Best Gold Coins to Buy in 2025
Not all gold coins are created equal. Some offer better value, higher liquidity, and easier resale. Here's what to buy—and what to avoid.
Our Top Picks
⭐ BEST OVERALL
American Gold Eagle
Most liquid, most recognized
PUREST GOLD
Canadian Maple Leaf
.9999 fine gold
BEST VALUE
Krugerrand
Lowest premiums
Complete Gold Coin Comparison
| Coin | Purity | Premium | IRA? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle ⭐ | 91.67% | 4-6% | ✓ | Most buyers |
| Canadian Maple Leaf | 99.99% | 3-5% | ✓ | Purity seekers |
| American Gold Buffalo | 99.99% | 5-7% | ✓ | US pure gold |
| South African Krugerrand | 91.67% | 3-4% | ✓ | Value buyers |
| Austrian Philharmonic | 99.99% | 3-5% | ✓ | European flavor |
| Australian Kangaroo | 99.99% | 4-6% | ✓ | Collectors |
| British Britannia | 99.99% | 3-5% | ✓ | UK investors |
Detailed Coin Reviews
🥇 American Gold Eagle
The most recognized gold coin in America. Legal tender ($50 face value). The copper alloy makes it more scratch-resistant than pure gold coins. Exceptionally liquid—every dealer buys them.
Why buy: Maximum liquidity, universal recognition, IRA eligible despite being 22k (special IRS exception).
🍁 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
One of the purest gold coins in the world. Features advanced security marks (radial lines, micro-engraved maple leaf). Slightly more prone to scratches due to soft pure gold.
Why buy: Maximum purity, lower premiums than Eagles, globally recognized.
🦬 American Gold Buffalo
America's first .9999 fine gold coin (since 2006). Iconic design based on the 1913 Buffalo Nickel. Higher premiums due to collectibility and limited mintage.
Why buy: U.S. pure gold, beautiful design, collector appeal.
💰 South African Krugerrand (Best Value)
The original modern gold bullion coin (since 1967). No face value—purely valued by gold content. Lowest premiums of major coins. Extremely liquid globally.
Why buy: Best value for pure gold content, proven 55+ year track record.
Coins to Avoid
- ❌ Numismatic/Rare Coins: Unless you're a collector, avoid "rare" coins. Dealers charge 40-400% markups for collectible value that may not exist when you sell.
- ❌ Proof Coins (usually): Beautiful but expensive. Premiums are rarely recovered on resale unless you're a serious collector.
- ❌ Obscure Foreign Coins: Some foreign coins are hard to sell in the U.S. Stick to major world mints.
- ❌ "Special Edition" Coins: Limited editions often have inflated premiums that don't hold value.
Fractional Gold: Worth It?
Coins smaller than 1 oz (½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz) offer flexibility but come with higher premiums:
| Size | Typical Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | 4-6% | Best value per ounce |
| ½ oz | 6-8% | Moderate flexibility |
| ¼ oz | 8-12% | Smaller transactions |
| 1/10 oz | 12-20% | Gifts, small holdings |
Our take: Buy 1 oz coins for the best value. Only buy fractional if you specifically need flexibility for potential barter/sale scenarios or have a very small budget.
Quick Decision Guide
- First-time buyer? → American Gold Eagle (safest, most liquid)
- Want pure gold? → Canadian Maple Leaf (99.99% pure, lower premium)
- Best value? → Krugerrand (lowest premiums)
- For Gold IRA? → Any on this list works (all IRA-approved)
- Avoid: Numismatic coins, proof coins, "rare" coins