South Africa Gold Krugerrand

The discovery of the main gold reef in 1886 in the Johannesburg area changed the history of South Africa. No other event in the 20th century had such a great impact on the political and economic history of South Africa. The shimmering beauty of pure gold has captivated the country.

In the 1960’s, the promotion of South African gold was considered vital, not least as an investment. The chosen vehicle to drive this demand, and developed by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, the world’s first ounce-denominated gold coin, the Krugerrand, was struck at the South African Mint on the 3 July 1967.

These 1 troy-ounce gold bullion coins were mass produced to enable the “man in the street” to purchase gold easily and with confidence. In 1980 the fractional Krugerrands (½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10 oz) were added to the 1 oz Krugerrand to assist the smaller buyer to obtain gold at an affordable price. The Krugerrand is still minted in the traditional 22 carat gold.

The name Krugerrand was derived from KRUGER (President Paul Kruger) and RAND the monetary unit of South Africa. The Rand is associated with the area called Witwatersrand, "the ridge of white water" an important gold producing area.

When Intergold was established as a subsidiary of the Chamber of Mines in South Africa, they took over the distribution of the uncirculated (bullion) Krugerrand (with 180 serrations) while the proof Krugerrand (with 220 serrations) was sold by the South African Mint. The bullion Krugerrand is linked to the daily gold price while the proof Krugerrand is available in limited quantities with a yearly fixed price.

In 1980 the fractional Krugerrands (½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10 oz) were added to the 1 oz Krugerrand to assist the smaller buyer to obtain gold at an affordable price.

The Krugerrand is still minted in the traditional 22 carat gold. A 21st century Krugerrand symbolises South Africa’s rich gold heritage.

- Call Toll Free: 1-800-846-2500 to order -