How to Purchase Austrian Mint Coins from Axiom Bullion
Introduction to Austrian Mint
The Austrian Mint, or Münze Österreich, stands as a pillar in the world of numismatics, renowned for its gold, silver, and platinum bullion products. Established in 1194 during the reign of Duke Leopold V, it is one of the world's oldest continuously operating mints. As a subsidiary of the Austrian National Bank, it holds the prestigious role of producing all of Austria's circulating coins from its historic location in central Vienna. With nearly 200 employees, the Mint outputs approximately 350 million coins annually, including the famous Vienna Philharmonic coins, a symbol of Austrian culture and heritage. The mint's exceptional quality control has earned it ISO 9001 certification, ensuring that every coin meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Acquiring Austrian Mint Gold Coins through Axiom Bullion
Gold Philharmonic Coins
The Gold Philharmonic coin is a flagship product of the Austrian Mint and a favorite among investors and collectors. Known for its purity and artistic design, it has been a global best-seller and was Europe's most popular gold bullion coin throughout much of the 1990s. The coin's signature matte finish on musical instruments contrasted with mirror-like backgrounds creates a distinctive aesthetic that coin enthusiasts revere. Axiom Bullion offers a range of sizes, ensuring options for every level of collector or investor:
| Size | Face Value | Minted Since | Weight (grams) | Diameter (mm) |
|-----------------|------------|--------------|---------------|----------------|
| 1 Troy ounce | 100 euros | 1989 | 31.10 | 37.0 |
| 1/2 Troy ounce | 50 euros | 1994 | 15.55 | 28.0 |
| 1/4 Troy ounce | 25 euros | 1989 | 7.78 | 22.0 |
| 1/10 Troy ounce | 10 euros | 1991 | 3.11 | 16.0 |
| 1/25 Troy ounce | 4 euros | 2014 | 1.24 | 13.0 |
| 20 Troy ounces | 2000 euros | 2009 (limited) | 622.00 | 74.0 |
Crafted with 99.99% pure gold (24 karat), these coins feature the iconic pipe organ from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna on the obverse and a selection of orchestral instruments on the reverse, including Vienna horns, bassoons, harps, and violins. All Gold Philharmonic coins feature reeded edges, which adds security and serves as one method to authenticate genuine coins.
Did you know? The Gold Philharmonic was originally denominated in Austrian Schillings until 2002, when Austria adopted the Euro. Collectors often prize these earlier Schilling-denominated coins, which Axiom Bullion occasionally offers as part of special collections.
Purchasing Process
To secure your own piece of Austrian heritage, follow these steps:
1. Explore the Selection: Visit Axiom Bullion's website to browse the available Austrian Mint coins. Each listing includes detailed specifications, current pricing, and historical context about the specific coin series.
2. Expert Consultation: If needed, reach out to Axiom Bullion's bullion experts via phone at 1(800)294-8732 or through the live web-chat feature for personalized guidance. Our team includes certified numismatists who can provide insights on the investment potential and collectible value of specific Austrian Mint offerings.
3. Place Your Order: Select the coins you desire and place your order through the secure online platform. Axiom Bullion offers volume discounts for purchases of 20+ coins of the same type, making it economical for serious collectors and investors.
4. Secure Payment: Complete your purchase with one of the various secure payment options provided, including credit card, bank wire, check, or cryptocurrency. Different payment methods may affect pricing, with bank wires typically offering the best rates due to lower processing fees.
5. Discreet Delivery or Storage: Axiom Bullion ensures that your coins are delivered safely and discreetly to your doorstep with full insurance and tracking. Alternatively, take advantage of our allocated storage solutions in high-security vaults for an annual fee based on the value of your holdings.
Silver and Platinum Options
In addition to gold, Axiom Bullion also stocks Silver Philharmonic coins—minted with 99.9% pure silver—and Platinum Philharmonic Coins, which are increasingly sought after due to the rarity of platinum. These coins mirror the design of their gold counterparts but with subtle differences in finish and edge details.
The Silver Philharmonic, first introduced in 2008, features a smooth edge and comes in a 1 Troy oz size with a face value of 1.50 euros. At 37mm in diameter, it's significantly larger than its gold equivalent, allowing collectors to appreciate the detailed artistry. The coin's exceptional .999 fine silver purity and association with the prestigious Austrian Mint make it a favorite among both stackers looking for recognized bullion and collectors interested in musical themes.
The Platinum Philharmonic, launched in 2016 to complete the precious metals trio, is available in a 1 Troy oz size (face value 100 euros) and a fractional 1/25 Troy ounce size (face value 4 euros). With a fineness of .9995, these are among the purest platinum coins on the market. The platinum variants have developed a following among investors who recognize platinum's industrial importance and relative scarcity compared to gold, with global annual production of platinum being only about 5% of gold production.
Commemorative and Historical Coins
For those with a penchant for unique and historical items, Axiom Bullion provides access to commemorative issues like the "Big Phil" (a 1-kilo gold coin with only 15 minted per year) and the 20-ounce Gold Coin (part of the European Capitals series), along with re-strikes of classic coins such as:
- Austrian Ducats: Dating back to 1612, these re-strikes feature Emperor Franz Joseph I and are available in 1, 4, and 100 ducat sizes. Though not legal tender, they are highly collectible for their historical significance.
- Austrian Coronas: Originally minted from 1892-1915, modern re-strikes are produced with the exact same specifications as the historical coins. The 100 Corona (containing 0.9802 oz of gold) features Emperor Franz Joseph on the obverse and the Habsburg double eagle on the reverse.
- Maria Theresa Thaler: One of history's most famous silver trade coins, this 1780-dated coin has been continuously re-struck since the 18th century. Though primarily produced in silver, Axiom Bullion occasionally offers gold proof versions of this iconic design.
- Modern re-strikes of the Gulden/Florin: These faithful reproductions of 19th century Austrian currency offer collectors a tangible connection to the Habsburg Empire at an accessible price point.
Why Choose Axiom Bullion?
Axiom Bullion is not just a source for Austrian Mint coins—it's a gateway to a world of precious metal excellence. With competitive pricing, knowledgeable staff, and a passion for precious metals, Axiom Bullion is the go-to destination for new and seasoned collectors alike. Here's what sets us apart:
- Authentication Guarantee: Every Austrian Mint product from Axiom Bullion is verified for authenticity, with documentation provided.
- Educational Resources: Access our library of articles, videos, and guides focused on Austrian numismatics to enhance your collecting knowledge.
- Transparent Pricing: Our premiums on Austrian Mint products are clearly explained, with no hidden fees or surprises.
- Buyback Program: When you're ready to sell, Axiom Bullion offers competitive buyback rates for all Austrian Mint products, usually between 1-2% below spot price for bullion items.
- Collection Management: For serious collectors, we offer personalized collection management services, including authentication, appraisal, and strategic acquisition advice.
Whether you're drawn to the allure of the Gold Philharmonic's design or the historical significance of the Austrian Coronas, Axiom Bullion is your trusted purveyor of Austrian Mint coins. The Austrian Mint's 800+ years of minting excellence translates into products of exceptional quality and investment potential. For investors concerned about authenticity, Austrian Mint products offer the security of being produced by a sovereign mint with stringent quality controls, while for collectors, they represent an opportunity to own pieces with rich cultural and historical significance.
Visit Axiom Bullion today and take the first step towards acquiring these treasures of the Austrian Mint. For those who have inherited Austrian coins and need evaluation or those looking to start their first collection, our team of experts is ready to provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and investment goals.
