Gold Coins
Complete reference guides to the six most-traded gold bullion coins in the world. Live prices, purity details, tax implications, premium comparisons, and trusted dealers. Updated for 2026.
The official U.S. gold bullion coin since 1986. Backed by the U.S. government, the most widely traded gold coin in America. Saint-Gaudens’ Lady Liberty design.
World’s first 99.99% pure gold bullion coin (1979). Royal Canadian Mint. Advanced security features including Bullion DNA and micro-engraved year mark.
The world’s first modern gold bullion coin (1967). Pioneered private gold ownership. Lowest premiums of any major coin. Distinctive copper alloy hue.
Modern era since 1817 with design dating to 1489. UK Capital Gains Tax exempt. Pistrucci’s iconic St. George and the Dragon design.
Royal Mint flagship since 1987, upgraded to 99.99% in 2013. The only coin that’s BOTH UK CGT-exempt AND U.S. IRA eligible. Four security features.
Europe’s #1 selling gold coin since 1996. Austrian Mint. Unique orchestral instrument design. Lowest premiums of any 24K coin. The world’s smallest gold coin in 1/25 oz size.
Quick Comparison
| Coin | Country | Year | Purity | IRA | UK CGT | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Eagle | USA | 1986 | 22K | Yes | No | U.S. IRAs, durability |
| Maple Leaf | Canada | 1979 | 24K | Yes | No | Pure gold + IRAs |
| Krugerrand | S. Africa | 1967 | 22K | No | No | Lowest premiums |
| Sovereign | UK | 1817 | 22K | No | Yes | UK investors, history |
| Britannia | UK | 1987 | 24K (2013+) | Yes (2013+) | Yes | UK+US tax efficient |
| Philharmonic | Austria | 1989 | 24K | Yes | No | European market, low premiums |
How to Choose
All six coins are excellent bullion grades — they all contain real gold backed by a national mint. The right choice depends on your specific goals.
For U.S. IRA Buyers
Choose any 24K coin: Maple Leaf, Britannia (2013+), Philharmonic, or American Gold Eagle (the only 22K exception). The Eagle gets the U.S. government brand recognition; Maple Leaf and Philharmonic offer pure 24K at competitive premiums.
For UK Investors
Sovereigns and Britannias are CGT-exempt because they’re UK legal tender. Sovereigns have 200+ years of history; Britannias are modern 24K coins. Both VAT-exempt as investment gold.
For Lowest Premium
Krugerrand wins — typically 1.5-3% premium on 1 oz coins, lowest of any major bullion coin. Not IRA eligible, but excellent for personal holding. Philharmonic is the cheapest 24K option.
For Pure Gold Per Dollar
Krugerrand and Philharmonic compete for lowest cost per ounce of pure gold. Both have minimal premiums. Differences come down to brand preference and IRA needs.
For Gifts and Collecting
Sovereigns and Philharmonics offer the smallest sizes (down to 1/25 oz for Philharmonic = ~$190 in gold). Both have rich cultural backstories that elevate them above pure investment coins.
For International Diversification
Mix coins from multiple jurisdictions. Holding Eagles, Maple Leafs, and Philharmonics spreads political/currency risk across U.S., Canada, and Austria. Each is recognized worldwide.
Key Terminology
Quick reference for terms used across all coin pages:
Troy Ounce
Standard measure for precious metals — 31.10 grams. Different from a regular “avoirdupois” ounce (28.35g). All gold prices quoted in troy ounces.
Spot Price
Current market price of pure gold per troy ounce. Set globally on commodity exchanges (London, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo). Updates continuously during trading hours.
Premium
The amount charged above spot price. Covers minting, dealer overhead, and profit. Smaller coins have higher percentage premiums. Krugerrands have the lowest premiums (~2%); proof coins can have 40-60%.
Bullion vs. Proof
Bullion coins are struck for investment — gold content is what matters. Proof coins are mirror-polished collectible versions with higher premiums (40-60% above spot). For investment, always buy bullion.
IRA Eligibility
U.S. IRS rules require gold coins in retirement accounts to be 99.5%+ pure. American Eagles get a 22K exception; all others must be 24K. UK and EU don’t have this restriction.
Melt Value
What a coin would be worth if melted into pure gold — its gold content × spot price. The minimum a dealer should pay you. Don’t accept less than 90% of melt at any dealer.