Austrian Mint
Also: Münze Österreich, Münze Wien
The Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich AG) is Austria's state mint, headquartered in Vienna, and the issuer of the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic coin.
The Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich AG) is one of the oldest and most prestigious mints in the world. Its roots date back to 1194, when Duke Leopold V of Austria used the ransom paid for King Richard the Lionheart to establish a mint in Vienna. Today, the Austrian Mint is a public limited company wholly owned by the Austrian National Bank and strikes both official circulation coins and internationally recognised bullion coins.
Functions and Product Range
The Austrian Mint fulfils two central roles: it is the statutory manufacturer of Austrian euro circulation coins and simultaneously one of the world's most significant issuers of precious metal bullion coins. Its product portfolio includes:
- Bullion coins (investment coins): Vienna Philharmonic in gold (since 1989), silver (since 2008), and platinum (since 2016)
- Collector coins: high-quality special-edition series on art, culture, and history
- Circulation coins: Austrian euro cent and euro coins for everyday use
- Medals and decorations: state awards and commissioned medals
The Vienna Philharmonic
The flagship product of the Austrian Mint is the Vienna Philharmonic, available in gold since 1989, silver since 2008, and platinum since 2016. It ranks among the world's best-selling bullion coins and is the only legal tender with a euro face value among the leading international bullion coins.
| Property | Gold Philharmonic | Silver Philharmonic |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness | 999.9 ‰ (24 karat) | 999 ‰ |
| Main size | 1 ounce (31.1035 g) | 1 ounce (31.1035 g) |
| Face value | 100 Euro | 1.50 Euro |
| Diameter (1 oz) | 37.0 mm | 37.0 mm |
| Mint | Vienna (mint mark: none / implicit) | Vienna |
In addition to the 1-ounce variant, gold Philharmonics are also issued in 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/25 oz. The current gold price largely determines the market price of these coins, augmented by a standard commercial premium (agio).
Quality and Certification
The Austrian Mint is listed as a refiner on the LBMA Good Delivery List – the globally recognised quality register for precious metal producers. The fineness of 999.9/1000 for the gold Philharmonic meets the standard for fine gold. Each coin is struck with face value, fineness, weight, and motif designation – a level of anti-counterfeiting protection that can be verified through the precise coin weight and exact diameter. For authenticity testing, density measurement, the ping test, and specialised testing devices are suitable (see authenticity check).
Tax Classification
Gold Philharmonics meet the requirements for investment gold under § 25c UStG in Germany and Austria and are therefore VAT-exempt upon purchase. A subsequent disposal gain realised from private assets is tax-free under § 23 EStG after a holding period of more than one year (speculative holding period).
Silver Philharmonics, however, are not investment gold products and are subject to the standard 19 % VAT in Germany. Dealers who resell silver coins acquired from private individuals can apply the margin scheme under § 25a UStG, so that tax only applies to the margin. The one-year speculative holding period (§ 23 EStG) applies correspondingly to silver coins held in private assets.
Note: This is not tax or investment advice – please consult a tax adviser for individual cases.
In Brief
The Austrian Mint represents over 800 years of coinage history and offers with the Vienna Philharmonic one of the world's most liquid and highest-fineness bullion coins. Those wishing to buy gold or buy silver will find in Philharmonic coins a transparent, state-guaranteed, and easily tradeable precious metal product.