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What a Krugerrand is
The Krugerrand is a South African gold bullion coin first struck in 1967. The one-ounce coin is 22 karat and contains a full troy ounce of gold.
The Krugerrand is the coin that taught much of the public to buy gold by the ounce.
South Africa first struck it in 1967. The one-ounce version is 22 karat and contains 1.000 troy ounce of fine gold. Extra alloy makes it harder than a 24k bar, which was the point for a coin people might actually carry.
Why it mattered
Before the Maple (1979) and the American Gold Eagle (1986), the Krugerrand was the default bullion coin in a lot of the world. US import politics in the 1980s complicated that story. The coin never stopped being gold.
At a US shop today
Recognized on sight. Bid as a one-ounce gold coin, often a little behind an Eagle or a Maple because US retail prefers those two. Still honest metal. Fractionals — 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 — exist and cost more premium per ounce.
What a Gold Eagle is made of. Maple. Sovereign. Government vs generic.
Fakes exist. Weight and diameter still do most of the work. Counterfeits.
Continue in the coin and money library. Related visitor guides: for shop visitors.