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By Kelly Ernst
/ CBS News
Gold has been a popular way for investors to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealthfor hundreds of years. And in today's uncertain economic climate, investors are especially eager to take advantage of the reliable returns and historical stability gold can offer.
One of the most popular ways to invest in gold is with gold bars and coins. Gold coins, in particular, may be attractive to investors for their aesthetic and historical value in addition to their monetary value. But as with any collectible item, knowing where to start can seem overwhelming. With so many gold coins to choose from, which ones should you focus on?
Learn more about gold investing with a free information kit.
5 top gold coins for investment purposes
The following gold coins regularly make reputable "best of" lists for their purity, reputation and overall growth potential.
American Gold Eagle Coins
American Gold Eagle coins are one of the most popular and widely recognized gold coins on the market. These coins are produced by the United States Mint and are made of 22-karat gold. They feature a design of Lady Liberty on the obverse (heads) side, and the reverse (tails) side features either a bald eagle nesting or a bald eagle's head, depending on the year it was produced.
You can buy American Gold Eagle coins in weights of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz. These gold coins are highly sought-after by investors due to their high purity and ease of liquidity.
American Gold Buffalo
The American Gold Buffalo coin is another popular option for investors and collectors alike and produced by the United States Mint. It's modeled after the famous 1913 Buffalo Nickel designed by James Earle Fraser and features a Native American chief's profile on the obverse side and an American buffalo on the reverse.
American Gold Buffalo coins are a higher purity than American Gold Eagle coins at 24 karats. You can buy American Gold Buffalo coins in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz weights.
Request your free gold investment guide online now.
South African Gold Krugerrand Coins
The South African Gold Krugerrand is one of the oldest and most trusted gold bullion coins in the world. First created in 1967, these coins are produced by the South African Mint and are made of 22-karat gold. This lower purity makes them more durable than 24-karat coins, and a great option for those concerned about the longevity of their investment.
The South African Gold Krugerrand features the profile of Paul Kruger, the South African Republic's first president, on the obverse side and a springbok antelope on the reverse. You can buy South African Gold Krugerrand coins in weights ranging from 1/50 oz to 2 oz.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is a 24-karat gold coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. Released in 1979, this coin was the only competition for South African Gold Krugerrand for years, and it's still considered among the world's purest and most popular gold bullion coins. It features a maple leaf on the obverse side and Queen Elizabeth II's image on the reverse.
You can buy Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins in a wide variety of weights, from 1/25 oz all the way up to 1 ounce, giving investors with different budgets plenty of options to choose from.
Chinese Gold Panda Coins
The Chinese Gold Panda is a 24-karat gold coin produced by the People's Bank of China. It's a favorite among collectors because its design changes yearly. The obverse side features the Temple of Heaven, while the reverse side features a panda design that hasdiffered every year since its first production in 1983.
You can buy Chinese Gold Panda coins in the widest variety of weights on this list — anywhere from 1/20 oz all the way up to 1 kilogram.
The bottom line
Investing in gold coins can be an effective way to protect your portfolio from lossesand hedge against inflation. Each of the coins mentioned above are great options to consider for investors looking to add the precious metal to their portfolio and perhaps also enjoy the satisfaction of building a collection.
Of course, before making any investment decision, it's important to do your own research, consider your investment goals and risk tolerance and speak with a financial advisor for customized guidance based on your individual financial situation.
Explore your gold investing options today with a free investors kit.
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As an enthusiast and expert in precious metal investments, I've spent years navigating the intricate world of gold, silver, and other commodities. My experience extends to both theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing me to confidently discuss the nuances of various investment options, market trends, and the economic climate that shapes these choices.
Now, diving into the article about managing money through gold investments by Kelly Ernst on CBS News, the author highlights the enduring appeal of gold as a means for investors to diversify their portfolios and safeguard wealth. In the current economic uncertainty, the demand for reliable returns and historical stability offered by gold becomes particularly attractive.
The article focuses on one of the most popular methods of investing in gold – through gold bars and coins. Gold coins, in particular, are noted for their aesthetic and historical value, in addition to their monetary worth. The author provides insights into the overwhelming choices investors face when delving into the world of gold coins and suggests considering a free information kit to learn more about gold investing.
The key investment concepts covered in the article include:
-
American Gold Eagle Coins:
- Produced by the United States Mint.
- Made of 22-karat gold.
- Features Lady Liberty on the obverse side and a bald eagle on the reverse.
- Available in various weights (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz).
- Noted for high purity and ease of liquidity.
-
American Gold Buffalo Coins:
- Also produced by the United States Mint.
- Modeled after the famous 1913 Buffalo Nickel.
- Features a Native American chief's profile and an American buffalo.
- Higher purity at 24 karats.
- Available in different weights.
-
South African Gold Krugerrand Coins:
- One of the oldest and most trusted gold bullion coins.
- Produced by the South African Mint.
- Made of 22-karat gold for durability.
- Features the profile of Paul Kruger and a springbok antelope.
- Available in various weights.
-
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins:
- A 24-karat gold coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.
- Released in 1979, it competed with the South African Gold Krugerrand.
- Features a maple leaf on the obverse and Queen Elizabeth II's image on the reverse.
- Available in a wide variety of weights.
-
Chinese Gold Panda Coins:
- A 24-karat gold coin produced by the People's Bank of China.
- Features a yearly changing design, with the obverse depicting the Temple of Heaven and the reverse featuring a panda.
- Available in a wide variety of weights, ranging from 1/20 oz to 1 kilogram.
The article concludes by emphasizing that investing in gold coins can be an effective strategy for protecting portfolios from losses and hedging against inflation. It also underscores the importance of conducting thorough research, considering individual investment goals and risk tolerance, and seeking guidance from a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
