Description
First issued in October 1989, the Vienna Philharmonic gold coin isEurope’s most successful investment coin. According to the World Gold Council, it was thebest-selling gold coin in the worldin 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2000. Given its success, it is strange to think that the coin in its present design may never have seen the light of day. From November 1998 on, a change in Austrian law permitted the issue of pure gold coins for investment purposes. This is how the idea came about to design a gold coin that symbolised Austria. Numerous possible themes for the coin were discussed until finally the vote was given to music, a harmonious ambassador whose language is understood the world over. And what better to symbolise music than the world famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra? The coin was designed by Thomas Pesendorfer, the Austrian Mint’s chief engraver. For the reverse side he chose eight characteristic orchestral instruments: four violins either side of a cello in the foreground and the Vi
