What Is Krugerrand Currency and How Does It Work

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Detailed view of South African Krugerrand gold coins for investment and currency exchange.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of South African Krugerrand gold coins for investment and currency exchange.

The Krugerrand is a unique currency that's gained popularity worldwide. It's a gold coin produced by the South African Mint, featuring a portrait of Paul Kruger, the former president of South Africa.

The Krugerrand is made of 91.66% gold, with the remaining 8.34% being copper. This composition gives it a distinctive look and feel.

Its value is tied to the price of gold, making it a popular investment choice for those looking to diversify their portfolios. The Krugerrand is available in various denominations, including 1 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1/4 oz.

What Is a?

A Krugerrand is a unique gold coin from South Africa, named after former President Paul Kruger and the country's currency, the RAND.

It's been in circulation for five decades, with an impressive 60 million ounces sold, equivalent to 1558 tons of gold.

Krugerrands are made from pure gold sheets, which are first stamped into blank discs.

These blank discs are then minted to create the iconic Krugerrand coins.

Their unique design and prestigious reputation have made them some of the most globally recognised gold bullion coins.

History and Background

Credit: youtube.com, History of the Krugerrand | U.S. Gold Bureau

The Krugerrand currency has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1960s. In that era, South African gold mines produced 70% of the gold distributed around the world.

The South African government saw an opportunity to make gold ownership legal and created the gold bullion Krugerrand coin in 1967. The first batch of Krugerrands was the first modern coin to consist of over one troy ounce of 22-karat gold.

The Krugerrand was designed for collectors and investors, and its name combines the unit of currency of South Africa, the Rand, with the last name of Paul Kruger, an important political and military personality in the former South African Republic.

The Krugerrand features a springbok on the reverse side, a mid-sized antelope native to some regions of Africa. This design choice makes the Krugerrand a unique and recognizable coin.

The South African Mint released the first Krugerrand gold coin in July 1967, making it the world's first gold bullion coin. This innovative coin was designed for the hard-working wider population who wanted to preserve their savings.

The Krugerrand's success paved the way for other countries to introduce their own gold bullion coins, starting with Canada's 1oz Maple Leaf in 1979.

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Investing in Krugerrands

Credit: youtube.com, Gold Krugerrands - Why you NEED to be Stacking Gold Krugerrand Coins!

Investing in Krugerrands can be a smart move, especially for those looking for a reliable gold investment option. Krugerrands are the most traded 1 oz gold bullion coin, making them a liquid asset that can be easily bought and sold.

One of the key advantages of Krugerrands is that they are VAT free, which means you won't have to worry about paying additional taxes on your investment. They're also easy to monitor, making it simple to keep track of their value.

As a result, Krugerrands are a popular choice among investors, with millions of ounces of gold used in their minting. They're also one of the most recognizable coins in the world, thanks to their distinctive color and unique design.

Here are some key benefits of investing in Krugerrands:

  • Readily available
  • VAT free
  • Easily monitored
  • Most traded 1 oz gold bullion coin
  • Easily bought and sold
  • Bought at low premiums over the gold price
  • Sold at small discounts below the gold price
  • 22ct gold, more durable than 24ct

Krugerrands are also a great option for those looking for a coin that contains more gold than most other alternatives, with over 90% gold content. This makes them a valuable investment for those looking to store their wealth in a secure and reliable way.

Krugerrand Market and Prices

Credit: youtube.com, 1 oz. South African Gold Krugerrand

The Krugerrand market and prices can be quite volatile, but one thing is certain: their value is directly tied to the market value of gold. This means that if the gold price goes up, the value of your Krugerrand goes up too.

You can find the current price of a 1 oz Krugerrand by checking the live gold price, which is currently £2,271.07, plus a premium that starts from 0%. The more you buy, the less you'll pay per coin.

If you're looking to buy or sell a Krugerrand, you'll want to check the mintage and price chart, which shows the value of Krugerrands from 1967 to 1997. For example, a 1967 Krugerrand with a mintage of 40,000 and a price of $2,500 for MS68.

Here's a quick rundown of the key advantages of investing in gold Krugerrands:

  • They are readily available
  • They are VAT free
  • Their value is easy to monitor
  • The most traded 1 oz gold bullion coin
  • They are easy to buy
  • They are easy to sell
  • They can be bought at low premiums over the gold price
  • They can be sold at small discounts below the gold price
  • As 22ct gold, they are more durable than 24ct.

The Krugerrand's enduring popularity can be attributed to several key factors. One of the main reasons is that they are legal tender, with their value tied directly to the market value of gold.

Credit: youtube.com, What are Krugerrands?

Their high gold content, over 90%, is another significant advantage. The copper content, distinctive orange sheen, and durability make them appealing to collectors and investors.

The reputation of the Krugerrand is also a major factor in their continued popularity. As the most extensively collected and traded bullion coin on the planet, they have a built-in market demand.

Here are some of the key advantages of investing in Krugerrands:

  • They are readily available
  • They are VAT free
  • Their value is easy to monitor
  • They are the most traded 1 oz gold bullion coin
  • They are easy to buy and sell
  • They can be bought at low premiums over the gold price
  • They can be sold at small discounts below the gold price
  • As 22ct gold, they are more durable than 24ct.

Their unique design and distinctive color make them recognizable, which can be an advantage when trying to find buyers or sellers.

It's worth noting that the Rand Refinery, the makers and distributors of the Krugerrand, don't sell directly to the public, which can make it easier to find reputable dealers like Sharps Pixley.

Price Chart (Key Dates)

The price of a 1 oz Krugerrand can fluctuate depending on the live gold price and the premium charged by the dealer.

You can find the current price of a 1 oz Krugerrand by checking the live gold price, which is currently around £2,271.07 with premiums starting from 0%.

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Credit: youtube.com, Banned Gold: The Krugerrand Scandal That Shook the World!

The price you pay for a Krugerrand also depends on the amount you buy, as buying more coins can result in a lower price per coin.

Here's a breakdown of the price of a 1 oz Krugerrand over the years, based on key dates:

Keep in mind that these prices are based on key dates and may not reflect the current market value of a Krugerrand.

UK Marketplaces

If you're looking to buy Krugerrand coins in the UK, Atkinsons Bullion is a great option, offering a wide selection of the latest coins with free fully insured UK delivery.

They also have a selection of pre-owned Krugerrand coins available to buy, which can be a great way to add some variety to your investment portfolio.

Atkinsons Bullion has a team of experienced appraisers who can give you an accurate indication of the price of your goods, ensuring you get a fair price every time if you're looking to sell your Krugerrands.

Selling and Collecting Krugerrands

Credit: youtube.com, Over $1,000,000 Worth Of Gold Krugerrands

Selling and collecting Krugerrands is a straightforward process. Chard, a UK-based company, allows you to sell your Krugerrands by bringing them to their Blackpool showroom or sending them via post.

To get the best price for your Krugerrands, consider sending them to Chard, who will provide a prompt price quote and proceed with payment. Payment options include bank transfer, cheque, or cash, and they typically process payments on the same day the deal is finalised.

Krugerrands have been a popular choice for investors and collectors alike, with the South African coins accounting for up to 90% of commercial gold bullion bought and sold worldwide in the early 1980s.

What Can I Sell My for Today?

You can sell your Krugerrands in the UK, and there are companies like Atkinsons Bullion and Chard that can help you with the process.

Atkinsons Bullion offers a wide selection of Krugerrands, including pre-owned coins, and they provide free fully insured UK delivery.

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Credit: youtube.com, How To Sell Your Coins - Where To Sell Your Coins

To get the best price for your Krugerrands, it's a good idea to compare discounts based on percentages rather than relying solely on the price at any given moment.

Atkinsons Bullion typically offers a discount of around 2% off the current live gold price, but this can vary depending on supply and demand.

If you're looking to sell your Krugerrands, you can either bring them to Chard's Blackpool showroom or send them via post, and they'll provide a price quote and proceed with payment.

Chard is interested in buying Krugerrands and other world bullion coins, regardless of whether you have a single coin or a large quantity.

You can expect to receive payment on the same day the deal is finalised, with options including bank transfer, cheque, or cash.

The current price for a Krugerrand at Atkinsons Bullion is £2,202 per coin, but this price can fluctuate throughout the day.

Collecting

Collecting Krugerrands can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially for those who specialize in collecting South African coins. Many collectors assemble a type set consisting of one of the four basic types of Krugerrands.

Credit: youtube.com, We Buy & Sell Krugerrands - Mr K

There are hundreds of different fractional sizes and proof and bullion issues to pursue, making it a challenging and exciting endeavor. The financially well-heeled collector might set their sights on the bigger picture of collecting one each of every date in the series.

Some collectors take it a step further and buy bullion and proof examples of each kind of Krugerrand from every year. This requires a significant investment, but for serious collectors, it's a worthwhile endeavor.

Errors and Varieties

Krugerrands are struck to exacting standards, making it difficult to locate many errors and varieties among these coins. However, some exciting oddities have been discovered, and those that exist can bring remarkable prices and collector demand.

One notable example is the underweight-proof gold Krugerrands of 2011, which had less gold content than they were supposed to have due to unspecified issues during production. Collectors should be on the lookout for these coins.

Collectors should also keep an eye out for stray doubled dies, off-center strikes, and other common errors and varieties. These can be valuable and highly sought after by collectors.

The underweight-proof gold Krugerrands of 2011 can bring remarkable prices, making them a highly valuable find for collectors.

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Credit: youtube.com, Why is the Krugerrand an Incredible Gold Coin?

Krugerrand coins are considered legal tender in South Africa, meaning the government has committed to accepting them as payment.

The base-level gold Krugerrand has a "bullion" finish, which is struck with an "uncirculated" finish and features 160 reeds on the edge of the coin.

A standard Krugerrand is only worth a single Rand, but the metal in the coin is worth much more than its official value if used as legal tender.

Bullion gold Krugerrands are primarily marketed toward precious-metals investors due to their relatively lower premiums, gram for gram of gold, than the values of the proof versions.

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Coin Characteristics

The Krugerrand coin is a beautiful piece of gold bullion, and one of its standout features is its design. The obverse of the coin bears the portrait of Paul Kruger, president of the old South African Republic.

The reverse of the coin features a Springbok Antelope, a national symbol of South Africa. This iconic design has remained largely unchanged over the years.

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Credit: youtube.com, A Tale of Two Krugerrands - Why NOT to Clean Coins

Each 1oz Krugerrand weighs 33.9 grams, which is a significant amount of gold. The coin is made from 916.7 (22ct) gold, ensuring that it contains precisely one Troy ounce of pure gold.

A copper alloy is added to the gold to create a more durable coin, which also gives the Krugerrand its distinctive red color. This alloy is a key factor in making the Krugerrand a long-lasting piece of bullion.

Gold Krugerrand coins are available in various weights, including 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, and 1/10oz.

Curious to learn more? Check out: 1 Oz South African Gold Krugerrand Coin

What Are Bullion?

Bullion is a type of coin that is made of precious metals like gold or silver, and is often used as an investment vehicle.

The Krugerrand is a prime example of a bullion coin, and it's one of the most popular ones out there.

A bullion coin typically has a "bullion" finish, which means it's struck with an "uncirculated" finish, and it's not intended for circulation.

Credit: youtube.com, Silver Krugerrand Bullion Coins - Silver Stacking Dream or Nightmare?

The edge of a bullion gold Krugerrand contains 160 reeds, which is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from proof coins.

Bullion coins are often marketed towards precious-metals investors, who buy them because of their relatively lower premiums compared to proof coins.

The first Krugerrand gold coin was minted in July 1967, and it was designed as a coin for the working man, not just for the rich.

It's considered the world's first gold bullion coin, and its success paved the way for other countries to introduce their own gold bullion coins.

A standard Krugerrand coin weighs 1 oz and is made out of a special alloy of 22-karat gold and copper, which gives it a distinctive reddish hue.

Krugerrand coins do technically count as legal tender, which means the government of South Africa has committed to accepting them as payment.

However, a standard Krugerrand is only worth a single Rand, making the metal in the coin worth much more than its official value if used as legal tender.

It's unlikely you'll ever need to use Krugerrands this way, but this distinctive feature is another reason many collectors are attracted to them.

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Bullion Mintage Totals

Credit: youtube.com, South African Gold Krugerrand Coin Tour | SDBullion.com

The Krugerrand Bullion Mintage Totals provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of this iconic coin. The mintage totals for the 1 oz Krugerrand are impressive, with the highest recorded mintage being 731,262 in 2009.

The mintage totals for the 1 oz Krugerrand have varied significantly over the years, ranging from 42,334 in 1991 to 731,262 in 2009. In 1974, the mintage total for the 1 oz Krugerrand was 3,203,675.

Here is a breakdown of the mintage totals for the 1 oz Krugerrand by year:

The mintage totals for the smaller denominations of Krugerrand have also been significant, with the 1/2 oz Krugerrand having a mintage total of 245,096 in 1980. In 1986, the mintage total for the 1/2 oz Krugerrand was 17,134.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Krugerrands so expensive?

Krugerrands are made of gold, a valuable metal that holds its value over time, making them a worthwhile investment despite their cost. Their price is a reflection of the value of the gold they contain, rather than an added expense.

How many Krugerrands are made each year?

Annual Krugerrand production varies greatly, ranging from 24,000 to over 6 million units. By 2018, the total production exceeded 50 million ounces.

Should I sell my Krugerrand for cash?

Consider selling your Gold Krugerrand for cash if you're looking to capitalize on its potential value retention over time. However, its worth may vary, so it's essential to research and understand its current market value before making a decision.

Angelo Douglas

Lead Writer

Angelo Douglas is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Angelo has established himself as a trusted voice in the world of finance. Angelo's writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including mutual funds and mutual fund costs and fees.

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