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Best Gold Coins to Invest in – The 10 Top Gold Coins Available

Tuesday, November 28th 2023

Investing in gold coins is a great idea and offers many benefits. Once you have made that decision, the next choice involves choosing the best gold coins and there are a wide variety of gold coins in this market. These are generally considered to be more valuable than bars or rounds and hence can be a better gold investment option within gold bullion. Here is our list of the 10 best gold coins for investors to buy.

Top 10 Gold coins to Buy in 2023 and Beyond

► American Eagle

Often considered the gold standard when it comes to gold coins, the American Eagle is one of the most popular and best gold coin available for investment. It is the official gold bullion of the United States, and features the Bald Eagle on one side and Liberty on the other. It is comprised of 91.67% American gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. It is the gold coin of choice among American investors who want to support American and many others around the world. Its high recognizability means that it can easily be valued making its sale quite easy and straightforward. These gold coins have also been approved as an American gold retirement investment vehicle (gold based IRA) and their purchase and sale are exempt from Form 1099-B reporting requirements. It is also available in different gold coins sizes making it suitable for all types of investment portfolios. All of these make the American Eagle a great all-round investment option. Please note that this design is also used for silver coins (1 oz silver or more).

  • Karat: 22

  • Sizes: 1-ounce, 1/2-ounce, 1/4-ounce

  • Fineness: 0.91

► American Buffalo

The next most popular type of gold coin in the market is the American Buffalo. Made of American gold, it is pretty much a pure gold coin and that makes it quite special. It features an American Buffalo, reportedly inspired by Black Diamond, an American buffalo that lived in the Central Park Zoo during the early part of the 21st century. This coin also features a Native American Chief on the other side. This coin made of pure gold is highly prized among American gold investors as it has more artistic value. Due to its pure nature, it is softer than other types of gold coins and this gives rise to irregularities. This in a way makes each American Buffalo coin unique. If you are looking for a pure gold coin to invest in that is almost as easy to buy or sell as the American Eagle then this is your best bet when it comes to American gold. Please note that this design is also used for silver coins (1 oz silver or more).

► Canadian Maple Leaf

If you want some variety in your gold coin portfolio then this is a great option to go with. The Maple Leaf is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint and is considered to be the best non-American option when it comes to gold coins, and features the emblematic maple leaf. They are also available in a much wider range of sizes which makes it ideal for investments of all sizes and types. The smallest of these Royal Canadian Mint coins are also a great option for beginners who are just getting their feet wet in the world of investment in gold and want to allocate modest funds for this purpose. The maple leaf design makes it one of the most beautiful coins out there, giving the Royal Canadian Mint and its Canadian gold maple leaf a solid reputation in the coin collecting world. Please note that the maple leaf design is also used for silver coins (1 oz silver or more).

► British Britannia

If liquidity is your biggest concern then this is the best option to go for. The British Britannia is a bullion coin recognized over the world and is often seen by investors as a coin that will hold its value around the world even in the case of extremely uncertain times. It also has one of the most varied ranges of sizes from 5-ounces all the way down to 1/20-ounce which makes it ideal for all types of gold coins investors irrespective of whether they want to make a really large investment or a really small investment. If you want to diversify your investment portfolio with gold coins and have a more global market reach then this is the coin to go for. Please note that this design is also used for silver coins (1 oz silver or more).

► South African Gold Krugerrand

If you are in the market for variety in your gold coins then this bullion coin will do. The South African Gold Krugerrand has an interesting past. It was once the most popular gold coin and accounted for as much as 90% of the gold coins in circulation. However, their popularity drastically took a dip when they were banned in most countries due to their association with apartheid. However, times have changed and these gold coins have seen a resurgence of late. They have a lot of history and heritage attached to them and also have a very unique hue from a visual standpoint. If you want a gold coin that is a bit different but will still hold its value then the Krugerrand is a great option. Please note that this design is also used for silver rounds.

► Austrian Gold Philharmonic

This is another unique gold coin as it is the only gold coin issued in Euros. The Austrian Mint is highly respected in the world of gold coins and that makes the Austrian Gold Philharmonic a worthy addition to your investment portfolio. It is also considered by many to be one of the most beautiful gold coins that you can invest in. It has some of the most intricate depictions you will find on a gold coin as well. If you are looking to diversify into European coins then the Philharmonic is a great place to start. The relative lack of choice when it comes to size does limit its potential. Please note that this design is also used for silver rounds.

► Mexican Gold Libertad

This one is held in high esteem by the aesthetic connoisseurs and gold dealers alike as it is one of the most beautiful gold bullion coins out there. It too has a lot of history and heritage attached to it. It resembles the 50 Peso Gold Coin known as the Centenario and is highly valued by gold coins collectors. From a pure investment point of view, it might not have the same global appeal as some of the other coins on this list but they are still quite a worthy option in the Americas. This bullion coin is also available in limited numbers, and that makes it a great option if you are looking to collect gold coins, which can be a great way of investing in gold in the long run. It is also among the purest gold coins out there and the artwork is a great commemoration of Mexico’s storied history.

► Australian Gold Kangaroo

This is the coin that has the most range when it comes to size and surpasses the Britannia by a good margin. Made of Australian gold, the smallest Australian Gold Kangaroo coin comes in at 1/20-ounces and the largest one comes in at a whopping 1 kg. With another five variations, this coin provides a lot of flexibility to investors interested in Australian gold. It is also a coin that features a different design in each of its different editions and that also makes it quite valuable to collectors which means that it can actually be valued a lot higher down the line. It is also seen as a globally liquid option which means that selling off these coins should also be quite easy. A great gold coin If you want to cover all the bases of gold bullion and support Australian gold. Please note that this design is also used for silver coins.

► Chinese Gold Panda

If you are in the market for a really unique and rare addition to your gold coin portfolio then the Chinese Gold Panda is one you can consider. Its uniqueness comes from the fact that unlike most gold coins, the Gold Panda that has been minted since 2016 has been classified in terms of grams of gold as opposed to the industry standard of ounces of gold. Before that, it came in the somewhat standard variations starting from 1-ounce to 1/20-ounce. This means that you can get coins of totally different variations depending on how old they are. They are also a lot rarer than other gold coins and thus will almost always fetch a higher value than other similar-sized gold coins. If you want to spice up your gold portfolio then this coin is a clear winner.

► Somalia Gold Elephant

Somalia is not a name that you would normally expect to be associated with gold coins but this is one of the most intriguing gold coins you can get in the market. It also has had an almost meteoric rise among gold coins and if you like to get off the beaten path then this coin will appeal to you. It is minted by the highly respectable Bavarian State Mint which ensures that each of the coins is of high quality and purity, so 24 karat of pure gold it is. It is also one of the most diverse gold coins when it comes to size and features one of the smallest gold coins you can get at just 1/50-ounce which makes it ideal for first-time investors in gold coins. Despite its name, it has enough intrinsic value in gold to make it a great option even for the seasoned investors out there.

*All ounces mentioned here are troy-ounces, the gold standard. One troy ounce is equal to 1.097 standard ounces, making it around 10% heavier.

How to Store Gold Coins: An Essential Guide

Gold coins have long been valued by investors for their intrinsic value, historical importance, and aesthetic beauty. If you own gold as part of an inheritance collection or have invested in precious metals or gold as an insurance policy against economic uncertainty, proper storage for your precious metals and gold coins is vital to keep their condition and value preserved – here’s our comprehensive guide on keeping precious metals and gold coins safe!

Careful Gold Handling

Before even considering storage solutions for gold coins, it’s crucial for investors to know how to handle gold appropriately:

Wear Cotton Gloves: When handling gold coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, oils and dirt from your hands could tarnish or corrode its gold surface, so cotton gloves should always be worn when handling gold coins.

Hold by the Edges: Avoid touching their faces, particularly if the bullion coin is made of pure gold, like American gold for the Buffalo bullion coin.

A Good Environment Matters

A gold coin, like any matter, is sensitive to its environment. This is relevant even with the best gold coins on the market.

Humidity: Although gold does not tarnish like silver does, it may still be affected by air elements that pollute it and its storage environment should ideally maintain between 35-55% relative humidity levels for optimal gold storage conditions.

Temperature: For best results, keep gold coins stored at an ambient room temperature or slightly cooler – temperature changes that fluctuate rapidly may damage gold condition, so room temperature or slightly cooler is recommended for gold storage.

Light: While gold won’t tarnish over time, prolonged direct sunlight exposure could damage packaging or holders so keep gold coins away from prolonged sun.

Select the Appropriate Storage Containers for Coins

Here is a list of containers you can buy at a local market and use for your collection:

Gold Coin Holders or Flips: Gold coin holder/flips are plastic or mylar holders that keep each coin separate in an organized stack. Ensure it does not contain PVC as this could damage gold coins over time.

Gold Coin Tubes: Perfect for securely storing multiple gold coins of similar sizes in an easy and organized fashion, gold coin tubes offer secure environments and labelling capability for labeled gold storage purposes.

Gold Coin Albums: They provide the ideal means of display and organized storage of collections of gold coins. When choosing materials for these albums, make sure they meet archival quality specifications to protect against possible future degradation of materials used.

Gold Coin Slabs: Gold Coin slabs are hard plastic containers used to hold professionally graded gold coins in.

Safety and Security for High Value Bullion Collections

A safe deposit box offers the ideal environment to safeguard high-value gold coins collections; just remember, however, they may not provide insurance against theft or disasters happening to your gold.

Home Safes: Purchase high-quality home safes which are fireproof, waterproof, and tamper-resistant to safeguard valuable gold items and precious metals in your home.

Insurance: If your gold collection has significant value, consider insuring it. Adjust the insurance value periodically so it matches market value of your gold and precious metals accurately.

Gold Maintenance

Have an Inspection Plan: Be on the lookout for signs of environmental damage or issues in the gold storage area that need attention.

Clean Carefully: Care should be taken when cleaning coins to preserve their value; if you feel as if any coin requires cleaning, consult a professional first before beginning this task.

Inventory: Create and keep an updated list of your gold collection. Add photos, purchase dates, and current estimated values to your list for reference. This is also relevant for other precious metals like silver coins.

Rotate Displayed Coins

If you display some of your gold coins, rotate them regularly so they aren’t exposed for extended periods to environmental factors that could damage them. This is also relevant for other precious metals like silver coins.

Gold Bullion Storage Needs

Depending on how long you plan to store gold bullion away, ensure your chosen gold bullion storage method can hold up over time.

Gold coins are more than mere gold bullion; they represent history, art and value that will become treasures over time. Proper gold storage practices should be observed whether you’re an experienced coin collector or simply starting your gold collection for the first time.

Where and How to Purchase Gold Coins

Gold coins have long been associated with wealth, history, and investment. If you’re new to buying gold, however, it’s essential that you know where and how to locate the ideal gold coins – this guide should point out the way!

Determine Your Primary Purpose with Gold

Prior to purchasing gold, investors should identify their primary goal.

Investment: When selecting gold coins as investments, prioritize those with high purity levels and widely recognized values, gold coins are gold bullion after all.

Collecting: When collecting gold for historical or artistic value, several considerations come into play – factors like rarity, mint condition and historical relevance being just three examples of them.

Recognizing Types of Gold Coins

Gold coins typically fall into one of two categories:

Bullion Coins: Bullion coins are often purchased as investments for their gold weight and gold purity values; examples include American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand, or Australian gold Kangaroo coins.

Numismatic Coins: Despite their gold content, numismatic gold coins are collected for their historical, rare, or decorative appeal and tend to command higher prices than gold content alone.

Where to Buy Gold Coin

Local Coin Dealers: Purchasing from a local gold dealer allows for inspection of each gold coin individually as well as building relationships that could help make future gold purchases easier. Make sure they have good standing in their community, and be wary of dealers that make false promises.

Online Retailers: Retailers like APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion or Kitco offer investors an expansive selection of gold and gold coins online; always read customer reviews prior to deciding and ensure secure transaction methods exist to buy the gold.

Auction Houses: Auction houses (both physical and online, such as eBay or Heritage Auctions) can provide another avenue for finding gold and rare coins.

Mints: Some national mints like the Royal Canadian Mint or Mints of American gold offer pure gold sales directly to the public and available around the world.

Coin Shows: Coin shows are events where many dealers and collectors gather, providing ample bullion coins buying options.

Considerations for Investors Buying Gold Coins

Gold Purity: Pure gold is measured as 24 karats; most bullion coins are made of pure gold or come close to this value while some coins may fall below this threshold, at 22 karats or lower.

Gold Weight: The weight of gold coins ranges anywhere from one-tenth of an ounce up to more than an ounce and will have an impactful influence on their price. Be wary when buying gold.

Gold Authenticity: Make sure the coin you purchase is genuine by seeking certification from established grading agencies such as Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

Gold Price: To ensure an appropriate comparison of those bullion coins, compare a coin’s cost with that of current gold prices. While rare or historical gold coins might command a premium over current gold prices due to rarity or historical importance, bullion coins should come closer to matching market gold rates.

Great Safety Tips for your Gold

Buying gold coins is not without risks. Investors should be mindful of their gold coins purchases avenues to make sure the gold coins they buy are real gold coins, and that the merchant is a trustworthy gold coins dealer. Make sure to follow those tips when buying bullion coins and precious metals:

Research the Dealer: Conduct background research by reading reviews or ratings about them from third parties such as professional gold bullion organizations.

Ask Questions: A trustworthy gold bullion dealer should have no issues answering queries regarding gold content, coin’s origins, grades, or authenticity.

Secure Payment Methods: Only utilize secure methods of payment when shopping gold bullion online; check that the website offers encrypted transaction protocols to protect yourself when buying gold.

Return Policies: Before purchasing gold online, be aware of its return or exchange policies.

Gold Coin Storage

Before investing in gold, gold coins or any other form of gold bullion or precious metals, carefully consider gold storage. Safe deposit boxes, personal safes and insured gold storage facilities may all provide options worth exploring for your gold and precious metals.

Gold coin purchases alongside other precious metals can be both fun and profitable ventures. By conducting thorough research about gold and precious metals, understanding your intention, and conducting secure transactions, purchasing gold coins or gold bullion can become both engaging and profitable experience. From investment purposes to historical appreciation, purchasing bullion coins like gold coins, silver coins, or coins made of other precious metals has stood the test of time as tradition that remains relevant today.