Nothing compares to the satisfaction of owning physical 1 oz gold coins in today’s digital investing world. For example, owning stocks in an brokerage account viewable on a computer simply doesn’t compare. To this point, even within the precious metals asset class many investors only own shares of gold mining companies or gold ETFs – few investors know the enjoyment of holding a 1 oz gold coin in the palm of their hand.
For those who’ve never held one, it’s heavier than you’re imagining – and prettier. Additionally, the intricacy of a U.S. 1 oz gold buffalo coin is pretty spectacular and impressive to look at and knowing it’s pure gold is special. Lastly, most gold in today’s society is 14k (58% gold) or 18k (75% gold), holding 99.99% pure gold is quite special.
Most Popular Types of 1 oz Gold Coins
Table Of Contents
1. U.S. 1 oz Gold Buffalo
2. U.S. 1 oz American Eagle
3. UK Royal Mint 1 oz Gold Britannia
4. UK Royal Mint 1 oz Gold Queen’s Beasts
5. Royal Canadian Mint 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf
6. Austrian Mint 1 oz Gold Philharmonic
7. Australian Perth 1 oz Gold Kangaroo
8. South African 1 oz Gold Krugerrand
U.S. Gold Buffalo
American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins are one ounce of .9999 fine gold. The United States government guarantees their weight, content, and purity. Although the coin is also legal tender, its face value of $50 is largely symbolic as the value of the gold it contains has historically been far greater. In other words, don’t even think of using this as legal tender.
The designs on both the obverse and reverse of the American Buffalo coin are steeped in American numismatic tradition. The images were originally executed by noted sculptor James Earle Fraser for the Buffalo, or Indian Head, nickel. The American Buffalo coin uses what is known to collectors as Fraser’s 1913 Buffalo nickel, Type I design.
U.S. Gold Buffalo Specifications
The obverse (heads) features the portrait of a Native American, honoring the legacy of our land’s first inhabitants. The reverse (tails) shows an American bison, often called a buffalo. The design recalls the pioneering spirit of the nation’s westward expansion.
Content: Gold, 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035g)
Weight: 1.0001 troy ounce (31.108g)
Diameter: 1.287in. (32.70mm)
Thickness: 0.116in. (2.95mm)
Bullion coins do not have a mint mark.
[source: usmint.gov]
U.S. 1 oz American Eagle
Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ $20 “Double Eagle” (considered one of America’s most beautiful coins) coin heavily inspired the obverse design of this American Eagle Gold Coin. The U.S. Mint produces American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins in four weights: one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce.
However, these special coins are 22-karat gold and include small amounts of copper and silver which makes them only 91.67% pure gold. These coins weigh slightly over 1oz and are a little larger than the gold buffalo to compensate for the lower gold composition. Importantly, each coin still has 1oz of pure gold. Furthermore, the 22-karat gold composition creates harder coins that resist scratching and marring, which can diminish resale value. The US government guarantees the weight, content, and purity of bullion coins, they are also IRA-eligible.
U.S. 1 oz Gold American Eagle Specifications
The obverse (heads) features the iconic Saint-Gaudens Lady Liberty. The reverse (tails) shows our national bird, the bald eagle, with added reeded edge variations for anti-counterfeit security.
Composition is 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper with a reeded edge.
The one ounce coin, $50 face value, is 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) in diameter, contains one gold troy ounce and weighs 1.0909 troy ounces (33.931 g).
Bullion coins don’t feature a mint mark.
[source: usmint.gov]
UK Royal Mint 1 oz Gold Britannia
Designed by the team behind the United Kingdom’s 12-sided £1 coin, known as ‘the world’s most secure coin’, the Britannia 2024 bullion coin features four innovative security features that make it one of the most visually secure coins in the world.
The iconic Britannia coin design features four advanced security features:
1. A latent image changes from a padlock to Britannia’s famous trident
2. Surface animation creates movement in the background of waves
3. The micro-text provides the coin with both decoration and protection
4. Britannia’s shield bears the Union flag accented with tincture lines
Expertly struck in 999.9 fine gold and enhanced with four security features, Philip Nathan’s depiction of Britannia is as beautiful as ever on this bullion coin. Also, located in the lower left-hand of the coin design, below Britannia’s gown, a latent image of a trident is visible to represent her naval history. Furthermore, as the viewer changes their perspective, this trident changes visually to a padlock, which emphasizes the coin’s secure nature.
UK 1 oz Gold Britannia Specifications
The background of the coin incorporates surface animation to reflect the movement of waves and tincture lines carefully highlight fine details, such as the Union flag on Britannia’s shield, to help reinforce security and add definition to the pattern of the flag. In sum, these added security features have been incorporated to both decorate and protect the coin, just as the micro-text that borders the design states – ‘DECUS ET TUTAMEN’, which translates as ‘An ornament and a safeguard’.
Denomination: £100
Alloy: 999.9 Fine Gold
Diameter: 32.69mm
Pure Metal Content: 1 Troy Oz
[source: royalmint.com]
UK Royal Mint 1 oz Gold Queen’s Beasts
Initially released in 2016 with the Lion of England coin, the Queen’s Beasts remain a favorite of collectors and investors alike. Comprised of 10 “beasts” and an 11th “completer coin”, this full set of eleven coins is both a intriguing way to invest in gold bullion and also a wonderful way to enjoy some of the UK’s history.
The original Queen’s Beasts are ten statues which stood guard for the Queen’s Coronation, sculpted by James Woodford RA in 1953. They still stand and reside at the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec while the Kew Gardens, in London, host stone replicas.
List of 1 oz Gold Coins:
1. Lion of England
2. The Griffin of Edward III
3. Red Dragon of Wales
4. Black Bull of Clarence
5. Unicorn of Scotland
6. Yale of Beaufort
7. Falcon of the Plantagenets
8. White Lion of Mortimer
9. White Horse of Hanover
10. White Greyhound of Richmond
11. The Completer Coin
UK 1 oz Gold Queen’s Beasts Specifications
Denomination: £100
Alloy: 999.9 Fine Gold
Diameter: 32.69mm
Pure Metal Content: 1 Troy Oz
[source: royalmint.com]
Royal Canadian Mint 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint’s Gold Maple Leaf (GML) coins are among the world’s most popular pure gold coins. These 1 oz gold coins are beautiful and highly intricate. Investors would be prudent to consider this coin, in addition to the U.S. gold buffalo, if they’re looking for a 99.99% pure gold coin.
In 2013, the Mint introduced a new and unique security feature to confirm the authenticity of its GML coins. Derived from the same award-winning security technology applied to Canada’s $1 and $2 circulation coins, the GML security feature consists of a textured maple leaf, micro-engraved with laser technology on a small area of the reverse side of the coin. In the center of this mark, visible under magnification, is the numeral “24”, denoting the coin’s year of issue.
Radial lines in the 2024 GML’s field have been precisely machined to within microns on the master tooling to ensure reproducibility from die to die and coin to coin. The uniqueness of the line width and pitch gives this coin a characteristic look, and creates a light-diffracting pattern that is specific to this coin.
Royal Canadian Mint 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf Coin Specifications
The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
Bullion DNA™ technology facilitates the authentication of Gold Maple Leaf coins dated 2014 and later. Additionally, precision-cut radial lines create a unique light-diffracting pattern specific to this coin.
Composition: 99.99% pure gold
Weight: 31.11g
Diameter: 30mm
Edge: Serrated
Face Value: $50
Finish: Radial Lines
[source: mint.ca]
Austrian Mint 1 oz Gold Philharmonic Coin
Introduced in 1989 by the Austrian Mint, only a handful of gold coins have been available longer than the Gold Philharmonic. Interestingly, unlike many other coins on this list, the design of this coin has never changed. Also, unlike the American Eagle and Krugerrand, the Philharmonic contains 99.99% gold.
The focus of the designs in the Austrian Gold Philharmonic series is on the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Officially formed in 1842, many consider the Vienna Philharmonic one of the finest orchestras in the world. However, informal orchestral performances were commonplace in the Austrian capital city of Vienna as early as the early 1830s.
Austrian Mint 1 oz Gold Philharmonic Coin Specifications
On the obverse of all Austrian Gold Philharmonic coins is the image of the Musikverein pipe organ. This side of the coin also includes German engravings, the native tongue of Austria, which read “Republik Oesterreich,” “Unze Gold 9999,” and the coin’s weight, face value, and year of issue.
The reverse side of Gold Philharmonic coins includes a variety of musical instruments used by members of the Vienna Philharmonic. For example, these include a large cello in the center with two violins on either side. Additionally, in the background, you’ll notice a harp, horn, and bassoon. Engravings on this face are also in German and read “Weiner Philharmoniker.”
[source: muenzeoesterreich.at]
Australian Perth1 oz Gold Kangaroo Coin
The Australian Kangaroo Series is one of the oldest collections available from Perth Mint. Introduced as the Gold Nugget in 1986, this collection was rebranded in 1990 and has since featured new reverse designs each year of Australia’s most notable marsupial species, the kangaroo.
Introduced in 1986 by the Gold Corporation, a company wholly owned by the government of Western Australia, the coin was originally known as the Gold Nugget for the depiction of an Aussie gold nugget on its reverse side (the obverse showcased a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II). The Gold Nugget’s original incarnation lasted up to the 1989 proof edition, when the gold nugget design was replaced by an image more emblematic of Australia — the kangaroo — and the unofficial moniker of “Gold Kangaroo” was born.
Australian Perth1 oz Gold Kangaroo Coin Specifications
Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold in BU condition.
The face value of $100 (AUD) is fully backed by the Australian government.
On the obverse is a new bust of His Majesty King Charles III.
The reverse features a kangaroo bounded passed a creek bed.
P125 mint mark.
Micro-laser engraved authentication feature on the reverse.
Artwork by Wade Robinson.
[source: garfieldrefining.com and perthmint.com]
South African 1 oz Gold Krugerrand Coin
The iconic Krugerrand is the legal tender gold coin first struck at the South African Mint on 3 July 1967, containing exactly 1 troy ounce of fine gold. Through the years, it has kept the same iconic design first seen in 1967, and every new instalment bears the current year.
The South African Mint derived the name ‘Krugerrand’ from Paul ‘Kruger’ and ‘rand’, the country’s monetary unit. Additionally, Witwatersrand, an important gold-producing area in South Africa, itself influenced the name of the country’s currency (rand).
The effigy of Paul Kruger is depicted on the obverse. Conversely, the reverse side was originally designed and engraved by the famous sculptor, Coert Steynberg, and features one of South Africa’s national animals, a Springbok.
The Krugerrand is made from 22 carat gold, 9167 of pure gold and 833 parts copper. The lack of silver alloy (only copper) means that this coin maintains a slightly red or orange hue compared to other gold coins that are either 99.99% gold or less but alloyed with copper and silver. Additionally, the alloy with copper ensures that the coins are not easily scratched or defaced, thereby protecting their value and tradability. The Krugerrand is the only legal tender bullion coin with its face value denominated in ounces of pure gold, therefore it is guaranteed that the South African Reserve Bank will purchase any tendered Krugerrand at the ruling price of gold on the day.
The classic 1 oz size is the flagship of the Krugerrand family that has been central to the collection for over 55 years and stands as testament to the legacy of craftsmanship expected by collectors all over the world.
South African 1 oz Gold Krugerrand Coin Specifications
Diameter: 32.69mm
Mass: 33.930g
[source: samint.co.za]
Where to Purchase Gold Coins
Part of the appeal of 1 oz gold coins is their wide availability. To this point, investors can easily purchase these beautiful and valuable coins from local coin stores and through online gold dealers. Importantly, we spend hours each month researching the different online gold dealers and you can review our online gold dealers reviews page for additional information.
Making such a large purchase online can feel uncomfortable but purchasing through online dealers has become the standard for many investors. Moreover, these are large businesses (some of them are public companies) with millions of visitors each month. In terms of selection and pricing they are very tough to beat.
Why Invest in Sovereign Gold Coins
1 oz gold coins are a compelling form of physical bullion for numerous reasons. First, due to their size and detail, counterfeiting is highly uncommon and often not worth attempting. For example, it’s much more profitable to manipulate a 10- or 100-oz bar by hollowing out the gold and filling it with a less valuable metal with similar characteristics (e.g. tungsten) then bothering with 1 oz gold coins.
Second, due to their high value per ounce, gold coins are easier to store than a similar value in silver. For example, ten gold coins would be worth almost $30,000 in 2024 and to hold that same value in silver would require over ten 100oz bars. That much silver is more complicated to securely store, owning gold is just more efficient.
Third, gold coins are widely circulated and traded making them easier to sell back to a dealer should you choose to sell. Few investors end up holding their precious metals for their entire lives, which means, at some point you’ll need to sell. Having a liquid market makes selling much easier and dealers are more willing to buy something that they’ll be able themselves to sell quickly. Obscure bars don’t always sell quickly.
Summary
Investors can enjoy and invest in 1 oz gold coins from numerous reputable mints around the world. By purchasing these popular gold or silver coins investors can invest, collect, and enjoy history all at one time. This contrasts starkly with buying stocks and bonds held in a virtual brokerage account.
1oz gold coins are widely circulated, traded, and accepted. This makes them ideal for an investor who wishes to purchase them and who also may wish to sell them in the future as they’re liquid with a vibrant market. Gold bars have their own appeal but the counterfeiting risks are higher and they lack the intricacy and history of the coins we highlighted above. Any investor interested in owning gold is highly encouraged to consider a sovereign gold coin as a fun starting point.
Author
Andrew McCormick, RIA is the Senior Portfolio Manager at Cottonwood Capital Management. Previously, he worked for BlackRock and managed the MKC Global Fund, LP. Andrew’s work has been featured in ZeroHedge, TheStreet, and the Wall Street Journal.