The most popular bullion coins — gold and silver

Bullion coins – both gold and silver – have been attracting the attention of investors and collectors around the world for years. They combine the value of precious metals with timeless design and global recognition, which is why they are among the most popular forms of capital investment. In this article, we take a closer look at the icons of the market and the features that have earned them the trust of investors for decades.

Table of contents

• What are bullion coins and why are they so popular?
• Icons of the global market—which coins reign supreme?
• What to look for when buying?
• Summary

What are bullion coins and why are they so popular?

Bullion coins are physical assets whose value is based primarily on their precious metal content, most often gold or silver. They are valued for their resistance to inflation and market turmoil, high liquidity, and ease of trading worldwide. For many investors, they are a "safe haven" and a convenient way to diversify.

The most important advantages of bullion coins: high liquidity, global recognition, transparent pricing, and long-term value stability. The simple, straightforward purchasing process makes them accessible even to beginners – especially when you buy from authorized distributors. Mennica Skarbowa is an official distributor of Perth Mint, as confirmed by the list of authorized partners on the Perth Mint website. This guarantees the origin, authenticity, and efficient fulfillment of orders.

Icons of the global market—which coins reign supreme?

The most recognizable ones include: Krugerrand (South Africa), American Eagle (USA), Canadian Maple Leaf (Canada), Australian Kangaroo (Australia), Britannia (Great Britain), and Vienna Philharmonic (Austria). They are all characterized by high minting quality, support from renowned national mints, and international acceptance, which means they are easy to resell.

Why is this important? In practice, it means a short transaction path, a market price close to spot + premium, and broad demand even outside the country of purchase.

Gold—stability, prestige, and ease of sale

Krugerrand – pioneer of the bullion market

The Krugerrand has been minted since 1967. Due to its durability, it has a fineness of .9167 (22 K), with an admixture of copper, but contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold – the difference boils down to total weight and greater scratch resistance.

Why do investors like it?

• over 50 years of history and global recognition,
• low susceptibility to damage thanks to the Au-Cu alloy,
• a very liquid secondary market.

American Gold Eagle – guaranteed by the US government

The American Gold Eagle is also .9167 (22 K) – 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper – which gives it a distinctive warm hue and greater durability. The coin is guaranteed by the US government for its gold content (AGW = 1 oz).

Advantages in practice:

• government guarantee (U.S. Mint),
• extensive availability in many denominations,
• a huge, mature market.

Canadian Maple Leaf – synonymous with purity and security

The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is 24-karat .9999 fine gold and features advanced security features: a micro-engraved maple leaf with the year and radiating background lines (Bullion DNA™). These are among the most secure coins in the world.

What do you gain?

• maximum purity of the metal,
• fast, secure authentication,
• global acceptability.

Australian Kangaroo (formerly Nugget) – variable stage, permanent rehearsal

The Perth Mint introduced the series in 1986; since 1989, the reverse has featured a kangaroo. The coin is minted from .9999 gold, and the annually changing motif increases its collectible appeal.

Silver: an affordable ticket to the world of precious metals

Britannia – the most "visually" secure coin

Today, the silver Britannia has a fineness of .999 (previously .958 until 2012). Since the 2021 issue, it has been equipped with a set of four security features: latent image (trident/padlock), micro-text, surface animation (animated waves), and tincture lines.

Why is this important? Lower risk of counterfeiting and higher market confidence – meaning easier resale.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra – European classics

The Silver Philharmonic (1 oz) has a fineness of .999 and a consistent, recognizable design of instruments on the reverse. It is one of the most popular coins in the EU – and the only European series with a euro denomination (legal tender in Austria). The Gold Philharmonic, on the other hand, is .9999 (24 K).

What to look for when buying?

• Recognizability and liquidity – stick to the main series (above), you will resell them faster.
• Assay and alloy – 24K (.9999) ≠ 22K (.9167). In 22K, you still have 1 oz of pure gold, but in a more durable alloy.
• Security features – Maple Leaf (radial lines, micro-engraving, DNA), Britannia (latent image, micro-text, etc.).
• A trusted distributor – buy from places with a guarantee of origin and certificates. Mennica Skarbowa is listed as an authorized distributor of Perth Mint.

Summary

If you are looking for the best coins to start with (or to expand your portfolio), go for global classics: Krugerrand, American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Kangaroo, Britannia, and Vienna Philharmonic. They offer the highest liquidity, recognition, and – thanks to modern security features – ease of verification. At Mennica Skarbowa, you can buy them with a guarantee of authenticity and a reliable supply chain.

Would you like to start now?

Contact a Mennica Skarbowa advisor or visit our branch – we will help you choose coins that suit your goals (e.g., regular purchases, building a gold core portfolio + exposure to silver, investment gifts).

This information is of a general nature only and should not be treated as investment advice within the meaning of applicable law. Investing in precious metals, among other things, may involve risk. Before making any investment decisions, it is recommended that you consult a financial advisor for an individual assessment of your investment options.