Trying to figure out which gold coins are the best gold coins to buy?
Whether you’re trying to hedge against inflation or want to build long-term wealth, there are five coins that offer strong market demand, high purity, and proven resale value.
Read more to learn about them.
Does it matter which gold coins you buy?
Believe it or not, the type of gold coin you buy can determine its value in your investment portfolio.
Not all gold coins are created equal. Some coins are more liquid, widely recognized, and easy to resell, while others have higher premiums or limited market appeal.
Sticking with well-known bullion coins is usually a safe bet if you want to preserve wealth or hedge against inflation.
These coins are backed by government mints, meet strict IRS purity requirements, and are relatively easy to buy and sell on precious metals marketplaces.
Rare collectible or numismatic coins like the St. Gaudens coin can also be a good investment but they come with more risks.
Pricing for these coins isn’t transparent and they can come with higher markups as a result. Plus, market demand isn’t guaranteed which can make it difficult to liquidate these coins when you need to.
These are some factors you’ll want to consider to find the best gold coins to buy:
- Purity: Coins should be made of at least 99.5% gold and are typically eligible for IRAs.
- Recognition: Government-issued coins are considered more stable investments than coins issued from private mints.
- Liquidity: Well-known coins from established mints are easier to sell than rare coins.
- Premiums: Lower premiums offer better value and a higher return on investment.
5 Most Popular Coins to Buy for Investors
Some coins are a better investment than others. Here are the best gold coins to buy to add to your portfolio.
American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle coin is one of the most recognized and trusted gold coins in the world. The coin was authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and before going into production the following year.
From 1933 to 1974, private ownership of gold was illegal in the United States. The coin was designed to keep up with growing demand for investment-grade precious metals, especially from American investors.
Each coin is backed by the U.S. government for weight, content, and purity. This gives investors confidence in its authenticity and value and has made it one of the most popular coins in the world.
The coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse, a design originally created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. On the reverse there is a depiction of a family of eagles.
In 2021, the U.S. Mint introduced a new reverse design featuring a close-up of a bald eagle. Coins are IRA-eligible and are made of 91.67% pure gold. They come in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz denominations.
Why it’s a good investment: The American Gold Eagle is highly liquid, IRA-approved, and recognized around the world, making it an easy option for investors who want a reliable, easy-to-sell asset.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin was introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1979 as an alternative to the South African Krugerrand.
It was the world’s first gold bullion coin minted with a purity of 99.99% gold. The coin set a new global standard and because of that, it is one of the purest and most sought-after gold coins on the market today.
The coin features the Canadian maple leaf on the reverse and until 2023 it featured a profile of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
The Royal Canadian Mint has added advanced security features, including radial lines and micro-engraved laser marks, to prevent counterfeiting.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins are available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz, and 1 gram denominations.
Why it’s a good investment: The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is high purity, has a strong global reputation, and has advanced security features, making it a good investment for investors who want to add gold to their portfolio.
South African Krugerrand
The South African Krugerrand is the world’s first modern gold bullion coin. It was first minted in 1967 as part of a strategy by the South African government to promote the country’s gold industry and gold ownership among private investors.
The coin was named after Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic. It features his portrait on the obverse and the Springbok antelope, South Africa’s national animal, on the reverse.
Unlike coins that came later, the Krugerrand is made of 91.67% purity gold and copper alloy to increase durability.
The coin has a reddish hue and is more resistant to scratches and wear. Coins are available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz denominations.
Why it’s a good investment: The Krugerrand is one of the most widely traded gold coins in the world, making it a highly liquid option for investors.
Chinese Gold Panda
The Chinese Gold Panda was first issued by the People’s Republic of China in 1982. The coin is managed by the China Gold Coin Corporation and is minted at various mints around China.
Aside from investment as a bullion coin, the Chinese Panda is sought after by collectors. The reverse design changes annually, featuring the giant panda, a national symbol of China and conservation.
It was initially minted in troy ounces but switched to metric grams in 2016. The Gold Panda is made of 99.9% fine gold and is available in several sizes, offering flexibility for different investment levels.
Coins minted before 2016 are available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz denominations. Coins minted after 2016 are available in 30 gram, 15 gram, 8 gram, 3 gram, and 1 gram denominations.
Why it’s a good investment: The Chinese Panda is minted with high gold purity and features a changing collectible design, offering both intrinsic value and long-term collectible appeal to investors.
Austrian Gold Philharmonic
The Austrian Gold Philharmonic was introduced by the Austrian Mint in 1989, becoming one of Europe’s most popular gold bullion coins. It is legal tender in euros and was the first European coin to be denominated in the currency.
The coin is named for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate Austria’s rich musical heritage.
The obverse depicts the Great Organ from Vienna’s Musikverein concert hall, while the reverse shows a collection of classical instruments.
The Austrian Gold Philharmonic is minted from 99.99% fine gold. Its design and high purity makes it a favorite among both investors and collectors alike. It’s available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/25 oz denominations.
Why it’s a good investment: The Austrian Gold Philharmonic offers artistic beauty, global recognition, and is legal tender in Europe, making it a functional choice for investors.
How to Buy Gold Coins Online
These days it’s easy to buy gold coins online and have them shipped to a depository for safekeeping in a gold IRA.
Here’s how you can buy gold coins online.
1. Do Some Research to Find a Reputable Dealer
There are lots of dealers you can work with but just like not all gold coins are good investments, not all dealers are reputable.
Research different dealers to see how their fees are structured and what the experience is like for existing customers. Look for strong customer reviews, transparent pricing, and industry credentials.
You can check ratings on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot to see what customers think.
Look for membership with organizations like the American Numismatic Association or the Industry Council for Tangible Assets.
2. Evaluate Your Options and Compare Coins
Review your investment goals to decide which coins are the best gold coins to buy.
Coins like the American Gold Eagle can be a good option for investors who want to hedge against inflation and are looking for easy liquidity.
The Chinese Gold Panda, on the other hand, can be an option for long-term investors who want to add collectible coins to their portfolio.
When evaluating coins make sure they meet IRS purity standards so you can store them in a precious metals IRA.
3. Understand How Coins are Priced
Gold coin prices change based on the market and include a premium over the spot price of gold. This includes a dealer markup that can vary from dealer to dealer.
Some dealers publish prices online while others ask that you call and speak to a representative. Compare premiums across multiple dealers before you make a purchase to get a good return on your investment.
4. Select Your Payment Method
Once you’ve found a dealer to work with and understand how the coins are priced, you can go ahead and make a purchase.
Most online dealers accept a variety of payment options, including wire transfers, checks, and credit and debit cards. Some also work with third-party payment processors like PayPal or offer the option to pay with cryptocurrency.
While all these options make it easy to invest in gold, some payment methods come with extra processing fees or purchase limits.
Know what these are so you can buy the best gold coins with a higher return on investment.
5. Review Shipping and Insurance
Most reputable dealers will fully insure your shipment but some do have minimum purchase requirements in order to qualify for free shipping.
Packages are usually shipped in discreet packaging to minimize the risk for theft.
Always opt for insured shipping with a tracking number and if you have your gold coins shipped to your home, consider requiring a signature on delivery for added security.
6. Store Your Coins Securely
Gold coins can be purchased and stored at home, but they won’t qualify for the same tax benefits as a gold IRA.
If you decide to store them at home, make sure you have a home safe or rent a bank safety deposit box for safekeeping.
Gold held in a gold IRA must be stored in a gold IRA. Work with your gold IRA custodian to identify a depository to ship your gold to.
There are additional storage costs and depositories charge a higher fee for segregated storage.
Evaluate the costs and select a top-rated depository to store your gold.
Next Steps
Before you buy your first gold coins review your investment goals and develop a strategy that includes diversifying in precious metals. Some gold coins are better to invest in than others depending on your goals.
When you’ve narrowed down your goals, look for a reputable dealer that offers a fair price and determine how you want to hold your gold.
If you want to invest in a self-directed IRA, research custodians, understand IRS requirements, and evaluate depositories.
Buying gold is a big decision, but with some research, it can be a good way to hedge against inflation and protect more of your wealth.
