Gold coins have been used as currency for centuries. They were first utilized in Lydia — now part of modern-day Turkey — around 550 B.C.
Yet, gold coins haven’t lost their luster. Thanks to their liquidity, portability, and historical value, they’re still a popular choice for those making investments.
So, what are the best gold coins to invest in? Check out the top 10 options.
1. American Gold Eagle
One of the first options that comes to mind when you’re wondering, “What are the best gold coins to invest in?” is probably the American Gold Eagle. It was created by the U.S. Mint in 1986 after the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 was enacted.
These gold coins come in many denominations — including 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/2 oz., and 1 oz. — with face values ranging from $5 to $50. They also only contain American-sourced gold.
These are the top reasons to invest in American Gold Eagle coins:
- Government backing
- High liquidity
- Instantly recognizable design
American Gold Eagle coins are eligible for inclusion in a self-directed IRA.
2. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
Another solid option for those looking to invest in gold is the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1979.
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is available in many denominations — 1/25 oz., 1/20 oz., 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz., and 1 oz. — with values ranging from $0.50 to $50.
Here are the leading reasons to invest in Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins:
- .999% purity
- Internationally recognized
- Iconic maple leaf design
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins are also IRA-eligible because of their purity.
3. South African Krugerrand
For years, the South African Krugerrand was the only answer to the question, “What are the best gold coins to invest in?”
The Krugerrand was created in 1967 by the Rand Refinery and South African Mint. By the 1980s, it accounted for 90% of the global gold coin market.
However, the Krugerrand was closely connected to apartheid, so it fell out of favor among collectors in the 1990s. It was also banned in many Western countries like the U.S. and Canada.
The Krugerrand doesn’t have a true face value and is not as pure as other gold coins. However, it’s no longer banned, which has cemented its legacy as one of the best gold investments.
These are other reasons to invest in South African Krugerrand coins:
- Durability
- Widespread popularity
- Historical significance
South African Krugerrands are not eligible for IRAs because of their low .9167 purity.
4. American Buffalo
American Gold Eagle coins came first, but that hasn’t stopped collectors from snatching up American Buffalo coins produced 20 years later. These 24-karat bullion coins hit the market in 2006 through the U.S. Mint. Their design is similar to the Indian Head nickel, with a Native American on the front and a buffalo on the back.
American Buffalo coins were the first pure 24-karat gold coins produced by the U.S. government. They weigh 1 oz. and have a face value of $50.
Here are more reasons why American Buffalo coins make solid investments:
- Iconic Native American design
- High purity
- Government assurance
American Buffalo coins are eligible for IRAs because of their .9999 purity.
5. Austrian Philharmonic
The Austrian Philharmonic coin — also known as the Vienna Philharmonic coin — was welcomed into the world in 1989. It pays tribute to the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, with the Musikverein pipe organ on the front and other instruments on the back.
This 1 oz. version initially had a face value of 2,000 Austrian schillings, but its value was altered to 100 euros in 2002. The Austrian Philharmonic coin was also introduced in other denominations, including 1/25 oz., 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz., and 1/2 oz., with values ranging from 4 to 50 euros.
These are additional reasons to invest in Austrian Philharmonic coins:
- .9999 purity
- Unique musical-themed design
- Strong liquidity in Europe
Austrian Philharmonic coins have a purity that makes them eligible for IRAs.
6. Australian Gold Nugget
Better known as the Australian Gold Kangaroo, the Australian Gold Nugget emerged in 1986 through the Government of Western Australia’s Perth Mint. Since then, this bullion gold coin has become one of the only gold coins in the world that change designs every year, featuring new kangaroos. This alone makes it a worthy answer to the question, “What are the best gold coins to invest in?”
Australian Gold Nugget coins are also available in many denominations, including 1/20 oz., 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/2 oz., 1 oz., 2 oz., 10 oz., 1 kilo, and 1 tonne. Their face values start at A$5 and go up to A$1,000,000.
Here are reasons to invest in Australian Gold Nugget coins:
- Collectible appeal
- .9999 purity
- Popularity in the Asia-Pacific region
Australian Gold Nugget Coins are eligible for IRAs because of their .9999 purity.
7. British Gold Britannia
The Royal Mint unveiled the British Gold Britannia coin in 1987, featuring Queen Elizabeth II on the front and a depiction of Britannia on the back. Because of their latent images, surface animations, and other security features, British Gold Britannia coins are now the most secure gold coins around.
Early versions of the British Gold Britannia weren’t as pure as other bullion gold coins in the 1980s. However, more recent versions offer .9999 purity. These coins also come in many denominations, including 1/20 oz., 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/2 oz., 1 oz., and 5 oz., with face values ranging from £5 to £500.
These are the best reasons to invest in British Gold Britannia coins:
- .9999 purity
- Advanced anti-counterfeiting measures
- Historical representation of Britain
British Gold Britannia coins are eligible for IRAs because of their .9999 purity.
8. Chinese Gold Panda
Like Australian Gold Nugget coins, Chinese Gold Panda coins have designs that change annually. These gold coins were introduced by the Official Mint of the People’s Republic of China in 1982, with the iconic Temple of Heaven on the front and pandas on the back.
The Chinese Gold Panda is available in fewer denominations than other coins that serve as answers to the question, “What are the best gold coins to invest in?” But there are 1/20 oz., 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/2 oz., and 1 oz. versions with face values starting at 20 yuan and increasing to 500 yuan.
Here are other reasons to invest in Chinese Gold Panda coins:
- Collectible appeal
- .995 purity
- Strong demand in Asia
9. Mexican Libertad
Mexican Libertad gold coins — which first appeared in 1981 through the Mexican Mint — are similar to South African Krugerrand coins in that they don’t have a true face value.
These gold coins boast the coat of arms of Mexico on the front with the Angel of Independence on the back. They come in a small selection of denominations, such as 1/20 oz., 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/2 oz., and 1 oz.
These are the reasons why Mexican Libertad gold coins stand out to investors:
- Rarity
- Attractive design
- Strong association with Mexican heritage
Mexican Libertad coins are generally not eligible for IRAs because of varying purity levels.
10. Somalia Gold Elephant
Introduced in 1999, Somalia Gold Elephant coins feature new elephant-themed designs each year. They’re produced at the historic Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt (Bavarian State Mint) in Germany.
Somalia Gold Elephant coins come in many denominations, starting with 1/50 oz. coins and going up to 1 oz. coins. They have face values ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 Somali Shillings.
Here are other reasons to invest in Somalia Gold Elephant coins:
- Collectible appeal
- .999 purity
- Increasing popularity among investors
How To Find a Quality Gold Dealer
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What are the best gold coins to invest in?” it’s time to start making better investments. Just ensure you purchase gold through quality gold dealers.
Use these tips to locate one:
- Look at a gold dealer’s credentials.
- Read through the customer reviews for a gold dealer.
- Ensure a gold dealer provides transparent pricing.
Avoiding Pitfalls When Buying Gold Coins
It’s easy to make mistakes when buying gold coins from dealers. You may fail to ask, “What are the best gold coins to invest in?” and make poor investments.
The following tips will help you avoid common pitfalls:
- Steer clear of paying premiums for gold coins.
- Never invest in gold coins through unverified sellers.
- Stay away from gold coin scams.
- Keep tabs on gold market prices.
- Learn how to spot authentic coins.
Choosing the Best Gold Coins for Your Portfolio
The gold coins featured here answer the question, “What are the best gold coins to invest in?” Sift through the different gold purity and weight options these coins offer to select the ones you like most.
Above all else, align your investment choices with your financial goals, and always consult a trusted advisor. Contact us at (877) 444-0923 to get assistance!