Blog Single

If you decide to convert cash into physical gold, you will quickly discover that you have choices. You don’t just “buy gold”—you have to decide which gold to buy. For decades, government mints around the world have competed to create the ultimate one-ounce gold bullion coin. Understanding the history, purity, and unique features of the “Big Three” international coins will help you make the smartest investment for your portfolio.

The Pioneer: The South African Krugerrand

If you were buying gold in the 1970s, you were almost certainly buying Krugerrands. Introduced by South Africa in 1967, the Krugerrand was a revolutionary concept: it was the very first gold coin to contain exactly one troy ounce of gold, specifically designed for private investors rather than circulating currency.

The Krugerrand has a distinct, reddish-orange hue. This is because it is struck in 22-karat gold (91.67% purity). The remaining 8.33% is copper, an alloy added specifically to make the coin harder and more resistant to scratches and dents. Because it was the only game in town for over a decade, it remains one of the most widely held and instantly recognizable gold coins on the planet.

The Purest: The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

By 1979, investors were clamoring for an alternative to the Krugerrand, particularly due to international boycotts against South Africa’s apartheid government. The Royal Canadian Mint stepped in and changed the industry standard by releasing the Gold Maple Leaf.

Unlike the Krugerrand, the Maple Leaf was originally struck in .999 fine gold, and later upgraded to an incredible .9999 fine (24-karat) gold. There are no copper or silver alloys mixed in, giving the coin a brilliant, pure yellow color. Because 24-karat gold is inherently soft, early Maples were easily scratched if handled roughly. To combat counterfeiting and protect the coins, the modern Royal Canadian Mint now includes cutting-edge security features on the Maple Leaf, including light-diffracting radial lines and a micro-engraved laser mark.

The Artist’s Choice: The Austrian Philharmonic

First minted in 1989, the Austrian Gold Philharmonic quickly became the best-selling gold coin in Europe. Struck by the highly respected Austrian Mint, it is dedicated to the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Philharmonic is also struck in .9999 fine (24-karat) gold, but it stands out for two distinct reasons. First, it is an exceptionally beautiful and intricate coin, featuring the Great Organ of the Golden Hall on the obverse, and a delicate arrangement of cellos, violins, a harp, and a French horn on the reverse. Second, it holds a unique place in economic history: it is the only gold bullion coin with a face value denominated in Euros (prior to 2002, it was denominated in Austrian Schillings). It has a slightly wider diameter than the Maple Leaf, making it feel large and impressive in the hand.

22-Karat vs. 24-Karat: Does It Matter?

A common point of confusion for new investors is whether they are getting “less gold” when they buy a 22-karat Krugerrand or American Gold Eagle instead of a 24-karat Maple Leaf.

The answer is no. A 1-ounce Krugerrand and a 1-ounce Maple Leaf both contain exactly one troy ounce of pure gold. The Krugerrand simply weighs slightly more than one ounce in total because the copper alloy is added on top of the pure gold content. The choice between 22k and 24k ultimately comes down to personal preference: do you want a durable coin you can handle (22k), or do you want the brilliant luster of pure elemental gold (24k)?

Ready to Diversify Your Gold Portfolio?

Whether you prefer the historic durability of the Krugerrand or the high-tech purity of the Canadian Maple Leaf, adding international gold to your holdings is a smart financial move.

Contact Keywell Collectibles today for live, competitive pricing on buying and selling the world’s most popular gold bullion coins.