Mint: South African Mint & Rand Refinery
Country of Origin: South Africa Purity: 22-carat, 91.67%
Obverse: Portrait of Paul Kruger
Reverse: Springbok with year, purity, and weight
The Gold Krugerrand, introduced in 1967, marked a major milestone as the world’s first bullion coin, created to highlight South Africa’s abundant gold reserves. By 1980, the Krugerrand commanded 90% of the global bullion coin market—demonstrating its widespread trust and appeal among investors.
The name “Krugerrand” merges “Kruger”—in honour of Paul Kruger, the first Boer president of South Africa—and “rand,” the country’s currency.
Each Krugerrand contains precisely one troy ounce of gold and is alloyed with copper to enhance durability and give the coin its characteristic reddish hue.
The obverse features a detailed portrait of Paul Kruger, while the reverse displays the springbok antelope, an emblem of South African heritage. Although legal tender, the coin does not carry a face value—its market worth is determined by the prevailing gold price.
Key Features of the Gold Krugerrand:
- The world’s original and most iconic bullion coin
- Issued as legal tender by the Republic of South Africa
- Contains one troy ounce of gold alloyed with copper for added strength
With its long-standing reputation, unique composition, and wide recognition, the Gold Krugerrand remains a cornerstone in many investment portfolios.

