While we often discuss American coins, here at Provident Metals, we understand that there is a wealth of gold coins from around the world to appreciate. These foreign coins are just as much pieces of art as they are noteworthy precious metal coins. We are happy to carry these coins and are greatly pleased to be offering them to our customer base. Whether intending to collect these coins for yourself, offer them as a gift to a coin-collecting friend, or just give them a closer look to inspect how they compare to U.S. coins like the American Gold Eagle, these coins from around the world are worth your attention, time, and money. Here are just ten of our favorites produced by exceptional mints around the globe.
1. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
First produced by the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) in 1979, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. With that comes a stunning gold coin. Since its arrival four decades ago, the RCM has produced over 25 million troy ounces of this bullion coin, making it a staple among the world of numismatics. These coins are especially notable for the technology utilized by the RCM when minting them, using their newfound BULLION DNA technology to feature additional anti-counterfeiting protection methods, such as precision radial lines and precise engraving.
This beautiful coin not only shines, but its obverse and reverse are sure to get the attention of anyone taking a closer look at it. On the obverse, we see a right-profile view of Queen Elizabeth II as designed by Susanna Blunt; the reverse speaks truly to the Canadian character, with the iconic maple leaf engraved into its face, while also featuring a tiny, textured maple leaf as one of the enhanced security features added to this coin.
2. South African Gold Krugerrand
First minted in 1967, the South African Gold Krugerrand, named after Paul Kruger, the fifth and final president of the South African Republic, is a beautiful gold coin made from .9167 fine gold (22k). One of the first sovereign-minted gold coins from around the world, the Krugerrand has gained significant interest from those holding precious metals portfolios and IRAs, as they can be used to diversify accounts while also hedging against global inflation. The coin is stunning to look at, with its obverse featuring a portrait of Kruger and both an English and Afrikaans translation of “South Africa.” The reverse is just as beautiful, with a springbok antelope featured—the national symbol of South Africa.
3. Australian Gold Kangaroo
Another IRA-eligible coin from around the world, this coin is a commemoration to the iconic symbol of Australia. Introduced by the Perth mint in 1987, the Gold Kangaroo has been a favorite among investors and collectors. A cost-effective option for those interested in taking part in coin collecting, the Australian Gold Kangaroo is a great starting point for anyone interested in diversifying their portfolio or cracking open a new collection.
Made with .9999 fine gold, this coin’s obverse features Jody Clark’s portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem. The reverse features the iconic Red Kangaroo, the largest among the Kangaroo species, as designed by Dr. Stuart Devlin. Mid-hop and surrounded by a magnificent sunburst pattern, this coin is nothing short of beautiful. As an anti-theft feature, the Perth Mint also added a micro-laser engraving to the coin, with “Australian Kangaroo” engraved into its heading, only visible by a magnifying glass.
4. Australian Lunar Series
Another addition from the Perth Mint, this gold coin celebrates the Chinese Zodiac. First started in 1996 with the inaugural Year of the Mouse, the series went through the eventual years of all twelve Chinese Zodiac symbols: Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Once completing the 12 sign series, the Perth Mint restarted the process with a reinvention of their coins in 2008, beginning the Lunar II Series.
Struck from .9999 fine gold, these coins feature the reigning British Monarch on its obverse and the corresponding Chinese Zodiac symbol on its reverse. The 2019 version is in celebration of the Year of the Pig. This is a special addition to our list, as it is one of the coins from around the world celebratory of multiple cultures at once!
5. British Gold Britannia
A feature from The Royal Mint, this coin is a symbol of the United Kingdom’s heritage, symbolized by the Royal Arms—an image of strength and history of the royal monarchy. Depicted on a 1-ounce coin made of .9999 fine gold, this coin is recognizable to any citizen of the United Kingdom, as the Royal Arms is featured on all governmental documents, passports, and more.
The obverse of the coin featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, as portrayed by Jody Clark, and features the legend “ELIZABETH II, D.G. REG. F.D., 100 POUNDS.” The coin’s reverse features the Royal Arms, with a quartered shield representing each nation governed under the U.K., and the motto of the British Order of the Garter, “Honi soit qui mal y pense“ (“May he be shamed who thinks badly of it”), inscribed on the shield. Beneath, inscribed on a scroll, is the motto of the British monarchy, “Honi soit qui mal y pense“ (“God and my right”). A coin fitting for any U.K. citizen or lover of history.
6. Gold Queen’s Beast Series
Beginning in 2016, the British Royal Mint introduced a 10-design coin series to capture both the history and tradition of the monarchy, featuring the beasts correlating to each of the branches of the royal family’s long-standing heritage. Sculpted by James Woodford RA, and once lining Westminster Abbey, the Royal Mint decided to recreate the series on a new set of gold coins, bringing them to life once again with a new rendition.
Designs to be featured in the series include: The Lion of England, The Griffin of Edward III, The Red Dragon of Wales, The Unicorn of Scotland, The Black Bull of Clarence, The Falcon of the Plantagenets, The Yale of Beaufort, The White Lion of Mortimer, The White Horse of Hanover, and The White Greyhound of Richmond. A beautiful series to be collected in full, these are meant for any collectors of coins from around the world.
7. Mexican Gold Libertad
First minted in 1982 by the Mexico City Mint, Mexican Gold Libertad coins have steadily become a cost-effective option for gold investors and coin collectors. Produced from .999 fine gold, this coin is a nod to the Centenario gold coin that was struck from 1921 to 1947. The design of the coin has undergone barely any design changes since its 1982 introduction, with the obverse featuring Mexico’s national seal and the reverse showing the Angel of Independence standing between two volcanoes.
Not only is this a beautiful, high-quality coin that would fit perfectly in any precious metal investor’s portfolio or coin collector’s collection, it is a noteworthy coin for its monetary significance. The Gold Libertad is the only coin issued by a sovereign government that features no face value; however, the coin is still considered to be of official currency to the government—something that can’t be said of any other coins.
8. Mexican Gold Peso
Another production from the Mexico City Mint, Mexican Gold Peso coins began being minted back in 1921. Released in a variety of denominations and designs, each Gold Peso is made from .900 fine gold, alloyed with a remaining 10 percent of copper to make the coin sturdier and more durable—thus making it withstand heavy circulation as a piece of national currency.
While each Gold Peso features its own specific designs, each shares a common obverse: the Mexican Coat of Arms: an eagle perched atop a cactus with a snake clasped within its beak. Above the Mexican Coat of Arms is the inscription “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS.” The reverse of each Gold Peso has a symbol that is relevant to Mexico’s rich history and mythos. In the case of the 20 Gold Pesos, the ancient Aztec calendar Cuauhxicalli is featured. Its significance rests in the fact that this calendar was believed to be first carved in 1479. As an added fun fact: the Mexican Gold Peso was considered to be the purest gold coin produced in the world prior to the release of the South African Gold Krugerrand in 1967.
9. Chinese Gold Panda
Minted in several locations throughout the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Gold Panda coins are wonderfully crafted coins that come in a variety of denominations, including: 500 yuan (1-oz of pure gold), 200 yuan (1/2-oz of pure gold), 100 yuan (1/4-oz of pure gold, and 50 yuan (1/10-oz of pure gold). Concerning coins from around the world, this is one of the few that will likely garner the attention of anyone who sees it, as almost everyone is pleased by the sight of China’s most prized symbol, the panda bear.
Since 1982, these .999 gold bullion coins have been prized by collectors and investors alike. Over the years, the coins have seen their fair share of design changes, but more often than not they have featured a mother panda bear cradling one of her babies as she looks at it with love and adoration. Against their backdrop is a large mountain range, one that is a depiction of China’s great highlands. Opposite of the panda bear and her cub is the depiction of the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s oldest Taoist temples, surrounded by the Chinese inscription of “People’s Republic of China.”
10. Austrian Gold Philharmonic
For the last on this list, we are featuring a coin produced within Austria! Their amazing Gold Philharmonic coins are a testament not only to the highly celebrated Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra but to Austria’s reputation for making some of the finest gold coins. The coin’s obverse features the symbol of the Vienna Philharmonic, the defining aspect of Austria’s rich classical music history.
Featuring the Great Organ found within the famous Golden Hall, this coin is a symbol of the beautiful music to have been both written and performed within Austria’s capital. Above the organ reads the inscription of the country’s title, “Republik Osterreich.” The reverse of the coin features many of the instruments to be expectantly found when viewing a production by the Philharmonic, including a french horn, harp, cello, bassoon, and four violins. An inscription near the instruments reads “Wiener Philharmoniker.”
All of these are a testament to the expert minting processes that produce high-quality coins from around the world. Each is unique to their place of origin—the culture they exhibit and the history they represent. There is something to be said about the history each of these coins carries and the way that they connect us as a people. They are a reminder that as investors or collectors, we are all interested for specific reasons and that our own backgrounds, while different, can come together under specific circumstances to speak with one another over an interest in similar topics. Together, we can look at the vast array of coins from around the world and appreciate them for their craft, their history, and their ingenuity. And that is nothing short of amazing.
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