Foreign Gold Coins

Foreign Gold Coins at Provident Metals

There are several unique gold coin programs out there on the market today. While American Eagle Gold Coins and Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins are among the most popular, there are several countries producing some iconic gold coins every year. Learn all about these one-of-a-kind coins, right here at Provident Metals.

Popular Foreign Gold Coins

• South African Krugerrands: The first modern bullion gold coin available for private investment was the South African Krugerrand. This coin program debuted in 1967 and has featured the same design on the obverse and reverse ever since. Paul Kruger is seen on the obverse in a left-profile portrait with a Springbok antelope on the reverse.
• British Britannias: Among the most popular option for investors and collectors is the British Britannia. These coins debuted in 1987 at a time when many mints were creating bullion gold coin programs. These coins feature the image of Britannia on the obverse with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the reverse. In 2023, the effigy of Queen Elizabeth was replaced with the portrait of King Charles III. This marked the first time someone other than Her Majesty was pictured.
• British Queen’s Beasts: From 2016-2021, the British Queen’s Beasts Gold Coin Series released 10 unique coins inspired by the 10 beasts at Westminster Abbey back in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began. These coins were released in gold, silver, and platinum. Jody Clark’s depiction of Her Majesty is on the obverse with a unique beast being featured on the reverse.
• British Tudor Beasts: Following the success of the Queen’s Beasts Series, the Royal Mint started the Tudor Beasts Series. This 10-coin series will showcase beasts representing the House of Tudor. Similar to the Queen’s Beasts Series, these coins are issued in gold, silver, and platinum.
• Austrian Philharmonics: This iconic gold coin program debuted in 1989 by the Austrian Mint. This coin program releases coins annually in sizes ranging from 1/25 oz to 1 oz. The Musikverein pipe organ is seen on the obverse while an array of musical instruments used by the orchestra is found on the reverse.
• Chinese Pandas: One of the more unique annual bullion releases is the Chinese Panda Gold Series. These coins feature a unique image of a panda on every release. While the design always changes, the subject matter is consistent. The obverse has featured the Temple of Heaven since 1982 while the reverse always showcases at least one panda.
• Mexican Libertads: Another popular option is the Mexican Libertad Gold Series. These coins are available in sizes ranging from 1/20 oz to 1 oz with a purity of .999. Design elements have changed over the years, but the Mexican coat of arms is on the obverse while a depiction of Winged Victory is on the reverse. The 1 oz version differs from other sizes as it also displays the previous 10 coats of arms of Mexico.
• Australian Kangaroos: Similar to Chinese Pandas, these coins from The Perth Mint showcase a unique image of a kangaroo every year. The obverse of these coins features the effigy of the reigning British monarch at the time while the reverse shows a kangaroo. In 2024, King Charles III made his debut in this coin series.
• South Korean Chiwoo Cheonwangs: This unique series of medals made its debut in 2016 and has been released annually ever since. While they lack face value, these medals are popular for their changing imagery as a unique depiction of Chiwoo Cheonwang has been used on reverse every year. The obverse showcases the Doggaebi shield, also used by Chiwoo.

History of Foreign Gold Coins

The South African Krugerrand was the first modern bullion gold coin when it debuted in 1967. These coins were created for investment purposes; however, these coins were scarcely available in other parts of the world such as Europe and America. As such, other mints started creating their own bullion gold coin programs in the late 1970s and 1980s.

The Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coin was the second modern bullion coin, debuting in 1979. It was also the first .999 pure gold bullion coin on the market. Shortly after, the Chinese Panda, American Eagle, and British Britannia debuted. While the Mexican Libertad Gold Coin technically debuted in 1981, it was released sporadically until 2002.

While most annual bullion releases feature the same images every year, some coin programs change designs annually. Most Australian bullion coin programs use the same subject matter but different images with every annual release. Chinese Pandas also feature a revolving door of different pandas on the reverse.

Buying Foreign Gold Coins at Provident Metals

For any questions you may have about Foreign Gold Coins at Provident Metals, give us a call at 800-313-3315. Our team would be happy to assist you with any questions you have. Our customer service team can also be contacted via email or through our online chat feature.