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The Krugerrand

The Krugerrand is the 22-karat bullion coin of South Africa. It was the first gold coin produced to contain precisely one ounce of fine gold, and provided a vehicle for the private ownership and trade of gold. By 1980 the coin accounted for 90% of the gold coin market. The success of the Krugerrand led to many other gold-producing nations minting their own bullion coins.

With over 54 million Krugerrands in circulation it is believed to be the most widely owned gold bullion coin in the world. The sheer number of coins on the market coupled with the Krugerrand’s global recognition, mean it is one of the least expensive coins to buy. The intention for the Krugerrand was for it to be circulated as currency, for this reason the coin was minted in 22 karat gold, with copper as a strengthening alloy. It's durability is one of it's main selling points now. With one of the most active secondary markets of any gold coin, the vast majority of Krugerrands we see of 30-40 years of age are still in fantastic condition.

Due to the huge number in circulation coupled with it's global recognition, Krugerrand coins provide unparalleled liquidity. As an investment into a physical asset this is very important. Just like when buying and selling a house, it is not only the price you manage to purchase the property at, but also the sale price which will determine your profit. If you buy a house at a great price but it's on a main road and appeals only to a very niche market, then it is more difficult to sell and the eventual sale price will inevitably be affected. The same goes for gold. Buy Krugerrands and you'll be able to sell the coins at any time, maximising your chances of securing a good price.

Despite the coin's legal tender status, the Krugerrand was illegal to import in many Western countries during the 1970s and 1980s due to economic sanctions against South Africa for its policy of apartheid. In 1994 these sanctions ceased when South Africa dropped this policy.

The Krugerrand is so named because the obverse features the profile of statesman Paul Kruger, four-term president of the old South African Republic. The reverse displays one of the national symbols of South Africa the springbok which is the African name for an antelope.

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We specialise in Krugerrands so CALL OUR EXPERTS NOW on 0845 643 4321 or click on the Got a Question box below to arrange a call back or email us. We can provide live up-to-the minute prices on Krugerrands and discuss the merits of proof versus bullion Krugerrands, brand new versus second hand coins, and full Krugerrands versus fractional versions. Or read up more by viewing our specialist Krugerrands site.

The Krugerrand

County: South Africa
Face Value: 10 Rands
Gold Content: 1 ounce (31.104g) – Alloyed with copper
Purity: 917/1000 (22 karat)
Gross Weight: 33.9305
Coin Diameter: 32.70mm
First Year of issue: 1967