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Considering adding gold to your investment portfolio? A wise decision. Gold coins present a unique attribute that equities and fixed-income securities simply do not; they are tangible. Yet, with so many choices available, determining which specific issues merit your financial commitment can be quite a challenge.
For years, BullionBox helped people find their way in the gold market, and now we present to you an easy-to-follow guide to the best investment-grade gold coins there are today. Our choices encompass several elements that have an important role: liquidity—how easy it is to sell them; reasonable premiums (the prices above gold value that you will pay); and global recognition.
Let’s get past the distractions and focus on what is truly important for you to consider when selecting gold coins to include in your portfolio.
What Makes a Gold Coin Worth Buying?
Before diving into targeted suggestions, let’s discuss what differentiates an excellent investment currency from the remainder:
Liquidity – How fast and effortlessly can you peddle it when necessary? The most liquid coins have purchasers poised all over the globe.
Premium – This is what you pay above the real value of gold content. Lower premiums mean your money is buying more gold.
Recognition – Globally recognized coins tend to be easier to sell at fair prices.
Purity – The majority of coins intended for investment have gold contents that range from 22 to 24 karats. Their purities run from 91.7% to 99.99%.
Government backing – Authenticity is guaranteed on coins made by national governments in a way that private mints cannot match.
Let’s review the leading gold coins now:
1. American Gold Eagle
For U.S. investors, there is no more standard form of gold than the American Gold Eagle. When it comes to nationwide familiarity and marketplace activity, this coin has no peer. It is, by a mile, the most traded gold coin in America, and it enjoys almost universal recognition.
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Technical specs:
- Weight: 1 oz (1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz, also available in)
- Purity: 22 karat (91.67% gold)
- Features one full troy ounce of pure gold.
- Minted by the U.S. Mint.
Investment score: 9.5/10
- Liquidity: 10/10
- Cash conversion premium: 7/10 (typically 5-8% over market rate)
- Market recognition: 10/10
Perfect for:
Beginning gold purchasers and individuals investing in IRAs. These coins make you eligible to hit the gold standard in your IRA and are about as simple as it gets in terms of acquiring and liquidating gold.
Worth noting:
Although the premium is a bit greater than for some of the other choices, the superb liquidity generally compensates for that when you go to sell.
2. Canadian Maple Leaf
Why it stands out: The Canadian Maple Leaf is the government gold coin in regular issue that has the highest and most trusted standard of purity at 99.99% gold. The Royal Canadian Mint has equipped it with some very impressive and potent anti-counterfeiting features.
Technical specs:
- Weight: 1 oz (also available in fractional sizes)
- Purity: 24 karat (99.99% gold)
- Advanced security features, including precision radial lines and micro-engraved laser mark
- Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint
Investment score: 9.3/10
- Liquidity: 9/10
- Premium: 8/10 (typically 4-7% over spot)
- Recognition: 9/10
Perfect for: Investors who prioritize gold purity and security features.
Worth noting: The high purity makes these coins slightly softer and more prone to scratching, so careful handling is important.
3. South African Krugerrand
Why it stands out: The bullion coin that started it all in 1967. The Krugerrand usually has one of the smallest premiums of any significant gold coin.
Technical specs:
- Weight: 1 oz (also available in fractional sizes)
- Purity: 22 karat (91.67% gold)
- Contains 1 full troy ounce of pure gold
- Minted by the South African Mint
Investment score: 9.0/10
- Liquidity: 9/10
- Premium: 9/10 (typically 3-5% over spot)
- Recognition: 9/10
Perfect for: Budget-conscious investors looking to maximize gold content while minimizing premium costs.
Worth noting: The distinctive copper-gold appearance comes from the copper alloy that makes these coins more durable than pure gold options.
4. Austrian Philharmonic
The gold coin that is most in demand in Europe bears the design of the instruments of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It is especially easy to sell and convert to cash in European markets.
Technical specs:
- Weight: 1 oz (also available in fractional sizes)
- Purity: 24 karat (99.99% gold)
- No reeded edge (smooth edge)
- Minted by the Austrian Mint
Investment score: 8.8/10
- Liquidity: 8/10
- Premium: 8/10 (typically 4-6% over spot)
- Recognition: 9/10
Perfect for: Investors with connections to European markets or those who appreciate the artistic design.
Worth noting: The Philharmonic was the best-selling gold coin in the world several times in the past two decades.
5. Australian Kangaroo
Why it stands out: Every year, the design of the kangaroo changes at the Perth Mint, which gives this investment-grade coin a slight collector appeal.
Technical specs:
- Weight: 1 oz (also available in larger and fractional sizes)
- Purity: 24 karat (99.99% gold)
- Features a security mark visible under magnification
- Minted by the Perth Mint
Investment score: 8.5/10
- Liquidity: 8/10
- Premium: 8/10 (typically 4-7% over spot)
- Recognition: 8/10
Perfect for: Investors who want a pure gold coin with changing designs that might gain modest collector value over time.
Worth noting: The Perth Mint is known for exceptional quality control and beautiful finishes.
6. British Britannia
Why it stands out: The Britannia has been minted at 24 karat purity since 2013, and in 2021, the Royal Mint added a sophisticated security feature that includes a holographic spot.
Technical specs:
- Weight: 1 oz (also available in fractional sizes)
- Purity: 24 karat (99.99% gold)
- Advanced security features
- Minted by the Royal Mint
Investment score: 8.3/10
- Liquidity: 8/10
- Premium: 8/10 (typically 4-7% over spot)
- Recognition: 8/10
Perfect for: Security-conscious investors who appreciate British heritage.
Worth noting: Tax advantages make these particularly attractive to UK investors, as they’re exempt from capital gains tax for UK residents.
7. Chinese Gold Panda
Why it stands out: Every year, the design of the panda featured on the Gold Panda is changed, which makes these coins not only desirable as investments but also as collectibles.
Technical specs:
- Weight: 30 grams (slightly less than 1 oz)
- Purity: 24 karat (99.9% gold)
- Annual design changes
- Minted by the Chinese Mint
Investment score: 8.0/10
- Liquidity: 7/10
- Premium: 7/10 (typically 6-9% over spot)
- Recognition: 8/10
Perfect for: Investors interested in exposure to the Chinese market or those who appreciate the collectible aspect.
Worth noting: In 2016, China switched from the troy ounce standard to metric weights, so these coins now contain 30 grams of gold rather than 31.1 grams (1 troy oz).
Smart Buying Strategies for Gold Coins
Now that you know which coins to consider, here are some practical tips for buying them:
1. Compare Dealer Premiums
Prices can vary significantly between dealers. Shop around and compare the “premium over spot” percentage rather than just the total price.
2. Consider Fractional Coins Carefully
Smaller denominations (1/4 oz, 1/10 oz) carry much higher premiums per ounce of gold. They’re convenient for smaller investments but not cost-efficient.
3. Buy From Reputable Sources
Stick with established dealers with strong reviews and proper accreditation. The extra peace of mind is worth it.
4. Think About Storage From Day One
Have a secure storage plan before buying. Home safes work for smaller holdings, but consider professional vault storage for larger investments.
5. Dollar-Cost Average if Possible
Rather than making one large purchase, consider buying smaller amounts over time to average out price fluctuations.
6. Consider the Monthly Gold Subscription Plan
You will receive a box of different types of gold coins per month, with a certain gold coin subscription plan.
Storage and Security Considerations
Once you’ve bought your gold coins, keeping them safe becomes the priority:
Home storage options:
- Quality home safe (bolted to floor/wall)
- Hidden wall or floor safe
- Safe deposit box at a bank
Professional storage:
- Segregated storage (your specific coins kept separate)
- Allocated storage (same type/quality coins reserved in your name)
- Fully insured facilities
Remember that home insurance policies often have strict limits on precious metals coverage, so check your policy or consider additional insurance.
How Much of Your Portfolio Should Be in Gold Coins?
Financial advisors typically recommend allocating between 5-15% of your investment portfolio to precious metals, including gold. The exact percentage depends on:
- Your age and investment timeline
- Overall risk tolerance
- Economic outlook
- Other investments you hold
Gold tends to perform well during economic uncertainty, making it a good counterbalance to stocks and bonds.
Which Coin Is Right for You?
If you’re just starting, the American Gold Eagle or South African Krugerrand make excellent first purchases due to their exceptional liquidity and recognition.
For those focused on maximum gold purity, the Canadian Maple Leaf or the Austrian Philharmonic are outstanding choices.
If you’re intrigued by the collector aspect while still wanting solid investment value, consider the Chinese Panda or Australian Kangaroo with their changing designs.
Remember that physical gold is typically a long-term holding. The real value comes from gold’s ability to preserve purchasing power over decades and provide portfolio insurance during economic turmoil.
Whatever you choose, start with coins that are widely recognized, carry reasonable premiums, and come from reputable government mints. Your future self will thank you for making informed choices today.
