First issued in 1967 by the South African Mint to market the nation’s gold supplies, the South African Gold Krugerrand became the most popular gold coin in the world. For more than a decade, it stood alone as the only gold bullion coin struck for private ownership of gold. Right now, 2018 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand Coins are available to purchase online from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in protective plastic or mint tube of 10 coins.
- 51st year of issue for the Gold Krugerrand coins!
- Contains 1 Troy oz of actual gold content in BU condition.
- Obverse features the image of Paul Kruger, former leader of the South African Republic.
- Reverse includes the design of a springbok antelope.
Each 2018 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand Coin listed here is in BU condition. Coins in BU condition exhibit no signs of wear and tear, though minor flaws from the coining process are possible. These flaws include potential breaks in the luster, spotted surfaces, and contact marks.
By 1980, the South African Gold Krugerrand had become so popular than 90% of the global coin market consisted of Krugerrands. The first coin introduced to counter the Krugerrand was the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, which debuted in 1979 during a period of Western economic sanctions against South Africa for its system of apartheid.
Apartheid slowed the flow of Krugerrands to Western Europe and North America, giving rise to the production and prominence of coins such as the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, American Gold Eagle, and British Gold Britannia. Though it is no longer the dominant force in the market, the Gold Krugerrand remains immensely popular.
On the obverse of the 2018 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand Coin you’ll find the left-profile portrait of Paul Kruger. A military and political figure during the last two decades of the 19th century, Kruger was a President of the South African Republic and has his name indelibly linked to this coin. The very name Krugerrand comes from a combination of his last name and the nation’s official currency, the Rand.
The reverse of the South African Gold Krugerrand includes the image of a springbok antelope, the official symbol of the nation. The current Krugerrand coins have designs from Otto Schultz (obverse) and Coert Steynberg (Reverse). Both images were refined by these artists in 1984 for the Gold Krugerrand series.
All 2018 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand Coins are produced by the South African Mint. The South African Reserve Bank privately owns the South African Mint, which is located in Centurion, Gauteng province and produces Krugerrands alongside South African rands.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our live chat, and via our email address.