Austrian Philharmonic Silver Coins

The Austrian Silver Philharmonics

The Austrian Silver Philharmonic coin stands among Europe’s most sought-after silver bullion. It remains a global best-seller thanks to its exceptional quality. Produced by the Austrian Mint, this robust series spans three precious metals and unveils unique yearly variations in its silver lineup. Many collectors and investors consider it the best silver bullion coin to invest in, due to its timeless design and impressive track record.

Background of the Austrian Philharmonic Bullion Coins

In 2008 the  coin debuted as the second release in the celebrated Austrian Philharmonic collection. The Gold Philharmonic led the way in 1989. That same year, Thomas Pesendorfer, Chief Engraver of the Austrian Mint, created the iconic obverse and reverse designs. These enduring motifs appear across Silver, Gold, and Platinum Philharmonic coins. Unlike the Gold Philharmonic’s fractional sizes, the Silver version only comes in a 1 oz option.

Design of the Austrian Silver Philharmonic

Thomas Pesendorfer drew inspiration from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for the Austrian Silver Philharmonic. The obverse shows the grand pipe organ at the Musikverein, also called the Golden Concert Hall. This venue hosts the Vienna Philharmonic in Vienna’s Innere Stadt borough. The reverse presents a central cello flanked by four violins, plus a harp, flute, bassoon, and French horn. This artistry captivates both collectors and investors.

Mintage and Availability of Silver Philharmonics

The Austrian Mint seldom releases annual mintage figures for the Austrian Silver Philharmonic. However, many years are documented. This coin gained popularity in 2008, with these mintages:

2008 – 7.773 million
2009 – 9.014 million
2010 – 11.358 million
2012 – 8.769 million
2013 – 14.53 million
2014 – 4.643 million
2015 – 7.29 million
2016 – 3.44 million
2017 – 2.064 million
2018 – 2.101 million
2019 – 2.904 million
2020 – 7.193 million
2021 – 12.3 million

It remains Europe’s highest minted silver bullion. Between 2008 and 2012, 54 million coins sold.

Packaging for the Austrian Silver Philharmonic

When the Austrian Mint releases these coins, they arrive in protective plastic. Bulk orders come in tubes of 25, or in Monster Boxes of 500 coins. Special-issue variations—such as gilded and colorized coins—often include display boxes for added appeal. This secure packaging maintains each Austrian Silver Philharmonic coin in pristine condition. That quality boosts both the visual allure and resale value of your investment.

Variations on the Silver Philharmonic

The Austrian Silver Philharmonic coin lacks a dedicated proof release. However, collectors seek special variations. Two popular ones include:

• Gilded: A thin 24-karat gold layer adds contrast to the obverse and reverse designs.
• Colorized: Soft tones enhance the cello, violins, and other instruments for a realistic look.

These distinctive finishes spark extra collector interest, while preserving the coin’s .999 silver purity.

The inspiration for the Austrian Silver Philharmonic

Chief Engraver Thomas Pesendorfer chose Austria’s cultural icon, the Vienna Philharmonic, for this coin’s design. The orchestra performs at the Musikverein, selecting members from the Vienna State Opera. That process demands at least three years of elite musical performance. Though formally established in 1842, early operatic shows took place in the 1830s. This rich heritage fuels its timeless appeal. Owning an Austrian Silver Philharmonic connects you with Austria’s musical legacy.