#1 American Gold Eagle
The most popular gold coin in the United States. Minted by the U.S. Mint since 1986.
- Gold content: 1 oz (also 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 oz sizes)
- Purity: 91.67% (22 karat) — alloyed with silver and copper for durability
- Face value: $50 (nominal)
- Why #1: Most liquid in the US, universally recognized, IRA-approved
#2 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
The purest major gold coin at .9999 fine. Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint since 1979.
- Purity: 99.99% (24 karat) — highest purity of major coins
- Security: MintShield technology prevents milk spots
- Premium: Often lower than Eagles
- Why #2: Best purity, competitive premiums, highly liquid globally
#3 South African Krugerrand
The original gold bullion coin, introduced in 1967. Made gold ownership accessible worldwide.
- Purity: 91.67% (22 karat)
- Premium: Often lowest of major coins
- History: Most widely distributed gold coin ever (50+ million minted)
- Why #3: Best value, globally recognized, IRA-approved
Bullion vs. Numismatic Coins
⚠️ Investment Rule: Stick to bullion coins. Numismatic (collector) coins carry premiums of 30-100%+ and rarely appreciate enough to justify the markup. The coins listed on this page are all bullion coins—priced primarily by their gold content.
Fractional Gold: Worth It?
Many coins come in fractional sizes: 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz.
Pros: Lower dollar cost per coin, easier to sell in small amounts
Cons: Much higher premiums (10-15%+ vs 4-8% for 1 oz)
Recommendation: Buy 1 oz coins when possible. Only buy fractional if you specifically need smaller denominations.