Krugerrand Gold Coins

History Of Gold Bullion

Gold has been considered as a expensive metal since antediluvian times. prehistoric civilizations believed that gold was in one way or the other affiliated to their gods, for example, primeval civilization believed that gold was flesh or skin of their gods. The atomic sign of gold Au has its derivation from Latin word Aurum meaning "shining dawn". Moreover this, it is allied to Aurora also who is the roman goddess of dawn. Since early times gold was treated as a standard for monetary exchange.

In 4000 BC, in what we call Eastern Europe today, began the use of gold to adorn decorative objects. By 3000BC, gold had taken form of fashionable trinkets. In 1500 BC, in Egypt and other areas, gold was recognised as a standard medium of exchange for gold and global trade. A gold coin called Shekel became the yardstick unit of calculation in the Middle East. Its weight was equivalent to 11.3 grams.

Gold bullion is actually bulk of gold. It is generally in two forms, either bars or coins. This was the inauguration of coins. China legalised small squares of gold as a form of currency back in 1091 BC. Nonetheless, the gold coins made up until then were not in their purest form. They were mixed with other metals like copper and silver. The coins used in Egypt were in fact two third gold and one third silver.

In 560 BC, purely gold minted coins were made in Lydia, which is a territory of Asia Minor. The Roman Empire began issuing gold coins in 50 BC. These gold coins were called Aureus. In 1066 AD, the metallic coinage standards were re-established in Great Britain. This era mark the commencement of pounds, shillings, and pence. The first main gold coin pioneered by the Great Britain was called the Florin, in 1284 AD. This later was changed into Guinea.

By 1377 AD, Great Britain shifted considerably to a financial scheme based on gold and silver. The first United States gold coin struck in 1787 AD. There was a time when United States went on an unendorsed gold standard. Silver was eradicated for this rationale. In 1919 AD, during World War 1 many countries stepped down from austere gold standards, these countries comprise United States and Great Britain. Americans were also prohibited to own gold in 1961 AD. Owning gold in all features was not allowed by the United States later until 1974 AD, after good 13 years. South Africa produced Krugerrand, which was a one-ounce gold coin. It soon gained reputation amongst many investors worldwide.

The famous Canadian Maple Leaf was introduced back in 1979 AD. A few other countries kept on issuing gold bullion coins, which are still being used as an investment by investors. Even public is recommended by some people to invest as much as possible in gold as its value usually keeps on increasing and the outcomes are certainly beneficial for the investors. As the history clearly states that gold bullions have been of immense worth since early times, and even with its bumpy ride of sereval rises and falls, it has still been competent to sustain its desire and merit amongst people. Jack Wagon is a goldsmith. You can take guidance about gold bullion price and take his advice.

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South African Gold Krugerrand History

The Gold Krugerrand is from South Africa and was first minted in 1967. It gets its name from Paul Kruger who was the old South African president. The Gold Krugerrand is said to be the first gold coin that contained 1 ounce of gold in it. Gold Krugerrands were meant for the purpose of private ownership by the people. It was even given the status of legal tendership. Thus it enabled the citizens of the United States to buy Gold Krugerrands. This was a good thing for them because they were not allowed to buy bullion at that time. The Krugerrand is considered as legal currency but people hardly use it for that purpose.

This coin is also know as "Medal Coin" and is quite popular among the coin collectors. One side it has the picture of the old president and on the reverse of the gold krugerrand depicts a spring book antelope. This is one of the national symbols of the South Africa. On it the name "South Africa" and the gold content are shown in both English and Afrikaans languages. One Troy Oz of this coin is 32.6 mm in diameter, its thickness is 2.75 mm and the purity is .917. Besides this the coin is also available in half, one fourth and even one tenth Troy Oz.

This coin became so successful that other nations also started minting their own gold coins. Some such nations were Canadian Maple Leaf 1979 and the American Eagle in 1986. The minimum purchase of this coin is 5 ounces. As far as the price of this coin is concerned it depends on "spot price" and additional premium per every Gold Krugerrand. This spot price of gold changes every day and so is reported. One can find it in news papers, radio, TV and even online. The current rate is $939.33 weighing 33.930 grams. By buying Gold Krugerrand one is investing in gold. In case of an increase in the price of gold the value of the coins will also increase and it will result in gain for investors.

Why Gold Krugerrand is A Safer Investment

We all invest our hard earned money some where or the other. Some prefers to do it in real estate, others in stocks, shares bonds etc. The current time is of uncertainty and we don't know what will happen and when. The prudent investors have turned towards gold which is a safer form of investment.

Many investors could be seen putting their savings in gold Krugerrands. The investment in gold has risen by a huge amount according to the World Gold Council. Many investors suggest that buying Gold Krugerrands are safe and long term investments. There are many Gold coins available in the market but the most popular ways to invest in gold is to buy Gold Krugerrands.

Gold Krugerrands are available in various sizes such as 1 Troy Oz, half an ounce, one fourth ounce and one tenth ounce. They have .917% pure gold. One can buy them fro online auctions. They can be bought easily in greater quantities compared to others and can be bought at lower prices. If we were to compare the Gold Krugerrands with other they coins they are neither of any historical significance nor do they look nice. But what matters is that they are an excellent source of investment and are very popular.

The question that comes in every investors mind is that are Gold Krugerrand a safe option? Yes they are a safe option if one takes some precautions. One should look at the feedback given buy the customers to the dealer. One should buy from only those dealers who have a 100% feedback. With today's soaring gold prices the Gold Krugerrand is a good investment. They are available at a premium of 4-5% over the intrinsic gold values. If one is buying single pieces then they will be at 10% premium.

If one had bough a Gold Krugerrand in January this year it would have cost him approximately $846 an ounce but just six months later its value gas risen to $1000 and this is expected to reach $1100 by the end of this year. That is around 30% growth over one year.

What’s the Current Krugerrand Value

In1967 the government of South Africa decided to increase the marketing of South African gold so they minted the Gold Krugerrand. This coin was the first of its kind, which makes the gold Krugerrand one of the most popular items among gold investors and collectors. The Krugerrand value went up accordingly. So what's the current Krugerrand Value?

As investors see the uncertainty in stocks they try other investments like the Krugerrand. The prices of gold have been increasing since the start of this year. In January this year gold was about $846 and then in a time of just six months it reached to $1000. It is expected to go up to $1100 by the end of this year. Resulting in a growth of 30% these coins are generally sold at a premium of 4-5%. If one buys a single coin then it will be at a premium of 10%.

These days there are more than 54 million Krugerrands all over the world. These Gold Krugerrands are durable and are alloyed with a small amount of copper. This makes them 22 karat coins. They contain 11/12th part 24 karat gold and the other 1/12th part is copper. Copper makes them hard. Thus they become resistant to denting and scratching and getting damaged easily. They are also easy to transport and store which increases the Krugerrand value in every other sense also. It served as a prototype for other gold producing nations to launch their own such gold coins.

The Krugerrand value is calculated on the “spot price” and additional premium per coin. The spot price of gold is reported every business day. The spot price can be checked in news papers, on the radio, on the TV and even online. The Krugerrand value depends on the size of the coin also. It is available in one ounce, half an ounce, one fourth an ounce and even one tenth an ounce. What remains same in all of them is the purity that is .917.

The current Krugerrand value is $939.33. This coin is 33.930 grams and weight and 32.77 mm in diameter. The current market trend shows that the Krugerrand value will increase keep increasing thus making it a safe investment.

6 Tips to Buy Gold Coins Online Safely

Thanks to the internet, buying gold coins either as investment or collectible coins has never been easier. You can find great coin deals at KrugerrandGoldCoins.com with gold prices below what is offered at retail stores specializing in selling gold bullions and gold coins. If you save 5-10% at KrugerrandGoldCoins.com, it means you are getting one free gold coin with every 10 coins purchased. Talking about smart investing…

But you also want to have a pleasant and save experience with your online purchase. Read the tips below and you would never have to worry about your gold coin purchase again.
1. Always look at feedback number, higher number means more confidence in a seller. You can find this number after the seller name in parentheses.

2. Look at feedback positive % as well. Seller might have large feedback number (meaning a lot of items sold), but if feedback percentage is 67% - you might step into issues with seller. A good rule of thumb is feedback percentage should be 90% or higher.

3. Buy from Power Sellers. They are well established and care about their reputation and customers.

4. If you decided to buy not from Power Seller or a seller with feedback number higher than 200, you have to check latest items sold (are they related to gold coins?) and the length of his membership. Looking for a seller who has been around for a while.

5. Try to find gold coin auctions with “No reserve price”. In this case you know you do not have to bid up to “reasonable” price on the coin, and actually may land a very good deal on a gold coin.

6. Look through auction listing and find Return policy. You want to make sure seller gives you 7 to 10 day to evaluate coin and decide if the coin was advertised correctly. I had few times a bad experience with coins when seller advertised coin as MS-65, where it is really MS-60.

Follow these tips and you will have a pleasant experience with buying gold coins online at KrugerrandGoldCoins.com.

Gold Coin Collecting Trends for 2008-2009

Gold coin collectors everywhere are celebrating the soaring gold prices that have been seen in recent times. Coins and collections that were once valuable are now very valuable. For 2008-2009, gold coin collecting will remain strong.

Proof gold coins are expected to be strong performers through 2009, as are rare date and early gold. With rare date and early gold coins, the better they look, the higher their value. Proof gold coins are rare by definition and those in F.D.C. (fleur de coin) condition are going to have the highest value.

The Saint Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin is still one of the most beautiful, popular and sought after gold coins on the market, and will remain so for a long time. Saint Gaudens proof coins, and those with no motto (without In God We Trust) on them are more rare and therefore more highly valued.

Newly minted 24-kt Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse gold coins, both proof and uncirculated are going to be strong for the coming months. Other gold coins that are remaining high in popularity are the $10 Liberty and the $5 Liberty, the $5 Liberty Half-Eagle (with or without motto), the Commemorative US gold coins – 1988 Olympic (uncirculated) and 1986 Statue of Liberty, British Sovereign gold coin – King Edward 1902-1910, Canadian Maple Leaf, and the Australian Lunar gold coins – 2005 1 oz Gold Rooster and 2004 1-oz. Gold Monkey.

In uncertain financial times, gold is one thing whose value continues to remain strong if not rise. Consider adding any of these coins to your collection. Shop for Gold Coins now!

American Buffalo Gold Coins Are Sold Out

Oct 17th, 2008 -- The mighty buffalo may have made a comeback on the Great Plains, but he no longer roams the halls of the U.S. Mint. Much as the beasts were overhunted by frontiersmen, gold buffalo coins have been pushed to the edge of extinction by gold hoarders.

The U.S. Mint is temporarily halting sales of its American Buffalo 24-carat gold one-ounce bullion coin because "inventories have been depleted," Mint spokesman Michael White said yesterday. The coin, based on a 1913 design, was released in 2006.

The Mint cannot keep up with demand from panicky investors looking for something -- anything -- that seems safe during the current market crisis. Auric Goldfinger would be proud.

Through Wednesday, the Mint had sold 164,000 24-carat gold coins this year, which is nearly 30,000 more than during all of 2007.

The price of gold has risen in recent weeks. Gold for December delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange jumped temporarily above $920 per ounce yesterday, as concerns rose over the stalled $700 billion Wall Street bailout bill, fueling fears of a further stock market drop. The precious metal closed at $888.50 yesterday.

On the Mint's Web site, the coin sold for $800 before it was taken off the market.

The Mint had to suspend sales of its American Eagle one-ounce gold coins Aug. 15, restarting sales later in the month under an allocation program. The Mint will soon do the same for its buffalo coins. As soon as it mints more.

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