2018-01-10 Wed

The Austrian Mint produced 15 1,000-ounce versions of the popular Euro gold coin called “Big Phil” in 2004 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Vienna Philharmonic gold bullion coin program.

The coins were so huge that they could not be manufactured on standard coining presses. They were sculpted by computer and finished by hand. The reflective line is from a custom-fitted lucite coin mount.

The famous pipe organ from the Vienna Musikverein’s Golden Hall is featured in the centre of the obverse. Other inscriptions include REPUBLIK OSTERREICH, weight and fineness: 1000 UNZEN GOLD 999.9”, the date 2004 and denomination 100000 EURO.

The reverse features instruments like the French horn, the bassoon, a harp, four violins, and a cello. The inscription reads WIENER PHILHARMONIKER.

Designed by Austrian Mint designer Thomas Pesendorfer, the 100,000 Euro coin has a mintage limit of 15 pieces and is made using 28349.5 grams of .9999 Gold.