A Pioneer of Modern Bullion, Minted Since 1967

Before gold bullion became the global standard for individual investors, there was the Krugerrand. First issued in 1967, South Africa’s Gold Krugerrand is considered the original modern bullion coin—a bold innovation that combined the nation’s mineral wealth with the marketing foresight of a central bank.

Krugerrand Coin Highlights

• Contains 1 troy oz of 22-karat gold (.9167 fine)
• First struck in 1967 by the South African Mint
• Obverse: Portrait of Paul Kruger, statesman and President of the South African Republic
• Reverse: Springbok antelope, a national emblem, designed by Coert Steynberg
• Legal tender in South Africa (though no face value appears)
• Coins ship in varied condition and from random years of issue

The obverse depicts Paul Kruger, the iconic Boer leader, rendered in profile by Otto Schultz. His likeness conveys a sense of gravitas befitting a coin born from a nation with a complex political legacy and vast underground riches.

On the reverse is Steynberg’s elegant portrayal of a springbok leaping across the veldt—a design rooted in South African numismatic history, first appearing on earlier silver coinage. Inscriptions are presented in both English and Afrikaans, reflecting the country’s linguistic heritage.

While the Krugerrand holds no stamped denomination, it was one of the first gold coins granted legal tender status. It’s also the longest-running modern bullion coin on the global stage, outselling all competitors in its early years. Between 1967 and 1979 alone, over 21 million coins were exported to the United States—until embargoes interrupted trade in response to apartheid policies.

Today, the Gold Krugerrand remains a fixture in portfolios worldwide. With its distinguished design, proven liquidity, and half-century pedigree, the 1 oz Krugerrand continues to offer what no modern round or bar quite can: a legacy of ownership, history, and state-backed trust.

More About the South African Mint

Founded in 1890 and based in Centurion, the South African Mint is renowned for producing some of the world’s most recognized coinage. Beyond the Gold Krugerrand, the Mint creates a wide range of bullion and collectible coins, known for both their craftsmanship and historical significance. The Mint’s legacy reflects South Africa’s complex history and natural wealth, making its products highly valued by investors and collectors around the globe.