Description
Vienna Philharmonic 1/2 ounce (Münze Österreich)
Vienna Philharmonic is the most successful and bestselling European gold coin. It is the signature item of the Münze Österreich AG mint and has been awarded, four times, by the World Gold Council as the best and most sold gold coin in the world. The actual design of the gold coin is dedicated to the famous Austrian orchestra, one of the very best in the world.
The Vienna Philharmonic gold coin was first crafted in October of 1989. Since then this design, signed by Thomas Pasendorfer, has pretty much remained the same. One side of the coin depicts a harmonious collection of musical instruments – a Vienna horn, a bassoon, and a harp arranged around the cello with a viola and a violin placed on either side. There is an engraving, ”Vienna Philharmonic”, around the instruments written in circular fashion. The coin’s other side features the organ from the Musikverein, the home concert hall of the Philharmonic, the title ”Republik Osterreich” and weight and face value signs. The current face value of the Vienna Philharmonic is 100 €, while the value of the coins made prior to 2001 was stated in schillings. Naturally, the actual value of the gold coin is much higher than the face value. Half ounce gold coin is a perfect opportunity to buy and own a Vienna Philharmonic.
Austrian mint Münze Österreich is owned by the Central Austrian bank. It is one of the oldest mints in the world. Historically, it was first mentioned in 1371, but the actual history is about two centuries longer. There is an interesting story about its beginnings. On his way back from the Crusades, Richard the Lionheart was apprehended in Austria (due to a prior offence towards Duke Leopold V). Richard paid 15 tons of silver in ransom. Leopold decided to use that silver to make coins, thus starting the first mint business in Vienna. Along with coins, Münze Österreich produces Austrian euro coins, as well as commemorative medals. Auro Domus is their official partner in Croatia.
