Today there are thousands of different gold coins to buy. We spent 56 hours comparing the top 50 to find the seven best you can use to hedge against inflation.
What is the Best Gold Coin to Buy?
- American Gold Eagle — best of the best
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf — best 1/2 oz gold coin
- South African Krugerrand — best 1 oz gold coin
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic — best for European buyers
- Australian Gold Kangaroo — best for Aussie buyers
- Chinese Gold Panda — best for Asian buyers
- British Gold Britannia — best for UK buyers
Our Verdict — Best Of The Best
Price: Variable
The American Gold Eagle is a widely recognized gold coin issued by The U.S. Mint. We think it’s the best because of its wide recognition, government-backed guarantee, and strong resale value.
The Best Part:
Incredibly easy to sell. American Gold Eagle coins sell easily thanks to their widespread recognition, high demand, and liquidity among investors.
The Worst Part:
Mixed composition. American Gold Eagle coins include 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and the balance in copper.
Get it if you want a government-backed gold coin that can be easily bought, sold, or traded.
I recommend you order the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle coin from BullionStar.
(order now)
Best For
The American Gold Eagle is best for investors who want to buy a well-recognized gold coin backed by the U.S. government.
Top Features
IRA eligibility. Incorporate the American Gold Eagle 1/10 oz coin into your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to get tax advantages.
Official U.S. mint coin. Invest in a gold coin produced by The United States Mint, and all the prestige that comes with it.
Legal tender status. Capitalize on the American Gold Eagle's legal tender status, carrying a face value of $5 and backed directly by the U.S. government.
Iconic design. Admire the American Gold Eagle's distinct, iconic design with Lady Liberty and the American bald eagle, perfect for gifting a coin to your loved ones.
Collectible appeal. Pursue a passion for numismatics and quickly sell the coin to collectors thanks to its high appeal and popularity.
Pricing
American Gold Eagle offers two pricing plans:
- American Gold Eagle vault storage in Singapore: Variable pricing, for investors who want to buy an 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle gold coin, along with a secure storage solution at 0.39% per year for the price of your gold bar.
- American Gold Eagle courier delivery: Variable pricing plus delivery, for investors who want an 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle gold coin shipped directly to their address.
Get the American Gold Eagle today at market price.
Our Verdict — Best 1/2 oz Gold Coin
Price: Variable
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is a high-quality gold coin with exceptional purity. We think it’s the best ½ oz gold coin because of its exceptional purity, iconic maple leaf design, and government backing.
The Best Part:
Remarkable gold purity. The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf boasts an impressive 99.99% gold content.
The Worst Part:
Premium pricing. Canadian Gold Maple coins can carry a higher price tag when compared to other gold coins due to their exceptional gold purity.
Get it if you want a 1/2 oz gold coin with outstanding purity and a strong resale value.
I recommend you order the 1/2 oz Canadian Gold Maple coin from BullionStar.
(order now)
Best For
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is best for investors who want a universally recognized gold coin with high purity.
Top Features
International recognition. Trading or selling your gold coins is easy, thanks to the Canadian Gold Maple’s worldwide recognition.
Trusted mint. Invest in gold coins from the Royal Canadian Mint, known for their exceptional production standards and quality.
Government-backed currency. Enjoy the advantages of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf's status as legal tender, with a face value of 20 Canadian dollars and full support from the Canadian government.
Safe investment choice. Choose the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf 1/2 oz coin as a secure investment, thanks to its remarkable 99.99% gold purity.
IRA-approved investment. Invest in the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf 1/2 oz coin as part of your retirement portfolio.
Pricing
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf offers two pricing plans:
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf vault storage in Singapore: Variable pricing, for investors who want a ½ oz gold coin, along with a secure storage solution at 0.39% per year for the price of your gold.
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf courier delivery: Variable pricing, plus delivery, for investors who want an ½ oz gold coin shipped directly to their address.
Get the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf today at market price.
Our Verdict — Best 1 oz Gold Coins
Price: Variable
The South African Krugerrand is a reliable and unique investment option, which is very popular among gold coin collectors. We think it’s the best 1 oz gold coin because of its worldwide recognition and classic design.
The Best Part:
Attractive to collectors. South African Krugerrand's iconic design appeals to collectors who value South Africa’s remarkable heritage, wildlife, and craftsmanship.
The Worst Part:
Not IRA eligible. Due to its low gold fineness of 22-karat gold, the South African Krugerrand can’t be included in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
Get it if you want a gold coin with a classic design and a rich history, that’s recognized worldwide by investors and coin collectors.
I recommend you order the 1 oz South African Krugerrand coin from BullionStar.
(order now)
Best For
The South African Krugerrand is best for investors who want to diversify their portfolios with a gold coin that carries a strong resale value.
Top Features
Classic design. Admire the coin’s iconic design featuring the image of Paul Kruger and South Africa’s national animal — the springbok.
High durability. Take advantage of the South African Krugerrand's durable 22-karat gold alloy, with a layer of copper to protect your coin against scratches, dents, and everyday wear and tear.
Backed by the South African government. Sleep tight knowing you got your money’s worth thanks to the coin’s guaranteed weight, content, and 22-karat gold composition.
Time-tested value. Benefit from the South African Krugerrand's long-standing reputation of over five decades as a stable store of value.
Easy to find. Enjoy the convenience of the South African Krugerrand's extensive availability in the market, no matter where you’re from.
Pricing
South African Krugerrand offers two pricing plans:
- South African Krugerrand vault storage in Singapore: Variable pricing, for investors who want to buy a 1 oz gold coin, along with a secure storage solution at 0.39% per year for the price of your gold bar.
- South African Krugerrand courier delivery: Variable pricing plus delivery, for investors who want a 1 oz gold coin shipped directly to their address.
Get the South African Krugerrand today at market price.
Our Top Three Picks
Here’s a quick summary of our top three picks:
- American Gold Eagle — best of the best
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf — best 1/2 oz gold coin
- South African Krugerrand — best 1 oz gold coin
Here’s a quick comparison of our top seven picks:
Tool | Entry Offer | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
American Gold Eagle | None | Custom |
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | None | Custom |
South African Krugerrand | None | Custom |
Austrian Gold Philharmonic | None | Custom |
Australian Gold Kangaroo | None | Custom |
Chinese Gold Panda | None | Custom |
British Gold Britannia | None | Custom |
Here are the top 50 gold coins to buy we considered in this review:
- American Gold Eagle
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
- South African Krugerrand
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic
- Australian Gold Kangaroo
- Chinese Gold Panda
- British Gold Britannia
- American Gold Buffalo
- Swiss Gold 20 Franc Helvetia
- French Gold 20 Franc Rooster
- Mexican Gold 50 Peso
- Russian Gold Saint George the Victorious
- Somalian Gold Elephant
- Singaporean Gold Lion
- Malaysian Gold Kijang Emas
- Indian Gold Sovereign
- Saudi Arabian Gold Guinea
- UAE Gold Commemorative Coin
- Turkish Gold Republic Coin
- Italian Gold 20 Lire
- Netherlands Gold 10 Guilder
- Austrian Gold 100 Corona
- Hungarian Gold 100 Korona
- Belgian Gold 20 Franc
- Isle of Man Gold Angel
- Gibraltar Gold Royal
- Cook Islands Gold Bounty
- Falkland Islands Gold Britannia
- Australian Gold Lunar Series
- New Zealand Gold Kiwi
- Armenian Gold Noah's Ark
- Palau Gold Pirate Skull
- Niue Gold Hawksbill Turtle
- Tuvalu Gold Lucky Cat
- South Korean Gold Chiwoo Cheonwang
- Brazilian Gold 10,000 Reis
- Chilean Gold 100 Peso
- Peruvian Gold 50 Soles
- Costa Rican Gold 20 Colones
- Colombian Gold 5 Peso
- Danish Gold 20 Kroner
- Swedish Gold 20 Kronor
- Norwegian Gold 20 Kroner
- Finnish Gold 20 Markkaa
- Polish Gold 20 Zlotych
- Czech Gold 10 Ducats
- Yugoslavian Gold 20 Dinara
- Bulgarian Gold 100 Leva
- Romanian Gold 100 Lei
- Albanian Gold 20 Franga
Which gold coin is best for investment?
The American Gold Eagle Coin stands out as the best gold coin for investment, taking into account its gold content and precious metal value. This popular gold coin, minted by the American Mint, is widely recognized for its iconic design, government-backed guarantee, and strong resale value in the investment market. The American Gold Eagle's widespread recognition, high demand, and liquidity among gold investors make it incredibly easy to sell. Additionally, the coin is IRA eligible, allowing investors to incorporate it into their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for tax advantages. Furthermore, it is an official U.S. mint coin with legal tender status, backed directly by the U.S. government.
What size of gold coins are best to buy?
The optimal size of gold coins to buy depends on an investor's budget and investment strategy. However, 1 oz gold coins are a popular choice among investors as they strike a balance between affordability and value. Gold coins like the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand are available in 1 oz sizes, providing different options based on investor preferences. Investors may also consider fractional sizes, such as 1/10 oz or 1/2 oz coins, which offer more affordability and flexibility in managing their investment portfolios.
What is the most popular 1 oz gold coin?
The South African Krugerrand stands out as the most popular 1 oz gold coin, considering its status as an international gold bullion coin. It is known for its worldwide recognition, classic design, and IRA eligibility. The Krugerrand's iconic design appeals to both experienced investors and coin collectors who value South Africa's remarkable heritage, wildlife, and craftsmanship. This gold bullion coin features a 22-karat gold composition and an image of Paul Kruger and South Africa's national animal, the springbok. It has a long-standing reputation of over five decades as a stable store of value and is extensively available in the market.
Is it better to buy gold coins or bars?
The choice between gold coins and bars depends on investment goals, budget, and personal preferences. Gold coins, such as the American Gold Eagle or Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, offer additional benefits like legal tender status, collectible appeal, and recognizable designs. They are often more liquid and easier to sell in secondary markets. On the other hand, gold bars typically carry lower premiums over the spot price of gold, making them a more cost-effective option for gold investing in larger quantities. Bars may be better suited for investors focused on acquiring the most gold for their money, while coins might be preferred by those seeking additional benefits like collectability and recognition.
Are 1 oz gold coins a good investment?
Yes, 1 oz gold coins, including gold 1-ounce coins and bullion gold coins, are a good investment for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios and protect their wealth against economic fluctuations. Popular 1 oz gold coins like the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand offer strong resale value, worldwide recognition, and government backing. These coins are easily bought, sold, or traded in the investment market, making them a liquid and reliable investment choice.
Why are Krugerrands cheaper than Eagles?
Krugerrands are generally cheaper than American Gold Eagles due to their lower gold content and higher copper content. Krugerrands are made from 22-karat gold, while American Gold Eagles are made from 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and the balance in copper. The higher copper content in Krugerrands gives them a slightly lower gold content, which can result in lower prices compared to Eagles. Additionally, Krugerrands are not IRA eligible due to their lower gold fineness, which might also contribute to their lower pricing.
The Bottom Line
To recap, here are the best gold coins to buy this year:
- American Gold Eagle — best of the best
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf — best 1/2 oz gold coin
- South African Krugerrand — best 1 oz gold coin
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic — best for European buyers
- Australian Gold Kangaroo — best for Aussie buyers
- Chinese Gold Panda — best for Asian buyers
- British Gold Britannia — best for UK buyers
