South African Krugerrand Gold Coin Description
The world's first gold bullion coin minted for
investment, the Krugerrand is believed to be the most widely owned
bullion coin in the world.
Design of the South African Krugerrand
The Krugerrand's obverse, designed by O. Schultz,
features the first President of the South African Republic, Paul
Kruger. Due to South Africa's relationship with apartheid, these coins are
the least expensive of all the major gold bullion coins. Kruger is
surrounded by the name of his nation in Afrikaans and English, two of
South Africa's eleven official languages: "SUID-AFRIKA ' SOUTH AFRICA".
A springbok (a South African antelope) prances across the reverse,
as designed by C.L. Steynberg. This side also lists the date of issue
and the amount and purity of the gold. Interestingly, the Krugerrand
does not carry a face value, as it is primarily minted for trading
outside South Africa.
South African Krugerrand Coin Minting Information
Each Krugerrand is minted using
approximately 91 2/3 parts gold and 8 1/3 parts copper. The Mint is
never at a loss for gold as South Africa is the world's biggest
producer of the yellow metal. The official South African Mint has
undergone many changes over the years and was privatized in 1988. The
South African Mint Company (Pty) Ltd. was established that year as a
full subsidiary of the SA Reserve Bank.
Detailed Coin Information for the South African Krugerrand
|
| Composition: 22-Karat (91.667% gold, 8.333% copper) |
| Coin Edge: Reeded |
| Coin Size |
Face Value* |
Gross Weight |
Diameter |
Thickness |
| 1-oz. |
None |
1.091 oz.
33.931g |
32.70mm |
2.79mm |
| 1/2-oz. |
None |
0.545 oz.
16.966g |
27.00mm |
2.12mm |
| 1/4-oz. |
None |
0.273 oz.
8.483g |
22.00mm |
1.84mm |
| 1/10-oz. |
None |
0.109 oz.
3.393g |
16.50mm |
1.30mm | |
| Mint: Pretoria |
Dates: 1967-present (1-oz.); 1980-present ('-oz., '-oz., and 1/10-oz.)
* Krugerrands have no legal tender value. |
