Beginning a coin investment collection can feel daunting because so many classic, popular gold coins may serve as a foundation for building or expanding precious-metals holdings. Still, many established collectibles have endured over time and retained appealing value across a broad range of market conditions. This article reviews several popular gold coins and considers their value as examples of the long-term wealth-building potential associated with precious-metals investing.
United States $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: Many gold-coin analysts regard the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle as one of the most beautiful popular gold coins ever made. Although the coin’s popularity had grown in the years preceding this article, its historical position appeared well established because of its refined design and broad name recognition among precious-metals investors.
On the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle’s obverse, Lady Liberty is shown majestically holding a torch before a sweeping field of sunlight. Its reverse presents an eagle against a rising sun, imagery intended to suggest strength and a brighter future. The coin’s striking design had fascinated gold-coin collectors for decades, and, when this article was published, investors worldwide continued to seek the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle whenever they could.
At the time of publication, the original article reported an influx of Saint Gaudens Double Eagles into gold markets from several parts of Europe. That increased supply was said to have reduced numismatic premiums on the specimens most frequently encountered in the market. As a result, investors could often purchase lower-grade examples at prices closer to spot value. For budget-minded gold-coin investors building a portfolio, the article described this trend as helpful for finding classic specimens without excessive expense.
United States American Gold Eagle
In 1986, the United States American Gold Eagle entered circulation for the first time, and in the years afterward it became one of the world’s most sought-after gold pieces. Collectors may know it comes in four sizes: 1/10 oz ($5 face value), 1/4 oz ($10 face value), 1/2 oz ($25 face value), and the 1 oz coin ($50 face value).
In broad terms, having several sizes can improve the American Gold Eagle’s liquidity within the wider precious-metals market. The original article also stated that one-ounce versions carried additional tax advantages because they were exempt from IRS form 1099-B and approved for IRA investment. These factors were presented as contributors to the coin’s longstanding prominence and popularity. At publication, the article said that each version would generally be offered in bullion and proof finishes.
The American Gold Eagle obverse depicts Lady Liberty, somewhat like the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle obverse. A family of eagles appears on the reverse. The original article reported recent design updates in 2021 that shifted more attention toward one eagle’s face. With its 22 carat alloy, the coin contains 5.33% copper and 3% silver to improve durability, while still containing one troy ounce of fine gold. Those additional alloys raise its total weight from 31.1 grams to 33.93 grams.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: Looking north of the U.S. border, the Canada Gold Maple Leaf was among the first gold coins to gain broad circulation in the Americas. Queen Elizabeth II appears on its obverse, while a Canadian maple leaf is shown on the reverse. In 1979, the Royal Canadian Mint began striking the first Canada Gold Maple Leafs as 1 oz coins. By publication, investors could find Maple Leafs in many choices, including pieces as small as one gram.
The Canada Gold Maple Leaf has broadly been considered among the world’s purest gold bullion coins because it was the first regularly issued gold coin to enter precious-metals markets with five 9 purity, also written as 999.99. Many Maple Leafs are limited-edition or proof coins, commonly called numismatic, and the article described broad interest from collectors for several reasons tied to their high quality standards.
United States $10 Indian Head Gold Eagle
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: The United States Indian Head Eagle is another striking example of a gold coin, created by the noted sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It was minted from 1907 through 1933, and the vintage $10 Indian Head gold coin’s relatively brief production span helps explain its current scarcity. Departing from a more familiar design approach, its obverse features Lady Liberty in a headdress, while its reverse presents an eagle. The Indian Head gold coin was also issued in $2.50 and $5 denomination sizes.
South African Krugerrand
Many precious-metals investors view the South African Krugerrand as a model for modern gold bullion coins. Since it was introduced in 1967, it has been controversial: economic sanctions in the region initially prevented many collectors from purchasing Krugerrands until Apartheid ended during the mid-1990s. Afterward, its worldwide popularity grew dramatically, and when this article was published, it was one of the most actively traded gold coins in international markets.
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: Over time, the South African Krugerrand became widely recognized and, according to the original article, had more international sales than any other gold bullion coin. It was available globally to investors seeking fractional ounces, including half-ounce, quarter-ounce, and one-tenth-ounce pieces. Its 22 carat alloy, with 8.33% copper, makes it more resistant than fine-gold coins such as the Canada Maple Leaf. Like the American Gold Eagle, it contains one troy ounce of fine gold.
These are only several of the many popular gold coins the original article described as available in the marketplace at publication. At that time, Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers stated it could answer questions about investment gold coins and numismatic gold coins, and reported paying among the industry’s top rates for gold coins offered for sale. Readers were invited to meet at its Johns Creek/Duluth location or online through the mail coins program, call (404) 236-9744, or complete the online form.
