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Gold coins and bars are popular investment options due to their widespread use and appeal. Various sizes of gold coins are available, with famous mints producing them. One-ounce gold coins are particularly favored for investment due to their popularity and lower premiums. Investors often appreciate the aesthetic and historical significance of gold coins, but choosing the right ones can be daunting. To assist investors, a list of the ten best gold coins for investment in 2024 is provided in this blog.
Premiums represent the production and retail costs added to the spot price. One-ounce coins usually have a premium of around 6-7% above the spot price, while smaller coins tend to have higher premiums. |
Investing in US coins often carries sentimental value for Americans.
Part of this allure stems from a genuine appreciation for their aesthetic appeal. Additionally, in certain US states, there’s a preference for coins over bars due to state regulations—while bullion bars and rounds may require registration and waiting periods, coins often bypass these requirements. Moreover, there’s a perception that coins are easier to authenticate compared to bars, although the extent of this ease might vary.
Modern Bullion Gold Coins?
In the United States, popular choices for gold coins are American Gold Eagles and Gold Buffalos, both minted by the US Mint. However, it may be more practical for investors outside the US to consider coins minted by their own country or region. Coins like Canadian Maple Leafs, Krugerrands, Philharmonics, Britannias, and Kangaroos are widely recognized and easily bought and sold. While the premiums on these coins may be lower, it’s important to consider the local buyer population and preferences when selling.
There are many different kinds of gold investments to be had. Anything from gold mining to virtual e-gold is slowly gaining in popularity. The two most popular kinds of investment are either in coins or bullion. The choice of what to invest in will largely depend on your own personal circumstances and what you actually intend to do with the investment. Bullion is a solid choice for high dollar or long-term investments that you have no interest in turning around soon. Coins provide an easy and effective way to shift the value around if need be. They can still be invested in en masse but are more usable as a fluid investment.
The US Mint charges more to authorized purchasers compared to the Austrian Mint, so eagles will always carry a higher premium. However, it’s ultimately driven by supply and demand. The US Mint and RCM have struggled to keep up with demand since the pandemic began, while the Austrian Mint has managed better. Eagles and maples are generally more popular, further widening the supply/demand gap. If the Austrian Mint significantly slowed down production, those premiums might come closer to what maples are fetching these days.
- Krugerrand Gold Coins – A Perfect Liquid Investment.
- Golden Eagle Coins – An Ideal Investment.
- Gold Buffalo Coins, stable value for US investors.
- Canadian Gold Coins, direct competitor to the Krugerrand.
- Australian Gold Coins, a top choice for Asian investors
Old gold Coins: A Smarter Approach to Fractional Gold.
with the high premiums associated with popular government bullion coins like Gold Eagles and Maple Leafs, exploring alternative options becomes imperative. The world of precious metals is much more diverse than it appears at first glance, offering historically significant pieces that often come with lower price tags.
While government bullion coins like Gold Eagles might offer recognizable branding, it’s crucial to recognize that the premium paid doesn’t necessarily translate into commensurate gains upon resale. In contrast, more affordable alternatives often present better prospects for recouping initial investments.
Think about Austrian ducats and coronas, British sovereigns, Swiss 20 Franken, Mexican 50 pesos, and many more. Notably, these alternatives often possess historical significance and come with comparatively lower premiums on fractional gold coins.
Which fractional coin typically carries the lowest premiums?
the premiums reflect various costs like advertising, designing, transporting, and the actual minting/refining of the gold. Once it’s out of production, premiums drop, much like a used car’s depreciation. New coins have the highest premiums, and there’s a potential “risk” of losing more in a premium. Older coins, on the other hand, can’t lose more value past melt to the right buyer.
The only potential drawback with older coins is the lack of security features found in newer ones, and the ease of liquidation, provided they come from reputable mints. I’ve even heard of dealers offering below spot on 100 Coronas. Interestingly, coins minted in Britain, Canada, Australia, and others seem to demand less than their US counterparts.
Moreover, exploring options like Swiss 20 franc gold coins and British Sovereigns can provide interesting alternatives.
There are gold coins that were minted under special circumstances in the past. They may be historical in nature and have a higher value than that of simply the gold. Modern coins are minted to simply provide the value of the metal. Investing into older or historic gold coins can be an appreciable venture but it will require more action on your end to protect. These kinds of coins typically require special storage practices to not only protect the integrity of the metal; but whatever details are present that make the coin more valuable than the metal.
These considerations should be some of the top ones for a person thinking of getting started in gold investment. We cannot stress the importance of not investing everything into one single commodity enough. Physical gold can provide the foundation to a robust portfolio. Once those goals are met, it can be expanded to include other aspects of gold or branch out into other venues. If the past thousands of years are any indication, gold will continue to be sought after long into the future. That puts it in an excellent position to really prop up your investments and secure your future. Investing in physical gold offers practical benefits for wealth retention and diversification. By understanding the basics, such as the spot price, premiums, and choosing the right coins, investors can make informed decisions. While local preferences and timing may affect the resale value, investing in widely recognized coins can provide a more straightforward selling experience. Remember, investing in physical gold is a long-term game, and it’s crucial to focus on buying and holding rather than being swayed by short-term market fluctuations.
The Austrian one ducat, a coin that weighs 0.1109 ounces of gold.
Despite its thinner profile, this coin presents a compelling investment opportunity. It carries a historic appeal, having been restruck in the 50s, 60s, and 70s with an apparent date of 1915. What makes it truly enticing is the affordability factor, with prices hovering around $20 over spot, making it an excellent alternative to higher-premium options. options like Austrian 100 Coronas and other quarter-ounce and half-ounce alternatives come into play. The Austrian 100 Corona coin, with its 0.98 ounces of gold, can be secured with only a moderate premium, making it a noteworthy contender for those looking to maximize their gold holdings without overextending their budget.
- Pre-1933 USA Gold Coins: We advises caution when considering pre-1933 USA gold coins in $1, $2 1/2, and $3 denominations for investment purposes. These coins are often more collectible than they are viewed as a way to buy gold for its intrinsic value. High collector premiums and the potential for reduced premiums in times of national catastrophe are cited as reasons to be wary.
- Low Premium Material: The consensus among gold stackers is that investors should focus on low premium gold coins, whether they are of domestic or international origin. Coins with lower premiums typically offer better value for investors looking to acquire physical gold.
- Condition of Coins: gold stackers mention the importance of coin condition when stacking gold. Damaged coins are generally cheaper, and buyers should ensure they are weighed properly and priced accordingly.
- Tax Reporting: A critical point raised is the variation in tax reporting requirements for different gold coins. Some coins, like the Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, and Mexican Onzas, trigger mandatory IRS reporting in the United States when selling in quantities exceeding 25 ounces. This reporting may raise privacy concerns for investors.
- Variety of Coins: Some gold stackers appreciate having a variety of coins in their stack, while others express a preference for certain coins based on factors like design, purity, and potential for appreciation.
- Geopolitical Considerations: A gold stackers touch on geopolitical considerations when choosing gold coins. They note that certain coins may be less desirable due to political factors, and this should be taken into account when making investment decisions.
- Preference for 24K Gold: The 24kt gold coins, such as the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the Britannia, are favored by some for their high purity. The 24kt coins are considered a good choice for those who prioritize purity above all else.
- Security Features: The Britannia is mentioned as a preferred coin due to its security features, which can enhance trust in the coin’s authenticity.
I can provide a ranking of popular gold bullion coins by country, taking into consideration both European and USA coins. Please note that this ranking is based on factors like popularity, purity, and historical significance. Individual preferences may vary, and other factors like taxes and availability may also influence an investor’s choice. Here’s a combined ranking:
Best gold coin to buy by country.
1. Gold Britannia (UK): UK.
The Gold Britannia is highly regarded for its 24kt gold content, security features, and attractive design. It is a favorite among European and international investors.

Gold Britannia coins offer a range of benefits for investors, including accessibility through various denominations suitable for different budgets, tax efficiency for UK residents with exemptions from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Value Added Tax (VAT), and the reassurance of legal tender status in the UK, ensuring flexibility when it comes to selling. However, potential investors should consider the associated considerations, such as the need for secure storage to protect against theft, the risk of encountering counterfeit bullion when purchasing physical gold, exposure to market risks like exchange rate fluctuations and gold price volatility, and the historical tendency of gold to deliver relatively modest long-term returns.
2. Gold Krugerrand (South Africa): Europe.
The Gold Krugerrand is a well-known and widely recognized coin globally, known for its historical significance and 22kt gold content. It is a popular choice among European and international investors due to its accessibility, tax efficiency Krugerrands are not exempt from capital gains tax (CGT) in UK.


What is the history behind the Gold Krugerrand coin : The Gold Krugerrand is a South African coin that was first minted on July 3, 1967, to help market South African gold. It was created to give the South African mint a much-needed boost and was the first modern coin to consist of over one troy ounce of 22-karat gold. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Krugerrand made up 90% of the international coin market. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, Krugerrands fell out of favor as some Western countries forbade import of the Krugerrand because of its association with the apartheid government of South Africa. The Krugerrand is a legal tender in South Africa and Krugerrands are not exempt from capital gains tax (CGT) . The coin is made of an alloy of gold and copper, which makes it durable and resistant to wear.
While there are some risks associated with investing in Gold Krugerrands, such as storage and security risks, counterfeit risks, market risks, and long-term performance risks, they remain a popular investment option for gold investors who wish to make a direct investment in gold bullion, hedge their portfolios against the U.S. dollar, or further diversify their portfolio
3. Gold American Eagle (USA): North American investors. The Gold American Eagle is a classic choice among American investors. It has a 22kt gold content and is backed by the U.S. government.
4. Gold Canadian Maple Leaf (Canada): The Gold Canadian Maple Leaf is known for its high purity (.9999) and beautiful maple leaf design. It’s a preferred choice among North American and international investors.
5. Gold Buffalo (USA): North American investors. The Gold Buffalo is prized for its 24kt gold content and iconic design, making it highly attractive to collectors and investors.
6. Gold Austrian Philharmonic (Austria): North American and European investors. The Gold Philharmonic is known for its aesthetic appeal and is made of .9999 fine gold. It’s a popular choice in Europe and beyond.
Philharmonics consistently boast remarkably low premiums, making them a preferred choice. In contrast, U.S. gold tends to carry the highest premiums and isn’t as attractive internationally compared to other global bullions.
7. Gold French Rooster (France): French investor.

The French 20 Franc Rooster is a historic gold coin with a classic design. While no longer in production, it’s a favorite among french gold stackers. 20 Francs are, hands down, the gold coins with the coolest designs and the most fascinating history, not to mention their easy liquidity as fractional coins. Honestly, they come with some of the lowest premiums out there. I’ve spotted them going for almost spot price at certain places. E
8. Gold Swiss Franc (Switzerland): Swiss gold coins, including the 20 Swiss Franc gold Vreneli / Helvetia, are known for their quality and historical significance. They are often considered a safe haven investment.

Swiss gold coins, including the Swiss Franc, are known for their quality and historical significance. They are often considered a safe haven investment. The Swiss Franc is a good investment option because it qualifies on all three parameters of high security, low risk, and protection from inflation. The Swiss Franc has emerged as a potential investment option due to its status as a safe and robust investment vehicle. Swiss gold coins are highly collectible and make for a reliable investment. All coins minted after 1936 were restruck once gold coins were no longer considered legal tender, making them a great investment option. Investors can purchase Swiss gold coins, including the Swiss Franc, from various online dealers. It’s important to compare prices and ensure that the dealer is trusted and reputable
9. Gold Sovereign (UK): The Gold Sovereign carries historical significance and is known for its smaller size. It’s a collector’s favorite and is also considered a tangible asset. exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for UK residents. With prices around $515, including only a modest premium, they provide a significantly higher gold content compared to the pricier quarter ounce government bullion coins. A distinctive advantage of sovereigns is their collectability. While many might view these coins purely as a means to acquire gold, they also offer the potential for numismatic appreciation. Some sovereigns date back to the 1800s, enhancing their historical charm.
10. Gold Panda (China): The Gold Panda features annually changing designs and is highly collectible. It’s a popular choice for those interested in Chinese culture.