Gold Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand: Which Is Best for You?

Krugerrand or Maple Leaf? Both iconic coins are among the most popular gold investment vehicles, so there’s no wrong decision. While both coins are very similar, there are some key differences to keep in mind as you make your decision.

Endeavor Metals brings over 50 years of experience to the table. Our mission is to educate our audience to ensure they’re always 100% confident in their investments. The final decision is up to you, but we strive to be a reliable source of unbiased information.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose between two beloved coins. Let’s start the Gold Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand showdown!

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1. Historical Significance

From an investment standpoint, a coin’s history may not be the top priority. That said, many investors quickly turn into collectors after their first acquisition.

Starting a coin collection is a fun, rewarding, and potentially lucrative hobby, so a coin’s backstory is worth considering. Gold coins often become cherished keepsakes, and you may find that one resonates with you more than the other.

Krugerrand History

The Krugerrand is the most popular investment-grade gold bullion coin, with the American Gold Eagle and Canadian Gold Maple Leaf trailing closely behind. When it comes to the availability of the Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand, the Krugerrand is generally more common.

The reason why the Krugerrand is so ubiquitous is because it was the first investment-grade bullion coin made available to the public in the modern era. When deciding between the Krugerrand or Maple Leaf, consider that the Krugerrand is the original, classic gold coin.

In 1967, the South African Mint and Rand Refinery launched the Krugerrand as a way to promote South Africa’s gold industry and provide a vehicle for private gold ownership.

The Krugerrand took off like a rocket, and by the late 1970s, it accounted for 90% of the international gold coin market.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf History

As you learn about the history of the Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand, you’ll find that the Maple Leaf (and later other coins like the American Gold Eagle) was actually a response to the Krugerrand.

Although the Krugerrand was initially a huge success, South African apartheid policies led to economic boycotts of the country’s products. This presented an opportunity for other countries to launch their own investment-grade gold coins, igniting a modern gold rush.

In 1979, the Royal Canadian Mint set the stage for other gold coins when it launched the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf—the second investment-grade gold bullion coin.

2. Metal Composition and Purity

Both are gold coins, but there are some distinctions to keep in mind when weighing the pros and cons of the Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand.

The Canadian Maple Leaf is especially noteworthy in this area, as it’s composed of .9999 fine (99.99% pure or 24-karat) gold. If purity is a priority when selecting the Krugerrand or Maple Leaf, the Maple Leaf is the clear winner.

The Krugerrand is also unique in regards to purity, but in a different way. Although it’s composed of .9167% fine (91.67% pure or 22-karat) gold, the remaining 8.33% consists only of 8.33% copper.

Most gold bullion coins also contain small amounts of silver, which gives them the classic yellow-gold hue. In contrast, the Krugerrand’s higher copper concentration gives it its signature reddish glow.

3. Design

The eye appeal of the Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand is a matter of personal opinion. Both coins have stunning imagery and detail.

Otto Schultz designed the Krugerrand’s obverse with the portrait of Paul Kruger (a four-term South African president and the coin’s namesake). The reverse features a type of antelope called a springbok.

Walter Ott designed the Maple Leaf with a side profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and Canada’s official symbol, the maple leaf, on the reverse.

4. Weights

Both coins are available in the following sizes:

• 1/10 oz
• ¼ oz
• ½ oz
• 1 oz

If you’re interested in smaller coins, you have two other options when comparing the Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand. The Maple Leaf is also available in a 1/20 oz size for those who prefer incremental investing. It’s a great option if you’re seeking something smaller than 1/10 oz.The Krugerrand is technically available in a 1/50 oz size, but it’s important to note that this coin was only released in 2017 as a 50th-anniversary edition. Only 50,000 were minted, making it extremely rare and valuable.

‍5. Collectibility

Whether you buy a Krugerrand or Maple Leaf, you’re investing in gold first and foremost. They’re both widely available coins, so the standard releases don’t currently have significant value as collector’s items.

6. IRA Eligibility

One crucial distinction between the Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand is that Krugerrands aren’t IRA-allowable precious metals because they don’t meet the IRS’ minimum purity requirements of .995%. Maple Leafs are eligible for precious metals IRAs.

7. Liquidity

Technically, Krugerrands are more widespread, and thus, easier to buy and sell. That said, you’ll have no problem finding a buyer for either coin, should you decide to liquidate your holdings.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

We hope this comparison sheds some light on your decision as you navigate the best gold coins for investment.

If you’re still not sure how to proceed, get in touch for a free consultation with a precious metals specialist. We’ll be happy to provide personalized guidance on the Maple Leaf vs. Krugerrand. We can also introduce you to other gold products that might be a better fit.

Whether you decide to invest in gold coins, gold bars, or gold numismatics, you can count on us for competitive prices, superior customer service, and our industry-leading 7-day, 100% money-back guarantee, even if the gold market has a downturn.

Krugerrand or Maple Leaf? Either way, you can’t go wrong if you shop with us! Endeavor Metals is a Tier 1 US Mint precious metals dealer. Our glowing reviews say it all—we go above and beyond for our customers. Diversify into a time-tested store of value.