In the lustrous world of bullion coins, a few stand out as stunning shining examples of artistry and craftsmanship. Each coin tells a unique story of its designer’s vision and skill, from the iconic American Eagle to the regal Canadian Maple Leaf. The legendary designs of Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Adolph A. Weinman still dazzle collectors today, while the contemporary creations of Ing Ing Jong and Martin Jennings capture the spirit of our times. Whether you’re a numismatic enthusiast or a savvy investor, the most popular gold bullion coins will inspire and impress. So please take a moment to savor their beauty and wonder, and let the timeless magic of precious metal transport you to a world of endless possibilities.
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American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle is a convenient and cost-effective investment option for those looking to add physical gold to their portfolios. These gold coins come in various sizes, while silver, platinum, and palladium coins are only available in the one-ounce size. The American Eagle Coin Program started in 1986, offering gold and silver coins, and later expanded to include platinum and palladium. The coins showcase stunning American Eagle and Walking Liberty designs by renowned sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Adolph A. Weinman, respectively.
Designer Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a mastermind of the 19th-century American era, was born in Ireland but later pursued his studies in art, history, and philosophy across the US and Europe. His fame soared after the Civil War when he created numerous iconic monuments such as The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, Admiral David Farragut monument, and Abraham Lincoln: The Head of State. However, Augustus did not just create the American Eagle but other legitimate currencies. Despite being a renowned sculptor, few know he designed coins, including the $10 Indian Head Gold coin and the authentic American Eagle currency.
Gold Maple Leaf Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint finds inspiration in the unique wildlife of their country. Their popular products include the Gold Maple Leaf Coin, which they started producing in 1979 with .999 fineness. Its design displays the Canadian Maple Leaf on its reverse and Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse. They also offer fractional ounces like 1/2 oz and 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz. As a result, the coin’s worth fluctuates according to the price of gold. In addition, the RCM added security features to the coin in 2013 and 2015, including textured maple leaf and laser-micro-engraved radial lines on both sides.
Designer Walter Ott: Walter Ott, an Austrian-trained Master Engraver, artist, and designer, recently passed away at the age of 100. He brought his exceptional skills to Canada in 1952 and joined the Engraving Department at the Royal Canadian Mint in 1964. Walter served as Chief Engraver and Director of Art from 1977 until he retired in 1985. He created over 1000 coins and medals, but his proudest achievement was the Canadian Gold Bullion Maple Leaf he designed and modeled.
Gold Philharmonic Series
In 1989, The Austrian Mint crafted the Gold Philharmonic Series to honor the famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Initially worth 2,000 schillings, it now has a face value of €100. The coin comes in various sizes, including fractional options and Silver and Platinum versions. In addition, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, a 20 oz .9999 fine Gold Philharmonic was introduced.
Gold Philharmonic Design: The Gold Philharmonic’s artistic scheme takes inspiration from the magnificent pipe organ housed in Vienna Musikverein’s Golden Hall, featuring the instrument’s intricate design on the obverse and a diverse range of musical apparatus on the reverse, such as the cello, violin, harp, Vienna horn, and bassoon.
Gold Philharmonic Designer: Thomas Pesendorfer, a celebrated designer in the realm of coins, has dedicated his life to the appreciation and study of numismatics for over 50 years. With his unrivaled expertise in Austrian coins, he has become one of the most respected dealers in the industry. Thomas has authored several vital catalogs, including “Die Münzen der Habsburgermonarchie 1524-1918” and “Die Münzen der Republik Österreich seit 1919”. Along with his cataloging work, he has contributed significantly to understanding Austrian coin history. His outstanding contributions have earned him the 2022 COTY Lifetime Achievement Award, an esteemed recognition for individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the coin-collecting and numismatic community.
Chinese Gold Pandas
Since 1982, various Chinese mints have produced Chinese Gold Pandas made of .999 fine gold. However, the preference of the international market for metric system sizes led to the coins being minted in gram sizes in 2016, replacing the previous troy-ounce sizes. As a result, gold Pandas come in various sizes, from 1 oz to 1/20 oz, and even larger sizes, such as 5 oz, 12 oz, and 1 kilo.
The obverse design features the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, while the reverse design changes annually, depicting the adorable panda. The absence of mint marks from Chinese mints means that minor variations in design and style are used to identify the mint’s origin, and the obverse design changes less frequently than the reverse.
Tong Fang, a Chinese coin designer: Tong Fang, a talented Chinese coin designer, has crafted exquisite and unique designs for the Chinese Panda Series. One of her latest works, the 2023 China 30-gm Silver Panda NGC MS70 w/Tong Fang Signature Label, depicts a delightful scene of two playful young Panda bears frolicking in a tree. Fang’s exceptional designs, including her reverse design for the 2019 Panda coins and the Panda side of the 2017 35th Anniversary bimetallic medal, are popular among collectors. The charming and whimsical design of the 2023 Panda coin is another masterpiece from Tong Fang.
British Gold Britannia
The exquisite Britannia Series is the official gold bullion coin of Great Britain, renowned for its rich history and striking beauty. The coin features the iconic female personification of Britain, whose roots can be traced back over two millennia. Introduced by the Royal Mint in 1987, the Gold Britannia has since become a timeless classic reinvented yearly. The Britannia image first graced British coinage in 1672 and enjoyed a resurgence in the early 18th century following the unification of England and Scotland.
Gold Britannia reverse side designer: The reverse side of the Britannia coin is a breathtaking masterpiece created by renowned designer Philip Nathan. His interpretation of Britannia is a commanding figure symbolizing British power and maritime might. She wields a trident in her right hand while an olive branch and a shield decorated with the Union Jack are held in her left.
Obverse Design and its designers: The obverse side features the elegant effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, depicted by three notable designers: Raphael Maklouf, Ian Rank-Broadley, and Jody Clark. The 2023 Britannia Coins pay homage to the new monarch, King Charles III, whose effigy was crafted by Martin Jennings.
Australian Gold Kangaroo
Behold the illustrious Gold Kangaroo, a remarkable collection of gold bullion coins expertly crafted by The Perth Mint in Western Australia since 1986. Each year, a distinct kangaroo design is featured on the reverse side, while an effigy of the majestic Queen Elizabeth II graces the obverse side. The coin’s design has undergone a magnificent transformation, transitioning from a simple hopping kangaroo with the mintage year to a dynamic depiction of a kangaroo in motion, set against a backdrop of glorious sunlight rays. Except for 1987-1989, every year showcases a brand new design, a unique testament to Australia’s unwavering creativity.
Australian Gold Kangaroo Designers: The Gold Kangaroo has been fashioned by various illustrious designers over the years. The incomparable Stuart Devlin birthed the original design, renowned for his brilliant work on the Australian decimal coinage. The recent design was attributed to Aleysha Howarth, a distinguished Australian artist, and designer. Ing Ing Jong, a brilliant designer, has added a new dimension to the Kangaroo’s splendor, showcasing her unparalleled artistry in the design of the 2023 Australia 1 oz Gold Kangaroo.
Mexican Gold Libertad Coins
The Mexican Gold Libertad Coins are well-known gold bullion coins hailing from Mexico. The inaugural Mexican Libertad Gold Coin was issued in 1981, and Silver Libertad Coin and Gold Libertad Coin variations are now available. The Mexican Mint, also known as La Casa de Moneda de México, produces these exquisite coins in various sizes ranging from 1/20 to 1 troy ounce weights of .999 gold bullion.
The obverse of these coins features the famous Winged Victoria symbolizing Mexican pride, standing atop the Mexican Independence Victory Column with the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl in the background. In addition, the reverses highlight the different coats of arms that Mexico has used throughout history, with the current Mexican coat of arms at the center.
Mexican Gold Libertad Coins designer: Although the designer’s name is unknown, the Mexican Mint has meticulously produced these coins based on the famous legend of Princess Iztaccíhuatl.
Swiss Gold Franc
The Swiss franc has a rich history in Switzerland, with various changes in its denomination over time. One of the most beloved designs is the Helvetia, or Vreneli, range of gold coins. 20 Francs Gold Coins feature the stunning Helvetia design, which depicts the female personification of Switzerland gazing into the distance with the Swiss landscape behind her. The reverse side showcases the Swiss shield adorned with oak leaves. The Swiss government guarantees each coin contains .1867 troy oz of pure gold with a face value of 20 Francs.
Swiss Gold Franc Designer: Fritz Landry, an engraver from Neuchâtel, designed the Vreneli coin for the Federal Mint between 1897 and 1949. His artistic work includes medals, reliefs, and small bronze figures inspired by social themes. The Vreneli broke with the conventional style of Swiss coins and is known as a national symbol of Switzerland.
