Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coins | .999 Fine Silver | SD Bullion
Shop Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coins at SD Bullion. Struck in .999 fine silver by the Austrian Mint, these Euro-denominated bullion coins celebrate Vienna’s musical heritage and offer exceptional value for both investors and collectors.
Austrian Silver Philharmonics
Renowned for their purity, refined artistry, and global recognition, Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coins are among the best-selling silver bullion coins in the world.
First released in 2008 by the historic Austrian Mint, each coin contains 1 troy oz of .999 fine silver and showcases the timeless elegance of Austria’s cultural pride: the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Highlights
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Struck by the prestigious Austrian Mint;
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Part of the Austrian Philharmonic Series, also available in gold and platinum;
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Contains 1 oz of .999 fine silver, with a smooth plain edge;
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Carries a €1.50 face value, the only Euro-denominated silver bullion coin;
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Legal tender in Austria;
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Features a detailed design honoring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Austrian Mint’s Historic Minting Legacy
The Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich) is one of the oldest and most respected minting institutions worldwide. Its origins date back to 1194, when silver from King Richard the Lionheart’s ransom was used to strike Austrian coins.
Located in Vienna since the 19th century and operating as a subsidiary of the Austrian National Bank since 1989, the mint is globally recognized for producing coins of exceptional quality, such as the Philharmonic Series, which have earned a strong reputation among investors and collectors.
The Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coin
The Philharmonic Series began in 1989 with the Gold Philharmonic Coin. Following its success, the Austrian Mint introduced the Silver Philharmonic in 2008 as its first silver bullion release.
Struck in .999 fine silver, the coin mirrors the gold version’s design and holds a monetary denomination of €1.50, a rare feature for European bullion coins.
Since its launch, the Austrian Silver Philharmonic has sold millions of units worldwide and remains a top choice for those seeking quality, liquidity, and iconic design.
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Orchestra is recognized as one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. Known for its rich sound and artistic tradition, it represents Austria’s cultural excellence.
To become a member, musicians must first perform with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra for a minimum of three years before being considered for membership. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the finest talents carry on the orchestra’s legacy, reflected in the honor of its numismatic tribute.
The Art and Symbolism Behind the Design
Created by Thomas Pesendorfer, former Chief Engraver of the Austrian Mint, the Philharmonic design has remained unchanged since 1989. It symbolizes unity, harmony, and cultural pride, values deeply rooted in Austria’s identity.
Reverse: A Symphony of Instruments
The reverse features eight orchestral instruments: a cello, four violins, a Viennese horn, a bassoon, and a harp, arranged in a balanced composition. Above them, the inscription “WIENER PHILHARMONIKER” connects the coin to its musical inspiration.
Obverse: The Great Organ of the Golden Hall
The obverse showcases the grand pipe organ housed in the Goldener Saal, the ceremonial concert hall originally located in the historic Augsburg Town Hall. Although the Musikverein concert hall was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt in 1996, it endures as a powerful emblem of Austria’s cultural strength.
The organ, crafted in 1872 by Friedrich Ladegast, has undergone modernization over time; however, the coin’s engraving retains its original form.
Above the organ appears the inscription “Republik Österreich,” identifying the issuing nation, while below are the coin’s specifications, including weight, purity, metal type, denomination, and year of issue.
Technical Specifications
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Metal: .999 Fine Silver
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Weight: 1 troy oz
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Diameter: 37 mm
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Edge: Plain
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Face Value: €1.50 (official currency in Austria)
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Mint: Austrian Mint
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Series: Austrian Philharmonic
Why Invest in Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coins
Austrian Silver Philharmonics are more than beautiful. They are practical assets with enduring value. Here’s why investors and collectors choose them:
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Global Liquidity – Widely traded worldwide;
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High Purity and Quality – Struck in .999 fine silver by a globally trusted mint;
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Euro-Denominated Legal Tender – Unique face value of €1.50 adds appeal;
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Timeless Design – Recognizable, consistent artwork adds collector interest;
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Reliable Store of Value – Government-backed and IRA-eligible in the U.S.
Whether you're building your stack or growing a legacy collection, the Austrian Silver Philharmonic offers beauty and security.
Add world-class silver to your portfolio
Bring the prestige of the Vienna Philharmonic to your silver holdings. At SD Bullion, you’ll find fast shipping and trusted service.
Shop Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coins now and invest in one of the world’s most respected bullion series.
FAQs
What is the purity of the Austrian Philharmonic silver coin?
Each Austrian Silver Philharmonic coin is struck from .999 fine silver, meaning it contains 99.9% pure precious metals. The Austrian Mint guarantees this level of purity, making the coin a trusted option for investors in precious metals. With its one troy ounce weight and government-backed quality, the Austrian Silver Philharmonic stands as a high-purity bullion coin recognized worldwide for its value and craftsmanship.
What makes the Silver Philharmonic unique compared to other silver bullion coins?
The Vienna Philharmonic bullion coin is the only euro-denominated silver bullion coin widely distributed in global markets. It features a timeless musical design, .999 purity, and is backed by the Austrian Mint, one of the oldest and most respected mints in the world. Its strong demand in Europe and Asia, paired with excellent liquidity, gives it a unique position among modern bullion coins.
Is the design of the Austrian Silver Philharmonic the same every year?
The design remains unchanged from year to year, making it one of the few modern bullion coins with a consistent visual identity. The reverse depicts a group of orchestral musical instruments, while the obverse features the organ from the Golden Hall in Vienna. This consistency helps investors recognize the coin easily and gives collectors a stable, elegant motif that stands the test of time.
Are Austrian Silver Philharmonic coins legal tender?
Yes, these coins are official currency in Austria, with a face value of €1.50. While their intrinsic silver value far exceeds the face value, this official status adds credibility and government backing. It also makes the Philharmonic unique among bullion coins, as it's the only one commonly available with a euro denomination.
Are Austrian Silver Philharmonics IRA-eligible in the U.S.?
Austrian Silver Philharmonics are eligible for Precious Metals IRAs in the United States. They meet IRS requirements for purity, being struck from .999 fine silver, and are produced by a government mint. Investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios with physical silver may consider investing in Austrian Silver Philharmonics as a recognized option.
How are Austrian Silver Philharmonics packaged and shipped?
Austrian Silver Philharmonics sold as individual coins may be sent in plastic flips or capsules, depending on the quantity ordered. Higher amounts are typically shipped in protective plastic tubes of 20 coins and sealed monster boxes containing 500 coins. At SD Bullion, all orders are securely packaged and discreetly shipped to ensure safe delivery and preserve the condition of your investment.
How does the Austrian Silver Philharmonic compare to American Silver Eagles or Canadian Maple Leafs?
While the Silver Eagle is favored in the U.S. and the Maple Leaf in Canada, the Silver Philharmonic is Europe's most popular silver coin. All three are 0.999 fine silver, government-backed, and IRA-eligible. The Philharmonic stands out with its euro denomination, musical theme, and lower premiums, often making it a cost-effective choice for global investors.
Do Austrian Silver Philharmonics have any numismatic or collectible value?
Austrian Silver Philharmonics are primarily bullion coins, valued for their precious metal content rather than rarity. However, some early-year issues or coins in exceptional condition may carry slight numismatic premiums among collectors. Their enduring design, mint quality, and popularity in international markets also add aesthetic and sentimental value to long-term holders.
Why is the Austrian Silver Philharmonic so popular internationally?
The Silver Philharmonic has a strong appeal in Europe, Japan, and North America due to its trusted purity, government backing, and elegant design. It’s one of the few bullion coins denominated in euros, which resonates with European buyers. Additionally, the consistent design and competitive premiums make it a top choice for stackers and collectors alike in multiple regions.
Are the Austrian Philharmonics produced in fractional sizes or larger formats?
Unlike some bullion series, the Austrian Silver Philharmonic is only issued in one-ounce sizes. There are no official fractional or larger-weight silver versions from the Austrian Mint. However, Gold Philharmonic coins are issued in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/25 oz of .9999 fine gold, offering precious metals investors and collectors the opportunity to complete their collections with gold counterparts.
Can I sell my Silver Philharmonics back to SD Bullion?
Yes. SD Bullion offers a buyback service with three easy-to-follow steps. Our team is constantly buying bullion to update our inventory. You can reach out to our representatives at 1-800-294-8732.