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Many new investors wonder about the smartest way to use their money. And although they’ll discover plenty of options, a significant number will eventually seek to invest in the best gold coins.
There are many considerations when making this decision, but it really all comes down to value and personal choice. You want to buy coins that are a great investment, but it never hurts to have something you enjoy looking at!
This guide will help you make that decision.
Best gold coins from America
The United States has consistently released some of the most desired gold coins in the world. The first American coins featuring the precious metal came out in 1796, and the quality and beauty of the currency has only improved over time.
American gold eagle: Face value $50
The American gold eagle first came out in 1986, but it gets its design from the 1907 Augustus Saint-Gaudens coin. Lady Liberty stands out beautifully on one side as dual eagles emblazon the other. They contain an ounce of fine gold and are still being minted.
Buffalo gold coin: Face value $50
Featuring an ounce of 24-karat gold and with a face value of $50, the American gold buffalo is a favorite among gold and coin collectors alike. The design got its features from the popular Indian Head nickel that was minted between 1913 and 1938. It was first released in 2006 and is still in production today.
Best gold coins from Canada
Canada is no stranger to offering some of the best gold coins in the world. Canadian gold from the Klondike region got put into nearly all the nation’s first gold coins — which also featured the country’s coat of arms. To put it simply, Canada is proud of its gold offerings.
Canadian maple leaf gold coin: Multiple denominations
The official gold coin of Canada is known as the Canadian gold maple leaf. The coin comes in denominations ranging from $1 to $50. Its gold content also varies between 1/20 ounce and 1 ounce. These coins were first issued in 1979 and contain a gold content of either 999 or 9999 fineness.
Devil’s Brigade gold coin 1/10 oz: Face value C$5
The Devil’s Brigade gold coin celebrates a World War II elite commando unit composed of Canadians and Americans. The unit would leave printed cards declaring, “The worst is yet to come!” on the bodies of enemy soldiers. Although it’s a collector’s coin, it’s purchasable at bullion prices.
Best gold coins from Australia
As investors flock to gold, coins from Australia have become a favorite option. Considering many Australian coins feature adorable animals such as emus, kangaroos and koalas, this is no big surprise. In reality, these coins are likely as close as you want to get to those cute-but-volatile species.
Australian kangaroo gold coin: Face value AU$100
What do you get when you combine an ounce of pure 999 gold with the Outback’s favorite marsupial? You get the beautiful Australian kangaroo gold coin. The coin features Elizabeth II on the opposing side of the “red roo,” and the coin has been in production since 1989.
Australian emu gold coin: Face value AU$100
One of the largest birds in the world joins Elizabeth II to adorn opposing sides of the Australian emu gold coin. It contains a full ounce of 9999 fine gold and comes directly from the Perth Mint. Only 5,000 of these were produced in 2021, so if you want one, it’s best if you hustle.
Best gold coins from Africa
When looking at historic gold discovery and production, South Africa lands within the top three countries. This makes it no surprise that some of the best gold coins in the world come right out of the massive continent. If you’re looking for your best options, the following may be the way to go.
South African Krugerrand gold coin: No face value
One of the few coins that has no face value but still serves as legal tender, the South African Krugerrand gold coin stands out among all other currencies in the world. That’s because it accounted for about 90% of all gold coins in the world by 1980.
It’s minted with a copper alloy of 8.33%, but the rest of the coin (91.67%) is 22-karat gold.
Congo World’s Wildlife gold coin: Face value 100 francs
Although it features America’s national bird, the Congo World’s Wildlife gold coin is recognizably Congolese. It has the country’s coat of arms on the obverse and contains a full ounce of 9999 fine gold. The 2021 issue is the third in the World’s Wildlife series.
Best gold coins from Britain
Britain recently issued a 22-pound gold coin honoring the coronation of Elizabeth II along with the Queen’s Beasts. To put it lightly, precious metals are a big deal in the country. That helps explain why the following are some of the best gold coins to buy right now.
British gold sovereign: Face value £1
Minted between 1817 and 1932, the British sovereign gold coin originally traded at face value because the country was using the gold standard. Production ceased after the U.K. came off the gold standard, but in 1957, it picked back up again.
Although sovereigns are often called 1/4 oz, they actually contain 0.2354 ounces of 9167 gold.
Royal Mint Queen’s Beasts: Face value £100
Remember the 22-pound coin mentioned earlier? The Royal Mint Queen’s Beasts gold coin is about as close as most people will ever get to owning it. It features an ounce of 9999 fine gold along with the queen and the 10 beasts that watched over her coronation.
This coin is a magnificent work of art, but you won’t typically pay much more than bullion prices for it. It’s also the last coin slated for minting in the Royal Mint’s Queen’s Beasts collection, so it will no doubt have a collectability factor well into the future.
Rare and collectable gold coins
Many people who buy gold coins base their purchase decision on precious metal content alone. This is a great way to invest, but some individuals want more. The following coins are all literally worth more than their weight in gold thanks to rarity and collectability.
Indian quarter eagle: Face value $2.50
Containing 0.1209 troy ounces of 900 gold, the $2.5 Indian quarter eagle was first produced in 1908. It features a Native American representation on one side and an American eagle on the other.
The small size of the coin made it difficult to include all inscriptions, so a redesign was eventually issued. This only increased the overall rarity of the original.
Liberty half eagle: Face value $5
From 1839 to 1908, the Liberty half eagle carried on the legacy of America’s first gold coin. It contains 0.242 troy ounces of the precious metal. While any version constitutes one of the best gold coins to buy, those minted in Carson City, Dahlonega and Charlotte all hold more value due to scarcity.
The best gold coins are the ones you love!
Throughout history, purchasing gold has consistently proven to be a solid investment. Buying gold bullion bars is certainly one route to take, but some people want more out of their assets. For these individuals, metal currency offers a great way to store value and appeal to aesthetics.
Thousands of coins feature this precious metal, but it all comes down to finding something you love. The best gold coins to buy right now could vary from one person to the next based on personal taste and financial goals.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, we likely have it at Silver Gold Bull. View our selection of gold products here, and you will find something to love. And if you have any questions at all, contact us today!
