In the world of precious metals, few mints command the level of respect and historical reverence as the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich). This Vienna institution has over 800 years been a steward of European monetary history, as well as a producer of some of the most beautiful and most actively traded gold coins in the world. Austrian gold coins are a rare mixture of artistic excellence, high purity and liquidity, whether you are an experienced investor who is protecting your wealth against inflation, or a numismatic collector who simply enjoys the pomp of the Habsburg Empire.
We are proud to present to you such a selective list of these European treasures, the world-enfamous Vienna Philharmonic, the historic Ducats and Coronas, at Bold Precious Metals. This guide touches upon the rich history of the Austrian gold and the reasons why these coins are still a leading choice of investors in the United States and other countries.
A Legacy Forged in 1194: The Austrian Mint Story
A legend, which reads like one which was cut out of the pages of a medieval novel, introduces the history of the Austrian gold. The Austrian Mint was established not by a mere order of the ruler, but rather by a ransom in 1194. King Richard the Lionheart of England was taken prisoner by Duke Leopold V of Austria when he had returned to England after the Crusades. The English King paid an enormous ransom in silver in ensuring his release. Duke Leopold resolved to coin money out of this treasure-trove and the basis of one of the oldest and most esteemed mints in the world was laid.
The Austrian Mint is a bullion player in the world today and has earned a reputation of blending centuries old artistry with modern technology. Although it is their Euro circulation coinage that is generated by the mint, it is their gold bullion that has taken the hearts of the investors all over the world.
The Crown Jewel: The Vienna Philharmonic Gold Coin
Talking about Austrian gold, one is likely to mention the Vienna Philharmonic first. This coin was issued in October 1989 as the coin that represented the cultural soul of Austria, its music. It is commemorated with the name of the world-known Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and was generally considered as one of the most beautiful bullion coins ever to be produced.
Unmatched Purity and Design
The Philharmonic coins of Vienna have been struck in .9999 pure gold (24 karats) and this coins are among the purest gold coins in the market. The Philharmonic is pure gold, unlike the American Gold Eagle or the South African Krugerrand, which is mixed with other pure metals to make it strong, as a result of which it has a rich lustrous yellow color that cannot be misidentified.
The design, made by the chief engraver in the mint, Thomas Pesendorfer, has not changed since its origin–a measure of its perennial captivities:
- The Obverse: The back shows the great organ of the golden hall at Vienna in the Musikerverein, which is a concert hall where the orchestra plays. It also shows the face value in Euros (previously in Schillings before 2002), the weight and purity.
- The Reverse: It is a sympathetic orchestra with a complex structure of the instruments such as Vienna horn, bassoon, harp, and four violins around the cello in the middle.
A Global Best-Seller
The Vienna Philharmonic is the only large bullion coin with a denomination in Euros, which qualifies it to be the best gold bullion option in Europe. But its popularity stretches much further than the continent. The World Gold Council reports that in 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2000, the Philharmonic was the largest selling gold coin both in the USA and the whole world. It is today at shoulder level with the Canadian Maple Leaf and American Eagle in terms of liquidity and recognition.
We are selling the Gold Philharmonic in all different sizes, so that all can afford it, with the 1 oz being the typical size, but we also have the 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and even the extremely small 1/25 oz.
A Window to the Past: Austrian Ducats and Coronas
The Philharmonic embodies perfection in the contemporary world, but the Austrian Mint also resorts to issuing historical coins that can trace their roots to the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Such “restrike’ coins enable the contemporary investor to have the history in their hands at bullion-friendly prices.
The Austrian Gold Ducat
The Gold Ducat is a coin that you will never forget. Modern restrikes (mainly of 1915) are actually fameously purified trade coins once used in the whole of Europe but with extraordinarily high purity and unusual dimensions.
- Purity: Ducats are minted in 98.6% gold (23.75 karats), which is hardly a common fineness in historic coinage standards.
- Design: They bear the profile of Emperor Franz Joseph I on the face of the coin and the reverse side bears the double-headed Austrian Eagle.
- Uniqueness: The coin bearing the 4 Ducat is of interest in that it is very thin, but very large in diameter (almost 40mm), and thus has a considerable surface area to display the impressive amount of design work.
The Austrian Gold Corona
The Austrian Corona series is a great option in case investors want to have gold that is durable like the Krugerrand. These coins, which were minted in 90% gold (.900 fine), were the currency of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the formulation of the dissolution of the empire at the end of World War I.
- The 100 Corona: It is the climber of the series. It has 0.9802 troy ounces of pure gold in it, effectively an entire ounce but commonly sells at a lower premium than current 1 oz bullion coins. It is an excellent method of gaining weight in gold.
- It has Emperor Franz Joseph I and royal Coat of Arms in the coins as well, a physical reminder of a long-gone imperial time.
Why Invest in Austrian Gold Coins?
The rationale of investing Austrian gold in your portfolio has a number of benefits:
- Very Liquid: Dealers and investors all over the world recognize these coins, the modern Philharmonic and the historic 100 Corona. You can as readily sell them in New York or in London as in Vienna.
- Tax Benefit: In most jurisdictions the high purity of the Philharmonic (.9999) makes it tax-exempt as an investment (nevertheless, this status is always subject to local tax regulations).
- Aesthetic Value: There are few coins which even compare to the artistic elaboration of the Philharmonic, or the majesty of the large Ducats. They are resources worth admiring.
- Currency Diversification: The Philharmonic, being denominated in Euro, offers some minor diversification of the US dollar-denominated assets, symbolically but not in practice.
Why Buy Austrian Gold from Bold Precious Metals?
At Bold Precious Metals, we realize that you do not simply buy gold but it is an investment in your future. We shall bring the very grandeur of the Austrian mint to your door with ease and convenience.
- Competitive Pricing: We combine our deals with suppliers to give Austrian Gold Philharmonics, Ducats, and Coronas at some of the most competitive premiums above the market value.
- Large Inventory: You want to present a gift of a single coin of 1/10 oz, or you want to add twenty coins of 1 oz Philharmonics to your vault, we have what you want.
- Guaranteed and safe delivery: We pay attention to each order. The gold is shipped insured, and packed carefully in separate shipments so that when it reaches your vault, you will know that it has been safely transported.
- Educational Resources: In our opinion a successful investor is an informed investor. We offer specifications, history, and market information in details to make the correct choice.
Conclusion
Austrian gold coins are not just metal but a concert consisting of history, art, and the preservation of wealth. Since the medieval foundation of the Austrian Mint up to the current acoustic perfection of the Vienna Philharmonic, these coins represent a standard of excellence that has persisted over centuries.
You are either enthralled by the 24-karat lustre of the Philharmonic or the imperial heritage of the 100 Corona, but whatever the case, Bold Precious Metals is your reliable companion in the procurement of these masterpieces of Europe. You are welcome to visit our collection today and make a mark of timeless grace to your investment collection.