The Austrian Mint stands as the national mint of the Republic of Austria, boasting the title of Europe’s longest-running mint in continuous operation. Known officially as Münze Österreich in German, it operates from its headquarters in Vienna and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Oesterreichische National Bank (OeNB), Austria’s central bank.

Famed for its iconic Vienna Philharmonic series of bullion coins, which includes both silver and gold variants, the Austrian Mint also produces gold bars, blanks, commemorative coins, and Austria’s Euro circulation coins. The Vienna Philharmonic gold bullion coin reigns as the flagship product, constituting the bulk of the mint’s gold coin sales.

The primary markets for these esteemed gold bullion coins span Europe, North America, and Japan, with the Vienna Philharmonic securing its place as the top-selling gold coin in Japan, alongside its substantial presence in Europe and North America.

History of the Austrian Mint 

The roots of the Austrian Mint can be traced back over 600 years to 1397, when a modest mint operated in Wollzeile, Vienna. By 1752, this mint found its home in the Winter Palace of Prince Eugene, a significant move in its history. Later, in 1834, Kaiser Franz I initiated the construction of a new mint in Vienna, relocating operations from the Winter Palace to this new site, which now stands as the Austrian Mint’s headquarters.

Before the First Austrian Republic was established in 1918, the Am Heumarkt mint in Vienna was the primary mint of the Habsburg Empire. Following this period, the Vienna state mint remained the sole mint in Austria. From 1925 onwards, it issued Austrian Schilling coinage until the introduction of the Euro in 2001. During German rule from 1938 to 1945, the mint produced German Reichsmarks.

In a pivotal moment in 1989, the Vienna State Mint transformed, becoming a public company named Münze Österreich AG (Austrian Mint AG). It subsequently became a subsidiary of Austria’s central bank. The Vienna Philharmonic gold bullion coin was introduced to commemorate this milestone in 1/4 oz and 1 oz denominations. Over the years, additional denominations were added, solidifying the Vienna Philharmonic’s status as one of today’s most sought-after gold bullion coins.

Austrian Mint bullion coins and bars

Although renowned for crafting the Vienna Philharmonic coin, the Austrian Mint fabricates top-tier bullion items.

Vienna Philharmonic coins

The Vienna Philharmonic gold and silver bullion coin series, also known as Austrian Philharmonic coins, stands as the Austrian Mint’s flagship product. Since its inception in 1989, the Philharmonic has soared to become Europe’s top-selling bullion coin, clinching the second spot globally by 1990. Throughout the 1990s, it earned multiple accolades from the World Gold Council for its unparalleled sales figures, establishing itself as the world’s most sought-after coin. This trend has persisted into the 2000s, with the coin commanding a substantial 30-40% share of investment coin sales across Europe.

The coin is named in homage to the illustrious Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, rooted in the city renowned for nurturing musical giants like Mozart and Haydn. It naturally bears the name of Austria’s capital’s esteemed ensemble.

Crafted by Chief Engraver Thomas Pesendorfer, the coin’s obverse showcases the orchestral instruments emblematic of the Vienna Philharmonic: a horn, bassoon, harp, four violins, and a cello. Meanwhile, the reverse features a meticulously rendered depiction of the renowned organ housed within the grand hall of the Wiener Musikverein (Viennese Music Association). Remarkably, these designs have remained unchanged since the coin’s inaugural release.

The Vienna Philharmonic Gold Coins come in various weights. Initially, they were offered solely in 1 oz and 1/4 oz denominations. Subsequently, a 1/10 oz coin debuted in 1991, followed by a 1/2 oz variant in 1994, and a smaller 1/25 oz coin in 2014, all crafted from 999.9 pure gold.

Silver Philharmonic coins debuted in 2008, and a Platinum Philharmonic coin joined the lineup in 2016. Although the Silver Philharmonic coins lack a purity stamp, they are designated “fine silver,” indicating a minimum purity of 999. The platinum counterparts are minted from 999.5 pure platinum.

Other Austrian Mint bullion products

In addition to crafting the renowned Vienna Philharmonic series, the Austrian Mint produces a range of distinctive Austrian bullion coins. Among these are historical restrikes of original Austrian circulation gold ducats, guilders, and crowns from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. These coins showcase designs harking back to their last circulation year, 1915, for the ducat, and were minted with 90% pure gold, enjoying wide acceptance throughout Europe.

In 2019, the Austrian Mint marked its 825th anniversary with a special edition silver coin honoring Robin Hood. Other commemorative coins released for the occasion depicted Wiener Neustadt on one side and Duke Leopold V of Austria on the other. This celebration commemorated Vienna’s inaugural coin minting in 1194, a pivotal moment regarded as the Austrian Mint’s historical genesis.

Additionally, the Austrian Mint offers gold ingot bars in various weights, ranging from 1 gram to 1 kg.

Austrian Mint reputation

The Austrian Mint is a premier global mint renowned for its impeccable purity and widespread appeal to investors and collectors. Accredited by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), it upholds stringent standards of quality and responsibility.