South African Gold Krugerrand 1 oz Coin

The Coin That Started It All

The Gold Krugerrand launched the modern bullion coin era when the South African Mint introduced it in 1967, the first coin ever made specifically to let ordinary buyers own gold by the ounce. Today it remains one of the most widely traded gold coins on earth. Every coin holds one troy ounce of pure gold content, struck into a durable 22-karat alloy.

Kruger and the Springbok

The obverse carries Otto Schultz’s portrait of Paul Kruger, the bearded former president of the old South African Republic, ringed by SUID-AFRIKA and SOUTH AFRICA. The reverse carries Coert Steynberg’s springbok, South Africa’s national animal, bounding across open veld with KRUGERRAND arced above and FYNGOUD 1 OZ FINE GOLD below. Two designs, unchanged since 1967, the same Kruger and the same springbok on every coin the Mint has struck.

No Denomination, By Design

Unlike almost every other bullion coin, the Krugerrand carries no denomination stamped anywhere on it. The Mint designed it that way on purpose, so its value would track the gold price directly, with nothing printed on the metal to argue about. No denomination appears, its worth is the gold, full stop.

One Troy Ounce of Gold, Guaranteed

The coin’s gross weight runs to 1.0909 troy ounces, heavier than a full ounce, because the Mint alloys the gold with copper for durability. That extra weight is copper, not gold: the guarantee is exactly one troy ounce of pure gold content in every coin, regardless of the total weight on a scale. One troy ounce of gold, the rest is copper hardener.

Krugerrand Specifications

Every coin holds one troy ounce of gold in a 22-karat, .9167 fine alloy, for a gross weight of 1.0909 troy ounces. The coin measures 32.8 mm across with a reeded edge. Gross weight includes copper, only the gold portion is guaranteed at one troy ounce. Full current specs are on the Specifications tab above.

Krugerrand FAQ

Why does this coin weigh more than 1 troy ounce?

Because it’s alloyed with copper for durability, not because you’re getting extra gold. The coin’s total weight is 1.0909 troy ounces, but exactly one troy ounce of that is gold. The extra weight is copper, added to resist scratches and wear.

Does the Krugerrand carry a denomination?

No. Unlike most bullion coins, the Krugerrand carries no denomination at all, no number stamped anywhere on it. Its worth tracks gold price, not a printed number.

Is the Krugerrand IRA eligible?

No. Even though its .9167 fineness matches the American Gold Eagle, only the Eagle carries the specific exception written into the tax code for 22-karat gold. The Krugerrand isn’t named in that exception, so it doesn’t qualify. Only the Eagle qualifies, not other 22-karat coins.

What condition will my coin arrive in?

Brilliant Uncirculated, as struck by the Mint. Coins may show light handling marks from minting and shipping, which is normal for the series and doesn’t affect the gold content. Condition is Brilliant Uncirculated, not a third-party grade.

Will I get a specific year?

No, this listing ships whatever year the Mint has most available, not one you choose, and a multi-coin order may include a mix of years. Year is random, the design has stayed the same since 1967 regardless.

Curious how the Krugerrand compares to the rest of the case? Browse our full South African Gold Krugerrands selection.

Ready to add the coin that started the bullion era to your stack? Add the South African Gold Krugerrand 1 oz Coin to your cart.