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What Coins Are Made of Pure Gold?

Although gold coins have a stamped value, that amount is far less than their total value. To put it mildly, you wouldn't want to accidentally use one at the grocery store! Gold coins are typically minted in limited editions, and they're purchased for investment purposes. Many countries mint new editions of their gold coins every few years. So you might be wondering, what coins are made of pure gold? To stay abreast of newcomers you'll want to check out the mint for the country you're interested in.

American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins
- According to the United States Mint website, bullion coins are created from gold mines in the United States. They come in four different denominations including: one-tenth ounce, one-quarter ounce, one-half ounce and one ounce. The cost is based on the current market price of gold. The U.S. Mint doesn't sell American Eagle Bullions directly to the public. You must go through a coin dealer to purchase one.
American Buffalo 24-Karat Gold Coins
- The American Buffalo gold coin is the first .9999 pure 24-karat gold coin created by the U.S. Mint. In fact it's the only investment grade bullion coin that's guaranteed by the U.S. government for purity, weight and content. The stamped value of this coin is $50. The U.S. doesn't sell these to the public either. You'll need to locate a coin dealer either locally or on a website like eBay.
Red Maple Gold Coin
- The Royal Canadian Mint began distribution of the Red Maple Gold coin in 2009. It's a 1/25 ounce, 99.99 percent pure gold coin, with a mintage of 15,000. The front of the coin features Queen Elizabeth II, and the back has two maple leaves. The symbolic value of the Red Maple is 50 cents, but in 2010 the Royal Canadian Mint was selling it for CAD$99.95.
Vienna Philharmonic
- Yes, the Vienna Philharmonic is a world-famous orchestra. It's also a 24-karat gold coin from the Austrian Mint. The World Gold Council dubbed the Vienna Philharmonic the world's best selling coin in 1992, 1995 and 1996. This 24-karat gold coin shows the design of several musical instruments as played in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

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