Best Gold Coins to Buy: Top Picks for Investment in 2025

Gold coins always attract the attention of collectors and investors because of their unique features, appeal, and historical significance. Each is a witness of an era, a symbol of culture, an element of power. Here, we would like to highlight the sought-after, valuable, and most popular old gold coins that deserve a place in any collection.

The Majesty of Gold: Iconic Coins from Around the World

For centuries, gold coins were symbols of wealth, power, and economic influence at any time and for any nation. They passed from hand to hand as part of historical events that changed the world. Collecting these provides an opportunity to make a significant profitable investment and feel connected to past ages. What is the best gold to buy? Let us see.

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 a figure of Lady Liberty with a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other, standing against a shining rising sun. The majestic eagle depicted on the reverse soars above the sun's rays, symbolizing the country's strength, independence, and freedom.

Did you know that 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. One such instance was sold at auction in 2002 for a record $7.59 million dollars, being the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. In 2021, another specimen was 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 when popularity, investment value, and significance increased over time. The Russian chervonets issued in the Soviet Union in 1923 are among the best gold coins to buy for investment. 

Design: The obverse depicts the emblem of the Soviet Union, i.e. a hammer and sickle surrounded by a wreath of wheat ears. The reverse shows a figure of a sower throwing grain against the rising sun and factories.

Fascinating detail: The coin was not immediately recognized. Few newly minted coins entered domestic circulation, and despite high mintage numbers, only a small number have survived to this day. Most of the coins were melted back into gold bars and minted into other denominations.

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 best gold coins for investment, began in 1967. The coin's name combines that of former South African President Paul Kruger with the national 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.

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, why not focus on Great Britain, the country that presented one of the most famous golden creations - the British Sovereign? The issue of this legendary instance began in 1489 by order of King Henry VII. 

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. The reverse of the coin is decorated with the iconic image of St. George, who defeats the dragon. 

Intriguing feature: The sovereign 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 instance that belongs to the most popular gold coins is the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. This was first released in 1979 and since then has become a symbol of Canadian wealth and purity. 

Design: The obverse of the modern issues features the profile of King Charles III. The reverse demonstrates 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 minted with 99.99% purity. Since 2013, micro-engraving has been used to prevent counterfeiting and boost the coins’ security and collector value.

Gold Collectibles and Brilliant Opportunities: Investment Potential

Old gold coins for sale have always attracted the attention of collectors and investors due to their beauty and value. Among the many options, common gold creations occupy a special place in the market, investing in which can be a wise decision. 

For every collector, it is important to identify and confirm the authenticity of coins to avoid counterfeiting. Here is when Coin ID Scanner can help, allowing users to quickly scan and identify coins and receive the information they need. So, use modern tools for free coin identification and explore the process to make collecting more enjoyable.