Graded Silver Philharmonic Coins

Graded Silver Austrian Philharmonic Coins

Perhaps no institution is more emblematic of Austria’s rich cultural heritage than the fabled Vienna Philharmonic. It is only natural that the Austrian Mint chose to honor this venerable icon on its bullion coins. Certified Austrian Philharmonic coins claim the distinction of being the world’s only bullion coin with a Euro face value. When the coins were first launched in 1989 in gold, they were valued in Austrian Schillings. In fact, the 2,000 Schilling gold coin is one of the world’s best selling bullion coins.

In 2002, when Austria adopted the Euro, the face value of the one-troy-ounce coin was switched to 100 Euros. In 2008, a one-ounce silver version with a face value of €1.50 was introduced. This coin was third best-selling bullion coin in 2013. Today, Silver Austrian Philharmonic Coins are available in grades from MS60 to MS70s from the NGC and PCGS. These coins contain 1 oz of .999 pure silver.

Thomas Pesendorfer, the chief engraver at the Austrian Mint, designed the coin. Pesendorfer has won many awards and international recognition for his beautiful designs. In 2004, for the 15th anniversary of the Philharmonic series, he designed a 1,000-ounce gold version with a nominal value of €100,000. This coin was the highest denomination in the world until Canada struck its 100-kilogram Gold Maple Leaf with a $1,000,000 face value.

Philharmonic Coin Design

Master engraver Pesendorfer designed the coin around the Vienna Philharmonic. The obverse features the majestic Musikverein pipe organ and the words “Republic Osterreich,” the weight of the coin, the mint year, and the denomination. The reverse features five stringed instruments, including violins and cellos, as well as a bassoon, French horn, and harp, and the words “Wiener Philharmoniker.” Unlike the gold coins, which feature ribbed edges, the silver Philharmonic coin has smooth edges.

Investors and collectors alike fell in love with the striking design and beautiful images of the coin. The year after its release, it rocketed to the position of top-selling gold bullion coin in Europe and second-best selling coin in the world. In the first five years after its launch, the silver Austrian Philharmonic sold over five million pieces, equal to over 1,800 tons of silver.

Information About Certified Austrian Silver Philharmonics

Certified Austrian Silver Philharmonics are sold in Brilliant Unopened (BU) condition with a mint grade of either Mint State 69 (MS69) or Mint State 70 (MS70). The Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Services inspect and grade the Certified Austrian Silver Philharmonics sold at silver.com. The grading of these coins is on the Sheldon coin grading scale. A grade of MS69 indicates an exceptional coin with original luster and a sharp strike. No more than two small flaws are allowed in this grade. The grade of MS70 is considered the perfect coin; it has its original, freshly minted condition, with excellent color and luster and no flaws.

Buying Certified Silver Philharmonic Coins From Silver.com

At Silver.com, we offer the one-ounce Certified Austrian Silver Philharmonic, which has a certified purity of .999 and a nominal face value of €1.50. We purchase them directly from the mint, and offer them in Brilliant Uncirculated condition with a grade of either MS69 or MS70. By purchasing directly from the Austrian Mint, we ensure that our Silver Philharmonics are authentic and of the highest quality.

We offer the Silver Philharmonic in a range of years going back to the launch year in 2008. Due to the coin’s popularity with collectors and investors, the mint produces around 10 million coins or more each year, so there is usually a good inventory to select from. Although the coin line is just a few years old, it has already attained a loyal following among collectors who appreciate the historic nature of the coin, its award-winning design, and its unique Euro denominations.

Because the coin is relatively young, it hasn’t experienced the price hikes of other, more mature coins. This makes it accessible to a wide range of investors and collectors, from beginners to those adding precious metal bullion coins to an IRA.

In addition to being an excellent bullion investment vehicle, Certified Austrian Silver Philharmonics make wonderful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and especially for music-lovers. If you are interested in purchasing these coins and would like more information or if you have any questions, contact one of our helpful customer service agents toll-free at 1-888-989-7223. Browse our inventory online or call today.