Buy Gold Coins by Series – The World's Most Popular Bullion Coin Collections
The series a gold coin belongs to tells you who minted it, what design tradition it carries, and how easily it can be resold anywhere in the world. At CelticGold, every series available comes from a government-authorised mint and is fully VAT-exempt as investment gold. Whether you are drawn to the timeless Krugerrand, the annually changing Kangaroo, or the intricate designs of the Lunar III, each series has its own character and collector appeal alongside its investment credentials.
The Most Popular Gold Coin Series at CelticGold
Krugerrand
The Krugerrand, introduced in South Africa in 1967, was the world's first modern bullion coin designed specifically for private investors. It remains the most widely held gold coin globally. Struck in 22-carat gold (917/1000 fineness) with a copper alloy that makes it notably scratch-resistant, the Krugerrand features the portrait of President Paul Kruger on the obverse and the iconic springbok antelope on the reverse. Available in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz.
Maple Leaf
The Canadian Maple Leaf, first minted in 1979 by the Royal Canadian Mint, was the first gold coin struck in 999.9/1000 fine gold. It features the iconic maple leaf on the reverse and a portrait of the reigning monarch on the obverse. Since 2013, the Maple Leaf has incorporated a laser-engraved micro-security feature — a radial pattern and a maple leaf privy mark visible under magnification — making it one of the most counterfeit-resistant bullion coins in the world. Available from 1/20 oz to 1 oz.
Vienna Philharmonic
The Austrian Vienna Philharmonic, produced by the Austrian Mint since 1989, is the best-selling gold coin in Europe and one of the top three globally. Struck in 999.9/1000 fine gold and carrying legal tender status in euros, it depicts the famous pipe organ of the Vienna Philharmonic concert hall on the reverse and a collection of orchestral instruments on the obverse. Available in sizes from 1/25 oz to 1 oz.
American Eagle
The US American Eagle, issued by the United States Mint since 1986, is the official gold bullion coin of the United States. Like the Krugerrand, it is struck in 22-carat gold (917/1000), using an alloy of gold, silver, and copper for durability. The obverse shows Augustus Saint-Gaudens' classic Walking Liberty design; the reverse features a family of bald eagles. Available from 1/10 oz to 1 oz.
Kangaroo
The Australian Kangaroo, struck by the Perth Mint, features a new kangaroo design each year — making it attractive to both investors and collectors. Struck in 999.9/1000 fine gold and backed by the statutory guarantee of the Government of Western Australia, each coin comes with an individual assay certificate. Available from 1/10 oz to 1 oz and beyond.
Britannia
The British Britannia, produced by the Royal Mint since 1987, features the iconic standing figure of Britannia — one of the most recognisable images in British numismatics. Since 2013, it has been struck in 999.9/1000 fine gold and incorporates advanced security features including a surface hologram and a latent image. The Britannia is popular across Europe for its elegant design and strong security credentials. Available from 1/10 oz to 1 oz.
Lunar III
The Lunar III series from the Perth Mint celebrates the Chinese Zodiac, releasing a new animal design each year across a 12-year cycle. The third Lunar series began in 2020 with the Year of the Mouse and is renowned for its exceptional artistic quality and rich colour detail in the collector versions. Struck in 999.9/1000 fine gold, Lunar III coins are sought by both investors and dedicated collectors of Australian mint issues. Available from 1/4 oz to 1 oz.
Somalia Elephant
The Somalia Elephant is one of the most popular annual design series in the bullion world. Issued under the legal authority of Somalia but produced by the Bavarian State Mint in Germany, it features a new African elephant design each year on the reverse. The coins are struck in 999.9/1000 fine gold and are particularly popular among collectors who follow the annual design changes. Available in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz.
Libertad
The Mexican Libertad, struck by the Casa de Moneda de México — one of the oldest mints in the Americas — features the iconic Winged Victory (Angel of Independence) on the obverse. The Libertad is produced in 999.9/1000 fine gold and has a dedicated international collector following due to its lower mintage figures compared to mainstream bullion coins.
China Panda
The China Panda, issued by the People's Bank of China since 1982, is one of the most collected gold coin series in the world. It features a new giant panda design on the reverse each year (with the exception of 2001 and 2002), making every annual issue unique. Since 2016, the Panda has been issued in metric weights (30 g = 1 oz equivalent) in 999.9/1000 fine gold.
Myths and Legends
The Myths and Legends series from the Perth Mint brings iconic figures from world mythology to life in finely detailed gold coin form. Each issue in this collectible series celebrates a different legendary character, making it a popular choice for those who combine investment with a passion for history and storytelling.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Coin Series
Which gold coin series is the most liquid?
The Krugerrand, Maple Leaf, and Vienna Philharmonic are the three most liquid gold coin series globally, accepted by virtually every bullion dealer and bank without a price discount.
Are annual design coins harder to sell?
No. Coins with annually changing designs — such as the Kangaroo, Lunar III, or Somalia Elephant — are fully accepted by all major dealers. Earlier years sometimes command a collector premium.
What is the difference between 917/1000 and 999.9/1000 gold coins?
917/1000 (22 karat) coins such as the Krugerrand and American Eagle contain a small copper alloy that makes them more scratch-resistant. 999.9/1000 coins are pure fine gold and slightly softer — but both contain the same declared fine gold weight and are equally VAT-exempt.
Can I sell my gold coins back to CelticGold?
Yes. CelticGold offers competitive buy-back prices for all major series. Details are available on our sell to CelticGold page.
