Twenty years ago in 1989 the Austrian State Mint passed from the Treasury into the ownership of the central bank. The mint was given the freedom to produce and sell products in accordance with the demands of the modern numismatic and investment markets. One of the very first innovations introduced by the new CEO, Paul Berger, was the production of a gold bullion coin for investment purposes: the Vienna Philharmonic.

On 16th October this year a limited quantity of 6,027 Vienna Philharmonic coins, each weighing 20 ounces of fine gold, will go on sale in Europe, America and Japan.

20 ounces to commemorate 20 years!

Why the odd number? The mint decided to offer 2009 coins (the date of the 20th anniversary) in its three major markets: in Europe, in America and in Japan. Investors still remember the 15 giant coins (each of 1,000 ounces) that celebrated the fifteenth anniversary in 2004, and that entered the Guinness Book of Records as the then largest gold coin in the world. All 15 giant coins were snapped up within days, and the excitement surrounding this special issue of a 20 ounce coin promises a similar market reaction.

The new 20 ounce coin has a diameter of 74 mm and a thickness of 8.3 mm and is housed in a prestigious wooden and red velvet case. Pre-orders for this unique anniversary gold coin have already started pouring into the mint in Vienna. It promises to be a major success as indeed the past 20 years of the Austrian bullion programme have been.

The Vienna Philharmonic Story

The decision in 1989 to issue a gold bullion coin in the two weights of 1 ounce and ¼ ounce was greeted with indulgent smiles. Austria, a small central European country since the destruction of her empire in 1918 and without any gold mining industry to support, was entering the bullion market, long dominated by the Krugerrand and that time divided between the USA, Canada and Western Australia.

Berger and his team decided that music was the ideal theme for their new coin. Austria was internationally renowned for its music, but they decided against the portrayal of one of the many great composers like Mozart, Haydn or Strauss. That would make the coin appear like a commemorative edition for collectors. Instead they chose a living and world-famous musical institution: the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. To their delight the members of the orchestra enthusiastically endorse this choice, freely grant the use of their name. The engraver, Thomas Pesendorfer, designed a collection of instruments to represent the orchestra itself and for the other side of the coin he took the great pipe organ of the Golden Hall in Vienna where the orchestra plays at home. It is seen on television around the world every year on 1st January during the New Year’s Day Concert.

The new Austrian coin was launched in Vienna on 10th October and was an immediate success. The demand in the home market was nothing less than ferocious. In two and a half months 419,000 ounces were sold, achieving with one blow an 18% world market share for the entire year 1989! It rapidly established itself as a serious participant in the international gold market. In 1992 and again in 1995, 1996 and 2000 the Vienna Philharmonic was ranked by the World Gold Council as the top selling gold bullion coin worldwide. In 2008 the Vienna Philharmonic continued to rank No. 1 in Europe and in Japan, and with a year’s market share of 25% it came in 3rd worldwide narrowly missing 2nd place. The “indulgent smiles” have long since disappeared.

A 1/10 ounce in 1991 and a ½ ounce coin in 1994 completed the traditional family of four sizes. In 2008 a silver 1 ounce Vienna Philharmonic was added to the investment range with resounding success.

Looking back on 20 years of continual growth and success, the Vienna Philharmonic has established itself firmly as one of the four great gold bullion coins offered on the international market of today. This one-time issue of a limited number of 20 ounce gold coins is but a fitting tribute to a 20 year long success story that shows no signs of letting up in the near future.

Related posts:

1. Last of the Austrian Mint’s “Vienna Jugendstil” Series
2. Austrian Mint Issues 5 Euro Silver Coin Honoring Great Conductor
3. Gold touches 27-year high of $746.30 an ounce; silver surges nearly 3%

Even though multitudes of American investors have lost faith in Wall Street and our nation’s banking system, they can still show their patriotism by purchasing American gold bullion, as they convert their wealth into precious metal diversification. Traditional investments in stocks and bonds have had their overextended course of contrived prosperity, now it’s time to pay the piper. As we all prepare for the treacheries of an indeterminate inflationary period, many investors are claiming financial independence from our banks and brokers by diversifying with American gold bullion like Engelhard brand, one-ounce, and ten-ounce bars, and American gold bullion coins like 22-karat American Eagles, or 24-karat American Buffalos.

Engelhard 24-karat bars are manufactured in New Jersey, and make great items for personal possession, as well as short-term diversifications for rare coins like $20 Lady Liberty’s, or $20 Saint Gaudens, which are traditionally used for long-term stability. Bullion prices usually hover just above the current spot price, and investors can also use this affordability for long-term financial safety, as government approved, gold-backed IRA contributions. Rare coins are not permitted for precious metal IRA storage, but the aforementioned American Eagles, and Buffalo coins are permissible, along with proof, and “Ultra-High” proof versions of the modern American Eagle bullion coin. Investors may also wish to round off their budgets with fractional denominations of the $50 American Eagle, which include ½-ounce, ¼-ounce, and 1/10-ounce coins. These investors are encouraged to complete their research, and then to contact one of our friendly specialists, who offer institutional discounts on bullion, and rare coin.

Danny Burns

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The United States Mint has sold 110,500 one-ounce American Buffalo $50 Gold Bullion Coins since they were released on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.

To place that in perspective, in less than two weeks bullion dealers have purchased 64.2 percent of the total (172,000) that was sold in all of 2008.

There appeared to a touch of dry spell in sales for several days. The US Mint generally updates bullion figures daily, but the Gold Buffalos remained at 86,000 from last Wednesday until Tuesday morning when the tally jumped to 106,500. By close of business Tuesday, numbers were at 110,500.

The Mint will begin selling the collector proof Buffalo coins this Thursday at noon ET. Demand is expected to be fierce. No order limits are in place.

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Read the rest of US Mint Bullion Gold Buffalo Coins Top 110K (219 words)

The pride of Canadian coinage is the Maple Leaf gold bullion coin. The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) proudly produces these strikingly beautiful, one-ounce 24-Karat gold coins, and the Ottawa-based refinery and mint was the first in the world to offer 24-Karat bullion to the world in 1979. It wasn’t until 1982 however, that these modern bullion coins were massed produced. Before Maple Leaf gold bullion arrived on the scene, 22-Karat South African Krugerrands were the only available gold bullion in the world, and they weren’t immediately globally popular largely because U.S. citizens were forbidden to own gold during the early 70’s. South African’s own inhumane practice of apartheid was another major inhibitor of the Krugerrands’ initial global acceptance, while Canada’s ongoing legacy of robust, friendly ideals helps to promote the 24-Karat, iconic coin.

Maple Leaf gold bullion coins’ obverse design is one of Canada’s most recognized symbols, as well as the coin’s namesake. The design is the work of the RCM’s master engraver, Walter Ott, and artist, Arnold Machin created the reverse design, which portrays the profiled image of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, facing to the right. These 1-ounce coins are also minted in varying, smaller denominations like ½-ounce, ¼-ounce, and 1/10-ounces, to fit a wider range of budgets. Gold investment is the current economic trend, as spot prices continue to rise, while U.S. dollar values continue to flirt with ambiguity. Investors are encouraged to evaluate their finances, and then to contact one of our friendly specialists, who offer institutional discounts to household investors like you.

Danny Burns

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One of the great benefits of investing in gold is that it typically functions as a safe haven for investors in times of economic turmoil. During the current economic instability, gold has risen to record high prices as one would expect. Some people will keep hold of their gold stocks until the peak of the instability then try to sell it off when gold prices reach their highest. But other people who struggle during tough times have another option: selling gold jewelry or other gold items to get cash to get through the hardships. You can easily sell gold bullion coins and bars to a bullion dealer, but how do you go about selling gold jewelry?

Selling your gold jewelry is not a difficult task. You can find various companies either online or around your area that will offer you cash for your gold items and make the process quite simple for you. The gold buyers are looking to get their hands on as much gold as possible, so they can profit from prices that will likely rise even higher over the longterm, and profit from some price spreads or transaction fees. But their businesses are usually legitimite and you will get a fair amount of cash for your gold.

A well-known example of such a company is Cash4Gold. They are a mail-in gold refinery, meaning that they will buy your gold items and melt them down. Cash4Gold is a good option for people who own old or broken gold jewelry or other items that are no longer attractive or desirable to wear. If you wish to sell newer and more attractive-looking gold jewerly, you will likely receive more money by selling your items to a local jeweler in your area, or to a pawn shop. That is because gold jewelry is sold at a premium price that can be much higher than the value of the item’s metal alone. The premium price covers things like quality of design and craftsmanship. But a refinery like Cash4Gold will simply melt down your items, so they don’t care if your items are resaleable or not. They will simply pay you a price based on the official spot price of your jewelry’s constituent metal (plus they will charge a transaction fee of some sort).

The things you should know about your gold before selling it are its karatage (which should be printed somewhere on the item, its weight in gold, and if possible also its resale value, so you can know whether to sell to a refinery or to a pawn shop or jeweler instead. Getting your item appraised by a reputable dealer might be a good idea. You should also be aware of the terms of your agreement with the buyer of your gold. If you have intentions to buy your item back, you should be sure to check how much time you have to do so, and the specific terms surrounding the buyback. When you are dealing with valuable items that might have special meaning to you, the last thing you want is any kind of disappointing surprise that deprives you of your cherished item.

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US Mint sales once again look attractive following a week when collector interest in most coins dipped. Demand is strong for both silver and gold bullion coins, as has been the case for much of the year. The newly released Gold Buffalo coins were most impressive.

In other notables, Ultra High Relief $20s finally topped the 100K barrier, and the Lincoln Chronicles set shot off Mint shelves to the tune of 50,000 in 30 hours. Collector silver coins and sets also held their own, enjoying better than normal weekly gains. These and other highlights follow:

• UHR Double Eagle Gold Coins hit 100,704 since their release on Jan. 22. Weekly sales picked up by 1,913 compared to prior 1,172.

• As expected, although not on the first day like many anticipated, the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles set sold out. The maximum 50,000 were scooped up within 30 hours. Standby orders are now in affect. Also in the Lincoln family line, the Lincoln Proof Set climbed by 10,921.

• Passing through their haze, Presidential Dollar Proof Set and 2009 Silver Proof Set increased by 2,872 and 12,306, respectively. Both sets were knocked down with negative adjustments in last week’s report.

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Read the rest of US Mint Sales: Bullion Coins Hot, Silver Coins Strong (1,319 words)

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A gold expert has offered some tips to those looking to invest in the precious metal for the first time.
Speaking to US-based ABC 4 News, Bob Campbell of All About Coins said it is often best to start slowly and learn the ropes of gold investment.
The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

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In 2009, Gold Buffalo Bullion Coins are being minted again after a one year hiatus. This is a reveres from the US Mints decision last year to stop production of this 24Karat gold coin because of the demand by investors and electronic companies for the precious metal gold. This is a change from the previous announcement that the coin would not be produced again until 2010.

The Gold Buffalo coin is different than the Gold Eagle bullion coin by its composition being pure gold without an added alloy to help the coin from being so malleable like the standard 22 k with silver and copper like most gold bullion coins.

There was a lot of buzz in the gold coin circles about the statement issued by the US mint about not issuing any Gold Buffalo coins this year. Someone must have pointed out that the minting and issuing of these coins to the public is set forth by law and must be carried out. This is Public Law 109-145 dated December 22, 2005.

The schedule release of the first 2009 gold buffalo coins was to be October 15, 2009. As of October 19, 2009 the US Mints web sites has a posting a statement saying the release date will be in late October.

When finally released the price of these US Gold coins with be the current spot price of gold plus a nominal fee set by the US Mint office. The current spot price of gold today is at $1053.70. So the price of a newly minted 2009 Gold Buffalo Bullion Coins will be slightly higher.

Read more….

Demand for gold coins is so high that production efforts cannot keep up, according to the Perth Mint.
Speaking to ABC, marketing director at the mint Ron Currie said the organisation has had to put on three extra shifts to ensure gold bullion coins can be manufactured all day every day.
The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

Read more….

This week, Gold broke through its all time high and set a new benchmark at $1,061.10 per ounce. Concerns about the weakened U.S. Dollar and a second economic downturn, along with increased risk of higher inflation, were the leading causes for the commodities boost this week. Other factors had an impact as well, such as former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s comments that unemployment will continue to rise in the United States for some time.

Rumors of Gulf Arab states along with Russia, China, Japan and France replacing the U.S. Dollar as the standard for trading oil surfaced in London this week. Though this report was later denied, the U.S. Dollar dropped even further, which in turn increased precious metals appeal to investors.

A Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst has predicted that Gold prices will hit $1,500 an ounce in 2011 when oil prices move back above the $100 a barrel mark. Additionally, Francisco Blanch, head of Global Commodity Research, said that for the world economy to resume growth of 5%, commodity supplies will have to expand by a similar rate which will create shortages due to emerging market growth. Savvy investors will pay close attention to these events and use precious metals as a hedge against inflation.

This week, the United States Mint announced that it will offer for sale 2009 one-ounce American Buffalo Proof Gold Coins and one-ounce American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins. The tentative release dates for these products are October 29th and December 3rd, respectively. In addition, the mint will release one-ounce 2009 American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins on October 15th and the fractional 2009 American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins in the one-half, one-quarter and one-tenth ounce weights on December 3rd.

This week, APMEX customers took advantage of low premiums on 2010 Silver Canadian Maple Leafs. They also had the opportunity to pre-order their 2009 American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins. Both offers had a very high response due to recent economic events that make the flight to precious metals extremely attractive. To view a full list of bullion items, visit APMEX.com — the Gold Standard in Bullion Trading.

Gold:
Spot Gold prices opened this week at $1,001.20. The high during the week was on Thursday, October 8th at $1,061.10, while the low for the week was on Monday, October 5th at $1,001.20. Gold ended the week with a gain of $48.90 at $1,050.10. This week, 2009 1-oz. American Gold Buffalos Coins, 2009 1-oz. Gold American Eagles and Random Year 1-oz. Canadian Gold Maple Leafs saw tremendous demand in an upward market.

Silver:
Spot Silver prices opened this week at $16.20. Silver reached a high of $17.95 on Thursday, October 8th. The low for silver occurred on Monday, October 5th at $16.03. Silver ended the week up $1.55 at $17.75. This week 2009 1 oz. Silver American Eagles, 2010 1-oz. Canadian Silver Maple Leafs and 1 oz. APMEX .999 Fine Silver Bars held their own in the gold rush.

Platinum:
Spot Platinum prices opened this week at $1,284.00, and ended the week up $55.00 at $1,339.00. Popular platinum products for this week included 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Platinum Bars, 2009 1 oz. Platinum Canadian Maple Leafs and 2009 1-oz. Platinum American Eagles.

Palladium:
Spot Palladium prices opened this week at $300.50, and ended the week up $23.60 at $324.10. 2009 1 oz. Palladium Maple Leafs, 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Palladium Bars and 10-oz. Credit Suisse Palladium Bars continue to keep the eye of focused investors.

Numismatics:
It is of great interest this week to note that the spot price of Gold, and to a lesser degree that of Silver, has been soaring. Collectors and investors alike have been clamoring for both metals. APMEX has a wide variety of choices which have been selling very quickly as many financial advisers and analysts believe this is only the beginning of a historic rise in the metals market.

APMEX’S best seller this week in terms of numismatic silver has been Cull Silver Dollars which are a mixture of both the Morgan and Peace series. These coins contain 90% silver and are selling as low as $1.69 over melt. This is an excellent investment if you are looking to create a position in silver. As the spot price of silver continues to rise, so does the value of dollars in Almost Uncirculated and Brilliant Uncirculated conditions. These coins can be purchased for their collector value, but they are also purchased quite steadily for their bullion value as well.

This week APMEX will highlight the 1921 Peace Silver Dollar. This year was a transitional year for the US Mint. It had struck Morgan Silver Dollars for the first time in 16 years, but it was also the last time. Between December 28th to the 31st 1,006,473 1921 Peace Silver Dollars were minted.

The coin, designed by Anthony de Francisci, was struck in high relief, which means that the design was even with or above that of the rim. This caused an extremely weak strike on the examples that were struck later, as the pressure to strike each coin was lessened. The evidence is most noticeable on the Obverse around the ear and on the Reverse where it lacks feather detail on the eagle’s breast. Many Uncirculated 1921 Peace Dollars are graded as Extra Fine or Almost Uncirculated incorrectly, because of this weak strike. A large number of the 1921 Peace Dollars do not have blazing luster as one would expect to see on uncirculated specimens, while others, exhibit overwhelming luster. This is one of the few key dates in the Peace Silver Dollar series and there has always been a high demand for these coins as it was struck in high relief and it is the first year of issue. This is a highly collectible series as it is America’s last 90% silver dollar!