Twenty years ago in 1989 the newly privatized Austrian Mint issued the first Vienna Philharmonic pure gold bullion coin as a tribute to the renowned orchestra. In two and a half months 419,000 ounces were sold, and the mint rapidly established itself as a serious participant in the international gold market. In 1992 and again in 1995, 1996 and 2000 the Vienna Philharmonic was ranked by the World Gold Council as the top selling gold bullion coin worldwide.
In honor of this 20-year anniversary, the Austrian Mint will issue a new 20-ounce pure gold bullion coin, it announced Oct. 16. The coin’s design will once again incorporate the classic Vienna Philharmonic design with the pipe organ of the Golden Performance Hall in Vienna on the obverse. This side also has the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich,” “2009,” the weight, “20 unzen,” and the face value of 2,000 euros.
The reverse bears Austrian Mint Chief Engraver Thomas Pesendorfer’s bouquet of instruments design. Above the bouquet are the words, “Wiener Philharmoniker,” or Vienna Philharmonic.
The coin has a diameter of 74 mm and a thickness of 8.3 mm. Worldwide mintage is capped at a very limited 6,027, of which 2,009 will be made available for sale in the United States.
The American Precious Metals Exchange of Edmond, Okla., announced that the Austrian Mint has selected it to be one of the exclusive distributors of the new coin.
“The Austrian Mint strikes beautiful coins that are highly desired by investors and collectors alike,” said Scott Thomas, APMEX president and CEO. “We are proud to partner with the Austrian Mint.”
For ordering details, visit the firm’s Web site at www.apmex.com, or call (800) 375-9006.
Read more about the Vienna Philharmonic bullion coin and the Austrian Mint at www.Phil20.com.
