Shining Legends: The Gold Coins That Captivated Collectors

Gold coins always attract the attention of collectors and investors by their unique features, beauty and historical significance. Each of them is not just a piece of precious metal, but a witness of an era, a symbol of culture or an element of power. Here we would like to highlight the sought-after, valuable and the most popular gold coins that deserve a place in any collection.

The Majesty of Gold: Iconic Coins from Around the World

Gold coins served for centuries as symbols of wealth, power and economic influence in any time and any nation. They passed from hand to hand as part of historical events that changed the world. Collecting these coins provides an opportunity to make a significant profitable investment and feel connected to past ages. So, below you will find the legendary gold coin names worth paying your attention.

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (United States)

• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

• Weight: 33.436 g (or 1.075 troy ounces)

• Diameter: 34 mm

• Denomination: 20 dollars

The Double Eagle coin has become one of the most iconic and beautiful gold coins in U.S. history. The design was created by renowned sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens, inspired by the classic allegory of Liberty.

Design: The obverse depicts an allegorical figure of Lady Liberty with a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other, standing against a shining rising sun. Around her are 46 stars representing the number of states at the time of the coin's issuance. The majestic eagle depicted on the reverse soars above the sun's rays, symbolizing the country's strength, independence and freedom.

Did you know: Coins issued in 1933 were banned from circulation during the economic policies associated with the Great Depression. Most were melted down, but a few survived due to collectors. One such coin sold at auction in 2002 for a record $7.59 million dollars, being the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. However, in 2021, another specimen from a private collection sold for $18.9 million, setting a new record.

Gold Chervonets “The Sower” (USSR)

• Composition: 90% gold, (21.6 karats)

• Weight: 8.6 g

• Diameter: 22.6 mm

• Denomination: 10 rubles

History knows many examples of coins whose popularity, investment value and significance increase over time. One such coin is the Russian chervonets. The original minting of this coin began in the 18th century, but the most famous and popular chervonets were issued in the Soviet Union in 1923. The gold chervonets became a symbol of the stability of the Soviet economy and played an important role in international trade.

Design: The obverse of the gold chervonets of 1923 depicts the emblem of the Soviet Union, i.e. a hammer and sickle surrounded by a wreath of wheat ears (which symbolizes the working class and peasants). The reverse shows the figure of a sower throwing grain against the background of the rising sun and factories reflecting the ideals of labor and development.

Fascinating detail: The chervonets were introduced to support the economy of the young Soviet Republic and to strengthen confidence in the Soviet currency in the international arena. However, the coin was not immediately recognized.  In domestic circulation newly minted coins practically did not arrive and despite the very large minting figures to our time has survived a small number of copies. Most of the coins were melted back into gold bars and minted into other denominations. Taking into account the rarity of the coin and the fact that the chervonets is one of the few gold coins that were issued in the Soviet Union, it can be argued that it is an interesting object for collectors.

Related article: The History and Value of U.S. Silver Dollars.

South African Krugerrand

• Composition: 91.67% gold (22 karats)

• Weight: Primarily 1 oz (about 31 g), but also available in 1/2 oz (about 15.55 g), 1/4 oz (about 7.76 g), and 1/10 oz (about 3.11 g)

• Diameter: 32.77 mm (for 1 oz)

• Denomination: Not specified (price depends on the value of gold)

Now let's turn to South Africa, where the minting of the Krugerrand, one of the most popular gold coins worldwide, began in 1967. The name of the coin comes from the name of former South African President Paul Kruger, combined with the South African currency - the rand.

Design: The obverse features a portrait of Paul Kruger, President of the Republic of South Africa, while the reverse is decorated with an image of the iconic animal, the springbok (antelope), jumping out of the water, symbolizing the spirit of the nation. This minimalistic and recognizable design makes the Krugerrand easily recognizable among collectors.

Interesting fact: The Krugerrand was the first coin in the world that was actively used to store and trade gold. To date, more than 50 million of these coins have been issued.

British Sovereign

• Composition: 91.67% gold (22 karats)

• Weight: 7.98 g

• Diameter: 22.05 mm

• Denomination: 1 pound sterling

Now allow us to focus on Great Britain, the country that presented to the world one of the most famous gold coins - the British Sovereign. The issue of this legendary coin began in 1489 by order of King Henry VII. The sovereign represents the greatness of the British monarchy and has long been a symbol of wealth and stability.

Design: The obverse of the sovereign traditionally depicts the profile of the current monarch of Great Britain. The modern version of the coin shows the portrait of King Charles III (which symbolizes the continuity and stability of the British monarchy). The reverse of the coin is decorated with the iconic image of St. George, who defeats the dragon. The reverse of the coin is decorated with the iconic image of St. George, who defeats the dragon, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Intriguing feature: The sovereign was not only the official unit of payment for centuries, but was also actively used outside the UK, making it an important element of international trade. This gives the sovereign added value as an investment object and part of historical heritage. 

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

• Composition: 99.99% gold (24 karats)

• Weight: Primarily 1 oz (about 31 g), but also available in 1/2 oz (about 15.55 g), 1/4 oz (about 7.76 g), 1/10 oz (about 3.11 g) and 1/20 oz (about 1.5 g)

• Diameter: 30 mm (for 1 oz)

• Denomination: 50 Canadian dollars (for 1 oz.)

Another popular gold coin is the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. This coin was first released in 1979 and since then has become a symbol of Canadian wealth and purity. The Maple Leaf is one of the purest gold coins in the world, highly estimated by collectors and investors.

Design: The obverse of the modern coin features the profile of King Charles III, emphasizing Canada's connection to the British monarchy. The reverse of the coin features the famous maple leaf (a symbol of Canada that celebrates the country's nature and national pride).

Surprising fact: The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf was the first gold coin to be minted with 99.99% gold purity. This makes it both a high quality investment asset and a collector's item. By the way, since 2013, micro engraving has been added to the coins to protect coins from counterfeiting and increase its value and safety for owners.

Gold Collectibles and Brilliant Opportunities: Investment Potential

Gold coins have always attracted the attention of collectors and investors due to their beauty and value. Among the many options, common gold coins occupy a special place in the market, investing in which can be an excellent investment decision. Below is a table with information about the outstanding gold coins, their investment appeal and approximate estimated value.

Collecting gold coins is not only about investing in physical gold but preserving the legacy of the ages. Each coin described is unique, and each is more than just a disk of precious metal. And for every collector it is highly important to identify and confirm the authenticity of coins to avoid counterfeiting. Here the Coin ID Scanner app can help, allowing users to quickly scan and identify coins and receive all the information they need. So, use modern tools for free coin identification and do not forget to get some historical knowledge to make your collecting process truly fun.

Sources:

1. https://www.providentmetals.com/knowledge-center/collectible-coins/7-popular-gold-coins.html

2. https://www.pimbex.com/article/top-9-most-popular-gold-coins-ever-made/