Austria

The Austrian Mint is recognized as one of the world's most respected, with over 800 years of experience. From its production of the world's most famous silver coin - the Marie Theresa - to its role in the launch of the Euro, the entity has always been proud of the quality and design of its coins. This world-class reputation has enabled the Mint to target the Japanese investment coin market with outstanding results.

The Austrian Mint played an important role in the launch of the Euro in 2001 - helping realize the decades-long vision of a single currency for Europe. Grounded in centuries of experience, the Mint was more than equipped to take on the challenge of the Euro's historic and complex introduction process.

"Looking back on the launch, it was one of the greatest events in the history of currency," explains the company's Mint Master and president, Dietmar Spranz. "Never before had 12 countries voluntarily taken on a common currency, let alone on the same day. Here in Austria, it went very smoothly. To bring it through with no serious problems was a remarkable achievement."

A subsidiary of the Austrian National Bank since 1989, the Mint is not only known for producing circulation coins. It has become globally renowned for its distinctive coins and its ability to produce some of those most sought after by collectors the world over. In uncertain times, gold is considered the ultimate secure investment, and one particular gold bullion coin has become the collector's coin of choice in Japan.
Austrian Mint President Dietmar Spranz

The "Vienna Philharmoniker" is a beautifully designed, pure gold coin with a fineness level of 999.9, issued in four denominations. Since entering the Japanese market 12 years ago through Tanaka - the largest metal firm in Japan - the Austrian Mint has gained an impressive 60 percent share of the local gold coin market with the "Philharmoniker".

"If you are looking for an item that is independent of world economic turmoil and a country's credit rating," says Spranz, "then gold is the ideal purchase."

Continuing to be the number one gold bullion coin producer for the Japanese market is one of Spranz's clear objectives: "The 'Vienna Philharmoniker' continues to be a great success so we are very pleased with it. We are hoping this gold boom in Japan can be built on to consolidate our lead there."

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