Buy Krugerrand gold coins

History of the Krugerrand

Origin and motivation

Launched in 1967 by the South African Mint in collaboration with the Rand Refinery, the Krugerrand was a strategic move to stimulate people to buy South African gold and offer private investors direct exposure to gold. This innovation marked the beginning of coin gold purchasing as an accessible option for personal gold investments.

International acceptance and challenges

Notably, the popularity of the Krugerrand grew rapidly in the 1970s and '80s, despite political headwinds and economic sanctions against South Africa due to its apartheid policies. During this period, the Krugerrand dominated the global gold market, but international sanctions in the 1980s temporarily restricted exports to many Western countries, significantly impacting the South African economy.

Global Influence and Popularity

In the years following its introduction, the Krugerrand became the world's best-selling gold investment coin, especially in the United States, where it was a significant means for individuals to invest in gold. The success of the Krugerrand inspired many other countries to introduce similar gold coins, such as Canada, which has offered investors the possibility to buy Gold Maple Leaf coins since 1979.

Design of the Krugerrand

Obverse: A Tribute to Paul Kruger

The obverse of the Krugerrand features a portrait of Paul Kruger, the fifth president of the South African Republic and a figure that stands for resistance against British rule and for South African nationalism. His image not only symbolizes national pride and history but also highlights the important role South Africa plays in the global gold market.

Reverse: The Springbok

The reverse of the coin features a springbok, an animal synonymous with the African wilderness and the natural wealth of the continent. This design by Coert Steynberg strengthens the identity of the coin as a South African icon.

Alloy and purity

The Krugerrand is made with a diameter of 32.77 mm and a thickness of 2.84 mm, and is known for its durability. This durability is achieved through an alloy of gold with a small amount of copper, resulting in a distinctive red-gold color. This alloy, known as crown gold, consists of 91.67% gold and 8.33% copper, making the coin resistant to scratches and dents compared to purer gold coins. Thus, the Krugerrand has a purity of 22 karats, making it an ideal coin for both collectors and investors.

Types of gold Krugerrand coins

Krugerrand coins are available in various sizes and denominations, each containing a certain amount of gold. Each of these coins retains the distinctive elements of the original Krugerrand, such as the portrait of Paul Kruger and the image of the springbok, and they are all made from the traditional 22-karat gold alloy. These different sizes offer flexibility for investors and collectors to invest in gold according to their own capacity and need, making the Krugerrand accessible to a wide range of investors, from small savers to large gold investors. Here are the main types of Krugerrand coins available:

1 Troy Ounce Gold Krugerrand

This is the original and most popular version of the Krugerrand, containing exactly 1 troy ounce of gold, equivalent to about 31.1 grams.

1/2 Troy Ounce Gold Krugerrand

For investors looking for a slightly smaller and more affordable alternative, the 1/2 ounce Krugerrand offers about 15.55 grams of gold.

1/4 Troy Ounce Gold Krugerrand

This coin contains about 7.77 grams of gold and is a good choice for those who want to start investing in gold or diversify their investments.

1/10 Troy Ounce Gold Krugerrand

With about 3.11 grams of gold, this smaller version of the Krugerrand, allowing you to buy 1/10 Oz gold, is ideal for small investors or as a gift.

In addition to standard gold Krugerrands, the South African Mint also offers special editions of this famous coin, including the proof versions. You can also buy silver Krugerrand coins.

Valuation and tradeability

The global standardization of the Krugerrand has led to universal recognition among gold buyers and financial institutions, making this coin particularly liquid and easily tradable on the world market. Moreover, this coin has no face value, which is uncommon among gold coins.

Rand Refinery: the heart of Krugerrand production

The Krugerrand is produced by the Rand Refinery, one of the world's most renowned refineries, located in Germiston, South Africa. Established in 1920, the refinery is a critical component of South Africa's gold industry. As one of the largest gold refineries globally, Rand Refinery sets the standard for purity and processing quality, with the capacity to refine over 600 tons of gold annually.

Innovation and technological advancement

Rand Refinery has a long history of innovation in the treatment and refining of precious metals. The refinery uses advanced technologies to refine gold to a purity of 99.999%, which forms the basis for the production of the Krugerrand.

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility

Rand Refinery is also committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The company has initiatives for water reuse, waste management, and energy efficiency, making it one of the most environmentally friendly refineries in the world.

Buying Krugerrand gold coins

The Krugerrand gold coin stands as a testament to South Africa's pivotal role in the global gold market, reflecting both historical significance and contemporary investment appeal. With its distinctive design, guaranteed purity, and high liquidity, gold Krugerrand coins remain popular and sought after among gold buyers and investors. If you are looking to buy a gold Krugerrand coin, order yours directly online or visit our store.