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Why does the Krugerrand have a copper color?
The gold Krugerrand has its characteristic reddish-gold color because the coin is struck not in 24 karat but in 22 karat gold. The alloy consists of 91.67% gold and 8.33% copper. That copper makes the coin harder and more resistant to scratches than an almost pure gold coin.
For the gold value this changes nothing: every 1 troy ounce Krugerrand contains exactly 31.103 grams of fine gold, because the gross weight (33.93 grams) is correspondingly higher. A Krugerrand therefore contains as much gold as a 1 troy ounce Maple Leaf or Philharmoniker; those coins are 24 karat and therefore lighter in gross weight.
33.93 grams × 91.67% = 31.103 grams fine gold
Krugerrand at a glance:
Below we highlighted the main characteristics of the 1 troy ounce gold Krugerrand for you:
- Fine gold: 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams) pure gold
- Gold content: 91.67% (22 karat), complemented with copper
- Gross weight: 33.93 grams
- Issued since: 1967, South African Mint and Rand Refinery
- VAT: exempt (investment gold)
- Sizes: 1, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/10 troy ounce
Sizes of the Gold Krugerrand
The gold Krugerrand is available in four sizes, allowing you to start investing in gold coins with different budgets. The weight mentioned always refers to the net weight of fine gold; due to the copper alloy the gross weight is higher.
| Size | Fine gold | Gross weight | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 troy ounce | 31.103 grams | 33.93 grams | Lowest premium per gram, most traded |
| 1/2 troy ounce | 15.55 grams | 16.97 grams | Medium-sized investment, targeted diversification |
| 1/4 troy ounce | 7.78 grams | 8.48 grams | Spread purchases over small units |
| 1/10 troy ounce | 3.11 grams | 3.39 grams | Lowest entry level, high resale flexibility |
Fractional Krugerrand coins make it possible to enter with a smaller budget or to buy incrementally. Keep in mind that the premium per gram is generally higher for smaller sizes.
How much does a gold Krugerrand cost?
The price of a gold Krugerrand mainly follows the current gold price, because the coin contains a fixed amount of fine gold. On top of that comes a premium for production, distribution and availability, plus a dealer margin.
Our prices are automatically updated every three minutes based on the current gold price. New and fractional coins generally have a higher premium than pre-owned 1 troy ounce coins. The final price is always shown on the respective product in the overview.
Please note that the gold price can both rise and fall; a well-known coin or a low premium does not prevent the market value from changing after purchase.
Which Krugerrand is right for you?
Which Krugerrand fits best depends on your budget, the premium you want and how much flexibility you want when selling. For those who want as much gold as possible for their money, a pre-owned 1 troy ounce coin is usually the most cost-effective choice.
| Type | Main advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 troy ounce | Lowest premium per gram, most traded | Higher amount per coin |
| Fractional (1/2, 1/4, 1/10) | Lower entry cost, more flexible when selling | Higher premium per gram |
| Pre-owned | Often more competitively priced, same gold content | Possible minor signs of wear |
| New (mint condition) | Recent year, impeccable condition | Often higher premium than pre-owned |
| Proof | Luxury finish, collectible character | Collector's premium, not purely gold value |
Design of the gold Krugerrand
The Krugerrand's design has been virtually unchanged since 1967 and is therefore instantly recognizable worldwide. The obverse features the springbok, South Africa's national symbol, with the text KRUGERRAND, the year, and the inscription FYNGOUD 1 OZ FINE GOLD.
The reverse shows a portrait of Paul Kruger, former president of the South African Republic, flanked by the inscriptions SUID-AFRIKA and SOUTH AFRICA. The fine reeded edge and the red-golden color, resulting from the copper alloy, make the coin visually distinctive and resistant to scratches.
Take a close look at the gold Krugerrand
In the video below you can view the 1 troy ounce gold Krugerrand 2024 up close, with attention to the design, the red-golden color, the reeded edge and the ratio between diameter and thickness.
About the South African Mint and Rand Refinery
The gold Krugerrand is produced by the South African Mint in cooperation with the Rand Refinery. The Rand Refinery refines the gold and supplies the coin blanks; the South African Mint strikes the coins. The Rand Refinery, founded in 1920, is a reputable refinery listed on the LBMA Good Delivery List.
That LBMA recognition applies to the refinery and its production process; the Krugerrand itself is not separately "LBMA certified". Since 1967 this collaboration has played a central role in the global trade of investment gold, because the Krugerrand was the first coin specifically designed for gold investors.
The Krugerrand may well be the most practical entry into physical gold. It is the coin that started gold investing for private individuals, it is instantly recognizable around the world, and because of the copper alloy you can handle it without worrying about scratches. For many of our customers it is their very first gold coin.
Rolf van Zanten - bullion expert The Silver MountainAlternatives to the gold Krugerrand
Besides the Krugerrand, there are more gold investment coins with a comparable gold content, each with its own unique features:
| Coin series | Country | Gold content | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krugerrand | South Africa | 91.67% (22 karat) | Durable copper alloy, long history |
| Maple Leaf | Canada | 99.99% (24 karat) | High purity, modern security features |
| American Eagle | United States | 91.67% (22 karat) | Gold, silver and copper alloy |
| Britannia | United Kingdom | 99.99% (24 karat) | Extensive visual security features |
| Wiener Philharmoniker | Austria | 99.99% (24 karat) | European coin with a musical design |
| Kangaroo | Australia | 99.99% (24 karat) | Yearly changing design |
What to consider when ordering a gold Krugerrand
A Krugerrand is a tangible gold product, but buying one also requires attention to several factors. A well-considered choice involves more than just the coin's popularity:
- Premium and spread: the difference between the purchase price and the later selling price must first be recouped.
- Higher premium for small sizes: fractional Krugerrands usually cost more per gram than the 1 troy ounce.
- Price risk: the gold price can rise and fall; physical gold pays no interest or dividends.
- Proof premium: collector's editions carry an extra premium that does not always fully return at sale.
Compare gold coins:
Curious about our complete range of gold investment coins? On our buy gold coins page you can compare all mints, weights and more very easily.
Buy gold Krugerrand at The Silver Mountain
At The Silver Mountain you buy gold Krugerrand coins at a price linked to the current gold price. The Silver Mountain has been a trusted authority in physical precious metals since 2008 and is an AFM license holder (registration number 12048860); AFM supervision oversees services where precious metals are combined with storage.
At checkout you choose how to receive your order: insured delivery with our personal delivery service, collection by appointment in Baarn or The Hague, or allocated storage via Edelmetaalbeheer Nederland (EBN). Our service is rated on Trustpilot with a 4.8 based on 4.562 reviews.
Questions about buying the gold Krugerrand?
Do you have any questions about the gold Krugerrand or would you like more information about delivery, storage or selling options? Please feel free to contact us. Our precious metals specialists are ready to provide you with professional advice.
Sell gold Krugerrand
You can sell your gold Krugerrand back to us at any time via our sister company Inkoop Edelmetaal, at a fixed percentage (usually 100%) of the current gold price. The offer price moves in real time with the gold rate, so you know exactly where you stand in advance. You can send the coin by post, bring it in person or have it collected by our courier service.
The 22 karat coin, from purchase to resale
Frequently asked questions about gold Krugerrand coins
1. What is a gold Krugerrand?
The Krugerrand is a South African investment coin, struck by the South African Mint since 1967. It is one of the world's best-known gold coins and in the 1 troy ounce version contains exactly 31.103 grams of fine gold. Investors value the coin for its low premium, worldwide recognition and good liquidity.
2. Is a Krugerrand made of pure gold?
No, but it does contain a full troy ounce of fine gold. A Krugerrand consists of 91.67% gold (22 karat) and 8.33% copper, with a total weight of 33.93 grams. Because of that fineness the gold content amounts to exactly 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams). The copper makes the coin stronger and gives it the characteristic reddish-gold color.
3. Why is a Krugerrand heavier than 1 troy ounce?
A 1 troy ounce Krugerrand has a gross weight of about 33.93 grams because copper has been added to the gold. The designation "1 troy ounce" refers only to the amount of pure gold in the coin: 31.103 grams. The extra weight consists of the copper alloy which makes the coin stronger and more scratch-resistant.
4. Is a gold Krugerrand exempt from VAT?
Yes, a gold Krugerrand is exempt from VAT. Investment gold is VAT-free across the entire European Union; gold coins that were struck after 1800, have been legal tender and have a fineness of at least 90% fall under that exemption. The Krugerrand meets that standard with 91.67% gold.
5. What determines the price of a gold Krugerrand?
The price largely follows the current gold price, because the coin contains a fixed amount of fine gold. On top of that there is a premium for production, distribution and availability, plus a dealer margin. Our prices are automatically updated every three minutes based on the gold rate.
6. Which size gold Krugerrand should I buy?
That depends on your budget and objective. The 1 troy ounce has the lowest premium per gram and is the most traded. Fractional coins (1/2, 1/4 and 1/10 troy ounce) are more accessible and more flexible when selling, but carry a higher premium per gram due to higher production costs per piece.
7. Does a Krugerrand have a face value?
The Krugerrand does not bear a fixed nominal amount on the coin, as many other coins do. In practice the value is determined entirely by the amount of fine gold and the current gold price. The coin is considered legal tender in South Africa, but is traded solely for its gold value.
8. Can I sell my Krugerrand again later?
Yes, the Krugerrand is highly tradable because of its worldwide recognition. Through our sister company Inkoop Edelmetaal you can sell the coin back at a fixed percentage of the current gold price. You can send the coin, drop it off or have it collected by our courier service.
9. Can I also find a silver Krugerrand?
Yes, since 2017 the South African Mint has also issued a silver Krugerrand. This 1 troy ounce coin has the same design as the gold variant and is struck in 99.99% pure silver.