Vienna Philharmonic Specifications
Technical details and investor-facing facts for the 1 oz Gold Vienna Philharmonic, one of the world's most popular gold bullion coins.
Technical Specifications
| Purity | .9999 fine gold (24-karat) |
| Gold Content | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Gross Weight | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Diameter | 37.00 mm (1.457 inches) |
| Thickness | 2.00 mm (0.079 inches) |
| Face Value | 100 EUR (legal tender) |
| Mint | Austrian Mint (Munze Osterreich) |
| First Minted | 1989 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| IRA Eligible | Yes |
The .9999 Purity Advantage
At .9999 fineness (24-karat), the Vienna Philharmonic is among the purest gold coins available worldwide.
- •Maximum gold content: Virtually 100% of the coin's weight is pure gold
- •IRS compliance: Exceeds the .995 minimum fineness for Precious Metals IRAs
- •Global recognition: Recognized worldwide by dealers and investors for its purity
- •Simple valuation: Gold content equals coin weight, making spot price calculations straightforward
Learn more about Vienna Philharmonic coins at Monex Knowledge Base
Legal Tender Status
The Gold Vienna Philharmonic carries a 100 Euro face value and is official Austrian legal tender. This government backing provides:
Authenticity Assurance
Produced by the Austrian Mint with strict quality controls and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Government Guarantee
Weight and purity backed by the Republic of Austria.
Market Recognition
Widely recognized and accepted by dealers worldwide, supporting liquidity.
IRA Eligibility
Legal tender status is one requirement for Precious Metals IRA inclusion.
IRA Eligibility Considerations
Gold Vienna Philharmonic coins qualify for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (Self-Directed IRA). Key considerations:
- ✓Meets IRS purity requirement (.9999 exceeds .995 minimum)
- ✓Produced by an approved national mint (Austrian Mint)
- ✓Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and depository
- ✓Cannot be stored at home for IRA purposes
Note: This is general information, not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or IRA custodian for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Premium Drivers
Vienna Philharmonic coins trade at a premium above the spot price of gold. Factors that influence premiums include:
Minting Costs
Austrian Mint production, quality control, and distribution expenses.
Dealer Margins
Wholesale and retail markups that fund dealer operations.
Supply & Demand
Mint production capacity versus investor demand for physical gold.
Market Conditions
Economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and safe-haven demand can increase premiums.
Product Recognition
The Vienna Philharmonic's government backing and global recognition support competitive spreads.
View current Vienna Philharmonic pricing at Monex Price Charts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of the Gold Vienna Philharmonic?
The Gold Vienna Philharmonic is .9999 fine gold, meaning it contains 99.99% pure gold (24-karat). This makes it one of the purest gold bullion coins available worldwide.
How much gold is in a 1 oz Vienna Philharmonic?
Each 1 oz Gold Vienna Philharmonic contains exactly 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of pure gold. Because of the .9999 purity, virtually all of the coin's weight is gold content.
Is the Vienna Philharmonic legal tender?
Yes, the Gold Vienna Philharmonic carries a 100 Euro face value and is official Austrian legal tender, backed by the Republic of Austria. However, its gold content is worth significantly more than the face value.
Can I hold Vienna Philharmonic coins in an IRA?
Yes, Gold Vienna Philharmonic coins meet IRS requirements for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (also called a Gold IRA). The .9999 purity exceeds the IRS minimum fineness requirement of .995 for gold. You'll need a qualified custodian and approved depository to hold IRA-owned coins.
Why does the Vienna Philharmonic have a premium over spot price?
Premiums reflect minting costs, dealer margins, and supply/demand dynamics. The Vienna Philharmonic's premium accounts for Austrian Mint production costs, distribution, the coin's legal tender status, and its recognition as a trusted government-minted product. Premiums vary based on market conditions.
How does the Vienna Philharmonic compare to the Gold Eagle in purity?
The Vienna Philharmonic is .9999 fine (24-karat pure gold), while the Gold Eagle is .9167 fine (22-karat). Both coins contain 1 troy ounce of gold, but the Eagle is alloyed with copper and silver for durability, making it slightly heavier overall. Investors choose based on preference for purity versus durability.
What affects Vienna Philharmonic premiums?
Key premium drivers include: mint production capacity, dealer inventory levels, overall demand for physical gold, the coin's recognition and liquidity, and broader precious metals market conditions. During high demand periods, premiums typically increase.
Related pages