South African Gold Krugerrands at JM Bullion

The South African Gold Krugerrand is the oldest gold bullion coin in the world. Introduced in 1967, it was made available long before the likes of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, the Chinese Gold Panda, the American Gold Eagle, and the British Gold Britannia.

Development and History

The South African Gold Krugerrand was introduced by the South African Mint in 1967 as a way to promote South African gold production and provide a vehicle for private individuals to own gold. It was the first modern gold bullion coin and played a significant role in popularizing gold investment globally.

The coin was named after Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic, and the springbok antelope, which is a national symbol of South Africa, appears on the reverse side of the coin. The obverse features a portrait of Paul Kruger.

Specifications and Options

The Krugerrand is typically made of 22-karat gold, which means it contains 91.67% gold and 8.33% copper. The inclusion of copper gives the coin its distinctive reddish color and greater durability, making it less prone to scratches and dents compared to coins made of higher-purity gold.

The standard Krugerrand sizes include:

• 1 oz: This is the most common size and is the original size introduced in 1967. It contains 1 troy ounce of gold.
• 1/2 oz: Introduced in 1980, this coin contains half a troy ounce of gold.
• 1/4 oz: Also introduced in 1980, this coin contains one-fourth of a troy ounce of gold.
• 1/10 oz: This coin, introduced in 1980, contains one-tenth of a troy ounce of gold.

In addition to these standard sizes, there have been some limited edition or special commemorative Krugerrands released over the years, which may have unique designs or features. These can include proof versions with higher levels of detail and quality.

Popularity and Impact

The Krugerrand has been highly successful and has played a significant role in making gold investment more accessible to the general public. Its popularity has led to the creation of other gold bullion coins by various countries.

One important historical note is that during the 1970s and 1980s, the Krugerrand faced restrictions in some countries due to South Africa’s policy of apartheid. This led to the creation of other gold bullion coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the American Gold Eagle.

Legal Tender Status

The Krugerrand is considered legal tender in South Africa. Although it does not have an assigned face value, it does hold value based on its gold content and is widely traded in the global precious metals market.

In summary, the South African Gold Krugerrand is a historically significant gold bullion coin that played a crucial role in shaping the modern gold investment market. It offers various size options to cater to different investor preferences and remains a popular choice among those looking to invest in physical gold.

Invest in Gold Krugerrands with JM Bullion

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