Gold coins have always
represented the ultimate in wealth and prestige. For collectors, no other metal can match
the quality and lustre of coins struck in the finest gold.
The discovery of the main
gold reef in 1886 in Johannesburg forever changed the history of South Africa. This
beautiful and warm shimmering gold not only captured the imagination of our country but
also the world. |
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| Today, the Krugerrand is the
South African brand name that people associate with gold from South Africa. In fact, the
Krugerrand is rated as one of the top 300 brands in the world. The design of the Krugerrand was based on historical
coins in South Africa. The obverse depicts the bust of President Paul Kruger who was
President of the ZAR (Zuid Afrika Republiek - the previous Transvaal province of South
Africa) at the time that the gold was discovered. The design on the reverse depicts a
prancing springbok, which is synonymous with South Africa. The Krugerrand is minted in the
traditional 22 carat gold and is available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10 oz coins. The
Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 pushed gold to $800 an ounce and the surge in the
price prompted the introduction of the fractionals (½, ¼ and 1/10) in 1980 to broaden
the level of gold ownership and the forerunner of the Kruger Set.
Over 55 million Krugerrands have been sold
to date all over the world. Krugerrands are quoted in dollars and in S.A they have proven
to be one of the premiere currency hedges. As the R/ $ exchange rates has depreciated over
the years, Krugerrands have reached their highest price of R8800. Together with gold at a
25 year high, Krugerrands have proven to be an outstanding store of value and investment. |