1 oz Austrian Mint Zodiac Silver Round

Austrian Mint's "In the Stars" Zodiac Coin

The 1 oz Austrian Mint Zodiac silver round is listed at this weight class, though the Austrian Mint's official "In the Stars" series is actually struck at 22.42 grams in .925 sterling silver rather than in a standard 1 oz .999 bullion format. Products classified under this group may include secondary market pieces from various years of the Austrian Mint's zodiac-themed output or from related zodiac programmes attributed to the Austrian Mint.

The Austrian Mint (Munze Osterreich) has operated continuously since 1194 and is a subsidiary of the Austrian National Bank. It is best known internationally for the Vienna Philharmonic bullion series, which uses .999 fine silver in standard troy-ounce weights. The Zodiac series represents a different approach: proof-quality collector coins with gemstone inlays, positioned as numismatic products rather than pure bullion.

The "In the Stars" series launched in 2025 with Capricorn and runs through 2029, releasing 2-4 signs per year until all 12 western zodiac signs are covered. Each coin pairs its zodiac sign with a semi-precious gemstone chosen for its traditional astrological associations. At 30,000 mintage per design, these sit in the moderate collector territory, above ultra-limited issues but well below mass bullion production.

For buyers seeking zodiac-themed silver at standard bullion premiums, the 1 oz Tokelau Signs of the Zodiac offers .999 silver at closer-to-spot pricing. The Austrian Mint's product is better suited to collectors who value proof quality, gemstone enhancement, and the prestige of one of Europe's oldest mints.

Austrian Mint Zodiac Series Technical Details

Gemstone Pairings by Sign

The sterling silver composition (.925) is notably below the .999 standard used by modern bullion programmes. This is a deliberate choice to accommodate the gemstone inlay process and to provide greater durability for a handled collector piece. Each coin contains approximately 20.74 g of fine silver, roughly two-thirds of a standard troy ounce.

Legal Tender Status and Tax Implications

The Austrian Mint Zodiac coins carry a 20 Euro face value, making them legal tender throughout the Eurozone. However, their sterling silver composition (.925) places them below the investment-grade threshold in most jurisdictions, which typically requires .999 purity for tax-exempt treatment.

European Union

As legal tender coins from an EU mint, tax treatment varies by member state. In Austria, collector coins from the national mint may qualify for reduced VAT rates. In Germany, the standard 19% VAT applies to silver coins below .999 purity, though the margin scheme (Differenzbesteuerung) is available for pre-owned examples. Other EU states apply their local standard rates (17-27%).

United Kingdom

Silver coins are subject to 20% VAT regardless of legal tender status or country of origin. The .925 purity falls below the investment-grade silver threshold, confirming full VAT liability. No CGT exemption applies (reserved for UK Royal Mint legal tender coins only). Import duty may also apply on non-UK coins shipped from EU dealers.

United States

No federal sales tax. State exemptions vary. The 20 Euro face value provides no US tax advantage. Available through authorised distributors such as APMEX.

Australia and New Zealand

The .925 purity falls below both countries' GST-exemption thresholds for investment precious metals (99.9% in Australia, 99.9% in New Zealand). Standard GST rates (10% AU, 15% NZ) apply. This positions the Austrian Zodiac as a collector purchase rather than a tax-efficient silver accumulation vehicle in these markets.