1 oz Krugerrand 1981
First introduced to the market in the late 1960s, the 1oz Krugerrand coin is one of the most popular coins among investors and collectors around the world.
In 1981, the South African Mint issued a limited version of the coin minted in 22-carat solid gold, weighing one ounce of pure gold. The purpose of the coin was to help the South African gold market to grow and flourish again. As a result of apartheid, Western countries began to boycott South African products, including its gold. This led to a sharp drop in sales figures, prompting the South African Mint to introduce the 1 oz Krugerrand coin.
The name of the coin is a combination of the two words “Kruger” (the former president of South Africa) and Rand, the currency of South Africa.
Indeed, on the obverse of the coin is represented the first president of South Africa, Paul Kruger. Otto Schulz, the German engraver behind the design, depicts a portrait of Kruger that offers us his left profile. It is important to note that his portrait has appeared on the obverse of Krugerrand coins since 1967.
There are two inscriptions on this obverse, the name of the country "South Africa" written in Afrikaans "Suid Afrika" and in English "South Africa". These inscriptions, written in the two official languages of the country, crown the top of the coin.
On the reverse of the coin is depicted a Springbok antelope, the country's national animal. This animal is known for its dizzying leaps when it feels in danger. The name 'Springbok' literally means 'jumping goat'. This design, by renowned South African sculptor Coert Steynberg, depicts the graceful animal in action, roaming the savannah. There are multiple inscriptions on the reverse of this coin, including its composition and weight "FYNGOUD 1 OZ FINE GOLD", again written in Afrikaans and English. Below and to the right of the animal are the initials CLS of the sculptor (Coert Laurens Steynberg). Finally, the year of minting, 1981, is visually divided into two, with '19' to the left of the antelope and '81' to its right.
The Krugerrands are 22 carat gold but weigh more than a troy ounce and therefore contain exactly 1 troy once of fine 24 carat gold. It is struck in a more durable copper-gold alloy that is often referred to as "crown gold" because it was used in the production of English gold sovereigns, among others.
The Krugerrand is one of the most popular bullion coins in the world, having accounted for approximately 90% of the global gold coin market since 1980. The coin is synonymous with quality and reliability. By purchasing the 1 oz Krugerrand 1981 you will also buy a bit of history.