Vienna Philharmonics – Gold Coins
Number of products: 13Vienna Philharmonic gold coins (Wiener Philharmoniker) are Europe's best-selling bullion series, issued by the Münze Österreich since 1989. The only bullion coin of the Eurozone — 999.9 fineness, face value in euros. Gold bullion is exempt from VAT across the EU under Directive 2006/112/EC. Current prices: precious metals prices.
Vienna Philharmonic — Münze Österreich Heritage
The Vienna Philharmonic gold coin was introduced in 1989 as a tribute to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra — one of the world's most celebrated symphony ensembles. The issuer is the Münze Österreich (Austrian Mint), a state mint with a tradition dating back to 1194. The coin was designed by Thomas Pesendorfer, the mint's chief engraver. The obverse depicts the Great Organ of the Musikverein's Golden Hall in Vienna. The reverse features instruments of a symphony orchestra: cello, violin, harp, bassoon and Vienna horns.
In 1992, 1995 and 1996, the Philharmonic was the world's best-selling bullion coin according to the World Gold Council — the only European coin ever to achieve this distinction. It remains the most popular bullion coin on the European market, particularly in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
999.9 Fineness and the Only Euro-Denominated Bullion Coin
The Philharmonic has been struck in 999.9 fine gold (four nines, 24 carat) since its first issue in 1989. It is the only bullion coin in the world with a face value in euros (€100 for 1 oz) — originally denominated in Austrian schillings (2,000 ATS), converted to euros in 2002. Its status as legal tender within the Eurozone gives the Philharmonic a unique position on the European secondary market.
VAT Exemption in the European Union
Vienna Philharmonic gold coins qualify as investment gold under EU Directive 2006/112/EC, making them exempt from VAT throughout the European Union. The buyer pays only for the metal and the producer premium — with no tax burden.
Available Denominations and Technical Specifications
| Denomination | Weight [g] | Diameter [mm] | Thickness [mm] | Face Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | 31.1035 | 37.00 | 2.00 | €100 |
| 1/2 oz | 15.5518 | 25.00 | 1.60 | €50 |
| 1/4 oz | 7.7759 | 22.00 | 1.20 | €25 |
| 1/10 oz | 3.1103 | 16.00 | 1.20 | €10 |
| 1/20 oz | 1.2441 | 13.00 | 0.70 | €4 |
All denominations are struck in 999.9 fine gold. The 1 oz coin (troy ounce — 31.1035 g) has the largest diameter of any standard bullion coin (37 mm) at just 2 mm thick. The Philharmonic is one of very few series available in five sizes, with the smallest fraction of 1/25 oz (since 2016).
Key Features of the Vienna Philharmonic
- Issuer: Münze Österreich — Austria's state mint (since 1194)
- Fineness: 999.9 since the first issue (1989)
- Eurozone: the only bullion coin with a face value in euros
- Designer: Thomas Pesendorfer, chief engraver of the Münze Österreich
- Legal status: official legal tender in the Eurozone
- VAT: exempt from VAT across the EU (Directive 2006/112/EC)
- Liquidity: Europe's best-selling bullion coin — dominates the DACH market
Philharmonic vs Other Bullion Coins
The Philharmonic holds a unique position as the only Eurozone bullion coin. Compared to the Krugerrand (fineness 916.7, copper alloy), the Philharmonic is pure 999.9 gold — aesthetically yellower but more sensitive to physical contact. The Britannia (also 999.9) features four anti-counterfeiting measures since 2021, while the Maple Leaf offers Bullion DNA technology. The Philharmonic counters with the highest liquidity on the European market and the convenience of a euro-denominated face value.
Why Buy Philharmonic from GoldInvest24?
GoldInvest24 offers Vienna Philharmonic gold coins in all five denominations — from 1/25 oz to 1 oz — across multiple vintages. Every coin comes from the Münze Österreich's authorised distribution chain. Explore our other bullion products: gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars, platinum and palladium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the gold fineness of the Vienna Philharmonic?
All Vienna Philharmonic coins — since the first issue in 1989 — are struck in 999.9 fine gold (four nines, 24 carat). Pure gold with no alloy components.
Why is the Philharmonic Europe's best-selling bullion coin?
The Philharmonic is the only bullion coin with a euro face value, giving it unmatched recognition and liquidity on the European market. It was the world's best-selling bullion coin three times (1992, 1995, 1996) according to the World Gold Council.
Is the Philharmonic exempt from VAT?
Yes. Vienna Philharmonic gold coins qualify as investment gold under EU Directive 2006/112/EC and are exempt from VAT.
What denominations are available?
The Münze Österreich issues the Philharmonic in five denominations: 1 oz (€100), 1/2 oz (€50), 1/4 oz (€25), 1/10 oz (€10) and 1/25 oz (€4). The 1/25 oz version has been available since 2016.
What do the coin designs depict?
The obverse shows the Great Organ of the Musikverein's Golden Hall in Vienna — venue of the annual New Year's Concert. The reverse features instruments of a symphony orchestra: cello, violin, harp, bassoon and Vienna horns. Designer: Thomas Pesendorfer.