If you're looking to invest in gold coins, you've probably noticed the multitude of options available. From the Krugerrand to the American Gold Eagle, each coin has its own unique history and investment potential.
In this guide, we explore which gold coins are the best to buy and why. We will examine each coin's individual history, its characteristics and why it stands out as an excellent choice for investors.
Note: When discussing the gold coins mentioned below, we are referring to the 1 oz denomination (learn more here: Troy ounce: definition, history and conversion table). 1 oz gold coins are the most popular size of gold coins to invest in and also have the lowest premiums. If you are looking to buy gold coins, 1 oz is the best size to choose.
Top 9 Best Selling International Gold Coins
When you start investing in gold coins, we recommend that you choose from the world's best-selling gold coins. The flagship coins on this list are popular with investors and collectors, recognized around the world, easy to liquidate, easily identifiable, top-notch security, and known to represent some of the best coins in the world.
Investing in one of these popular gold coins generally offers easy returns and means you will have no trouble reselling them later. They are always in demand and have stood the test of time for a reason. Let's take a look at each of these 9 best-selling gold coins in the world.
Krugerrand
Manufacturer: South African Mint
History: First minted in 1967, the gold Krugerrand stands out as one of the oldest and most recognizable gold coins in the world. It quickly became a favorite of gold investors and, by 1980, accounted for over 90% of the gold coin market.
The name "Krugerrand" refers to Paul Kruger, South Africa's first Boer president, and the country's currency, the rand. During the 1980s and 1990s, the Krugerrand was considered an illegal import, as many countries imposed sanctions on the apartheid South African government. This ban, along with the popularity of the coin, encouraged other gold-producing countries to begin producing their own gold coins.
Features: A 1 oz gold Krugerrand is made of 0.9167 fine gold (22 carats) and alloyed with 8.3% copper for durability, combining quality and affordability.
The obverse of the coin shows the profile of Paul Kruger, and the reverse features the iconic springbok gazelle, the symbol of South Africa.
Krugerrand coins are one of the best gold investment options, offering lasting value and widespread availability.
American Gold Eagle
Maker: United States Mint
History: The American Gold Eagle is the official gold coin of the United States, first introduced in 1986 as a result of the Gold Bullion Coins Act of 1985. By law, the gold used to make the American Gold Eagle must come from sources within the United States, and sales of the coin help reduce the national debt.
Characteristics: American Eagle coins contain 0.9167 (22 karat) fine gold alloyed with silver and copper for durability and scratch resistance. Like other U.S. gold coins, the 1 oz gold American Eagle is considered legal tender with a face value of $50.
The obverse of the coin features a depiction of Lady Liberty holding a torch and olive branch with the Capitol in the background. Until 2021, the reverse depicted a male eagle flying over a nest containing a female eagle and her young. Since 2021, a new design features a close-up of an eagle.
For gold investors, the American Gold Eagle offers a blend of historical significance, recognizable design and great market liquidity.
Vienna Philharmonic
Maker: Austrian Mint
History: The Vienna Philharmonic, also known as the Gold Phili or Philharmonic, is one of the world's best-selling investment coins. First introduced in 1989, the coin pays tribute to the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and reflects the country's rich musical heritage.
Just one year after its launch, the Vienna Philharmonic was the most popular coin in Europe and the second best-selling coin in the world. Since then, the World Gold Council has stated that the Vienna Philharmonic was the world's best-selling gold coin for several years.
When the euro was adopted in Austria in 2002, the face value of the 1 oz Vienna Philharmonic changed to 100 euros. Today, it is the only gold investment coin that has a face value in euros, although it is only considered legal tender in Austria.
Characteristics: The Austrian Philharmonic gold coins are among the purest gold investment coins, with a purity of 0.9999 (24 carats).
The design features a pipe organ in the golden hall of the Vienna Musikverein. The reverse features various instruments of the Vienna Philharmonic, including the harp, bassoon, violins, cello and Viennese horn. Both sides of the coin were designed by Thomas Pesendorfer, chief engraver of the Austrian Mint.
The exquisite design of the Austrian Philharmonic gold coin, along with its high level of purity, makes it a prized possession for investors and collectors.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
Maker: Royal Canadian Mint
History: First introduced in 1979, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf revolutionized the world of investment coins when it became the first gold investment coin to reach a purity level of 0.9999. This set a new standard for quality and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf has since become a benchmark for purity in the industry. Today, it remains a mainstay of the global gold market, known for its exceptional purity and craftsmanship.
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is issued annually by the government of Canada and the 1 oz Maple Leaf coin is considered legal tender with a face value of $50 Canadian dollars. Like other gold investment coins, the market value of the coin varies according to the spot price of gold.
Characteristics: Made from gold mined exclusively in Canada, the Gold Maple Leaf is a symbol of the country's rich natural resources.
The Gold Maple Leaf is available in various sizes, from 1/20 oz to 1 oz, with the 1 oz version being the most common. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse depicts the iconic Canadian Maple Leaf, a national symbol of Canada. In addition, the Gold Maple Leaf is known to be one of the few gold investment coins to feature anti-counterfeiting security measures, including a laser-engraved radial line design and unique micro-engraving.
For gold investors seeking maximum purity and enhanced security, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is one of the best investment options available.
British Gold Sovereign
Maker: The Royal Mint
History: The British Gold Sovereign has a rich and varied history dating back to 1489, when it was initially introduced by King Henry VII. Today, it is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious gold coins available to investors.
The Sovereign was reintroduced in its modern form in 1817, with a new design by Benedetto Pistrucci depicting St. George slaying the dragon. This depiction has become an iconic symbol of the Golden Sovereign, appearing on most coins from this era to the present day.
Characteristics: The British Gold Sovereign has a purity of 0.9167 (22 carats) and is composed of a small amount of copper, giving it a distinctive reddish hue.
The coin's classic design depicts the reigning British monarch on the obverse and St. George slaying the dragon on the reverse. Each time the monarch changes, a new version of the Sovereign is minted, making the coin a valuable piece for collectors and investors alike.
The British Gold Sovereign is a highly liquid gold investment coin and its fascinating history, coupled with its worldwide recognition, makes it a popular choice among gold investors around the world.
Australian Gold Kangaroo
Maker: Perth Mint
History: First introduced in 1986 under the name "Australian Gold Nugget", the Australian Gold Kangaroo was renamed in 1989, featuring a kangaroo, Australia's most iconic animal, in its design. The Australian Gold Kangaroo is issued annually and minted in different sizes, from 1/20 oz to 1 kg.
Features: Gold Kangaroo coins are made of 0.9999 fine gold (24 karat), making them one of the purest coins available to gold investors.
Each year, the 1 oz Australian Gold Kangaroo features a new kangaroo design on the reverse, offering collectors and investors a unique variation. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, giving the coin international status.
With its high level of purity, distinctive design that changes each year and its connection to Australian history and culture, the Australian Gold Kangaroo is an excellent choice for those looking to invest in gold coins.
By StoneX Bullion