Legacy Gold--Insights from the Austrian Mint

By Rich Checkan

For many years ASI's Co-Founder and Chairman, Michael Checkan has enjoyed an important relationship with the Austrian Mint to bring you finely designed investment-grade coins. On a recent visit to Vienna, Michael had the opportunity to renew his acquaintance with the beauty and premium value of Austrian Mint coins. As a result, ASI is again working with the Mint to offer you some of the most beautiful coins in the world.

The following interview with Andrea Lang, Director of Marketing for the Austrian Mint, shows why these coins have been a great option for investors throughout the generations.

For more information about these coins and their place in your portfolio, call an ASI Preferred Client Relations representative at 877-340-0790 or send us an email.

RICH: Andrea, thank you for sharing your insights on coin investing. Let's begin with a brief history of the Mint.

ANDREA: The Austrian Mint was established 820 years ago in 1194. Eleanor of Aquitaine paid Duke Leopold 12 tons of gold to ransom her son Richard the Lionheart, King Richard I, from Austrian capture after the Crusades. Duke Leopold then used the gold to start a mint.

This historic beginning was followed in 1733 by the creation of an engravers guild of especially trained artisans. The same scrupulous and arduous training creates miniature works of art today. The Mint also played a vital role in the production of prestigious and timeless coins of the very highest standard.

RICH: How does this history affect the value of your coins?

ANDREA: The Austrian Mint has been a brand name for centuries, and is now a subsidiary of the Central Bank of Austria. For centuries, knowledgeable investors have bought Austrian Mint coins for their resale value and distinguished brand. Think of our coins as a Rolls Royce automobile, a Patek Phillippe watch, or a Chanel suit. Investors and collectors trust our brand. We are a stable institution for both dealers and individuals. This makes a world of difference when you buy, and when you sell.

RICH: How do you maintain the quality of your brand?

ANDREA: Certainly, the method we employ to engrave and strike the coins is one of our greatest distinctions. Our engravers go through years of study, then they apprentice for five years before they ever apply their artistry. Our coins are simply beautiful, and the subject matter is compelling to collectors.

RICH: How do you choose the subject matter of your coins?

ANDREA: We pride ourselves as being keenly aware of the interests of our customers. Of course, the coins of our Vienna Philharmonic series are among the most famous in the world, since first issued in 1989. The subject matter is music and instrument related. They are always recognizable.

Music is the world's language. As Asians and Americans turn to precious metals for economic safety, they also cherish a coin that speaks to them through music. We have also found our artist coins, such as the Klimt series, are very attractive to investors and collectors .

RICH: And of course, you mint wonderful coins on historic themes. Tell us about the Empress Maria Teresa Taler coin.

ANDREA: That coin is our most frequently minted and popular silver coin. It was first issued in 1780 and is a wonderful symbol of the Austrian Mint's staying power.

RICH: I understand you have bragging rights over some recent awards.

ANDREA: Yes, we are proud to say that three of our coins were awarded ‘The Best Coin of the Year’ Award in 2015. The coins are the 50 euro gold coin, 'The Expectation' (from the Klimt series), the 25 euro silver-niobium coin, 'Tunnel Construction', and the 100 euro gold coin, 'The Red Deer.' Our multiple awards certainly add to our brand. But, so do our efforts to survey our clients and understand investor trends.

RICH: What trends are you seeing among investors?

ANDREA: No doubt, we are bringing the younger generation into the habit of investing in gold coins. We created a Dinosaur series to attract parents and grandparents to share their interest in coins with children. A very successful program is our gift set, with an iconic Steif toy bear and a coin engraved with the bear. We also have a yearly birthday gift program under which parents and grandparents can now teach economic responsibility and build a legacy with regular purchases of our Philharmonic coins.

RICH: For my final question, let's turn to safety. You said investors are turning to gold and silver in a desire for safety. How is the world economic situation affecting the Austrian Mint?

ANDREA: We provide a safe haven through precious metals. This understanding is woven into the fabric of European thinking and is reaching the U.S. as well. We understand gold has been the most secure currency throughout history. With today's currency insecurity, people all over the world are happy to own gold. We also find that the desire to secure a legacy with gold is growing.

RICH: Andrea, thank you for taking the time to share your passion and the Austrian Mint’s quality and good works with our readers.

ANDREA: It was my pleasure.

In my 20 years in the industry, the Austrian Philharmonic series of bullion coins have been a mainstay. Their beauty is unrivaled. Their quality and authenticity is unquestioned. Their value is a constant.

Consider adding some of these respected coins to your portfolio. You will be glad you did. Simply call us at 877-340-0790 or send us an email today to own some today.