How to Identify the Vienna Philharmonic (Gold)
Identify Austria's gold Philharmonic by its orchestral-instruments motif, Musikverein organ, 99.99% gold fineness, weight, and euro face value.
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Start With the Two Designs
The Vienna Philharmonic has two signature sides, and recognizing either one identifies the coin. The side shown here displays a group of orchestral instruments — a harp at the center surrounded by string instruments, a Vienna horn and a bassoon. The other side shows the great pipe organ of the Golden Hall in Vienna's Musikverein. If you see the musical-instruments cluster or the organ, together with the words WIENER PHILHARMONIKER, you are looking at an Austrian gold (or silver/platinum) Philharmonic.
Read the Legends and Date
Genuine coins carry German-language inscriptions. The instruments side names the coin and states the metal, weight, fineness and year — this example is dated 2017. The organ side carries the country and the face value; on the one-ounce gold coin this reads REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH and 100 EURO (older pre-2002 coins read 2000 SCHILLING). Confirming the weight and denomination together tells you which size you have.
Check Size, Weight, and Metal
The standard one-ounce gold coin is struck in 99.99% fine gold, weighs one troy ounce (about 31.1 g), is roughly 37 mm across and about 2 mm thick, with a smooth edge and a rich yellow-gold color. The series also comes in 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 and 1/25 ounce sizes, each smaller and lighter with its own euro face value, so weigh and measure the coin and compare against published specifications for the stated size. A correct weight-to-diameter match is one of the simplest authenticity checks.
Distinguish Gold From Silver and Platinum Versions
The same designs appear on the silver Philharmonic (face value 1.50 euro, introduced 2008) and the platinum Philharmonic (face value 25 euro, introduced 2016). Metal color, weight and the printed face value separate them: bright yellow with a 100 euro denomination indicates the one-ounce gold coin, whereas white metal or a different euro figure points to silver or platinum. Always read the denomination and metal statement rather than judging by design alone.
Authentication Cautions
Because it is a popular high-value bullion coin, the Philharmonic is a target for counterfeits. Verify weight and dimensions precisely, look for crisp, well-defined instrument and organ detail, and be suspicious of coins that are underweight, oversized, off-color, or magnetic (gold is non-magnetic). For higher-value purchases, buy from reputable dealers and consider testing (such as ultrasound, specific-gravity, or professional verification) rather than relying on appearance alone.
Frequently asked questions
Which side is the front of the coin?
The Austrian Mint treats the organ of the Musikverein as the obverse and the instruments as the reverse, but collectors often call the instruments side the 'face' because it carries the metal, weight and date.
How do I tell the gold coin from the silver Philharmonic?
They share the same designs, so check metal color, weight and the printed face value: the one-ounce gold coin is yellow-gold and reads 100 EURO, while the silver reads 1.50 EURO.
What weight and size should a one-ounce gold Philharmonic be?
About one troy ounce (roughly 31.1 g), around 37 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, in 99.99% fine gold with a smooth edge. Off-spec weight or size is a warning sign.
Is the coin magnetic?
No. Gold is not magnetic, so a Philharmonic that reacts to a magnet is not solid gold and should be treated as suspect.