The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 6, February 6, 2005, Article 27

ONE BIG COIN: THE PHILHARMONIC

John F. McCullagh mentioned the Philharmonic, which I
hadn't heard of and asked him to explain. He writes:
"The Philharmonic is a 1oz gold Bullion Coin issued by
Austria. The giant Philharmonic is a 31KG version which
was recently exhibited in NYC. I believe only 15 were
minted -- they're about the size of a wheel of Jarlsberg
cheese.'

[Off-topic, but John's description reminds me of the
legendary story from late-night talk show host David
Letterman's days as a weatherman at a small local
TV station. While describing a storm, he described
hailstones "the size of canned hams." -Editor]

This BBC News report has a picture of the hefty beast:
"Austria has unveiled what it says is the world's largest
gold coin - a 31kg (68 pound) disc worth about 330,000
euros ($500,000). The coin, with a face value of 100,000
euros, bears a replica of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's
famous hall on one side and instruments on the other.

Only 15 of the 24-carat discs - dubbed Big Phil and
measuring 37cm (14.5in) -were created by the Austrian
mint."

Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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