In 2014, the Austrian gold coins released a one-25th-ounce version to commemorate the 25th year of production.

One of the great things about the Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coin is that, unlike the instruments depicted on it, it doesn’t need to be tuned!

How To Purchase Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coins?

Now, the question is, where should you purchase Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coins? Well, the answer is straightforward. A wide range of online and trustworthy platforms, such as Camino Coin Company, offer you their platform where you can purchase gold, silver, and platinum coins, bars, bullions, and more. At Camino Coin Company, you just need to choose the coins or bullions, and you will receive your investment at your doorstep.