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    South African Gold Krugerrand Rounds: History, Value, and Design

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    • Hey everyone, just stumbled across this article on Gold Krugerrands: The South African Gold Krugerrand Rounds: History, Value, and Design .
    • My grandpa actually had a few he passed down, so there's a bit of sentimentality there too.
    • What really resonated with me is their history as the first created specifically for private investment.
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    Hey everyone, just stumbled across this article on Gold Krugerrands: The South African Gold Krugerrand Rounds: History, Value, and Design. It's a pretty solid read, especially for anyone new to physical gold or even those of us who've been stacking for a while but want a refresher on these iconic coins. I know for me, Krugerrands were one of the first physical gold investments I made back in the day, mostly because of their reputation as the "original" modern gold bullion coin. My grandpa actually had a few he passed down, so there's a bit of sentimentality there too.

    What really resonated with me is their history as the first created specifically for private investment. It's easy to forget that before these, many gold coins were more for circulation or numismatic value. For my own portfolio, I've always tried to keep a portion in physical gold as a hedge, especially given the current economic climate and my own retirement goals. It's a tangible asset that feels a bit more secure than just digital numbers sometimes, you know? The fact that they're 91.67% pure gold is also a good reminder of their durability, something I appreciate when thinking about long-term holds.

    I'd love to hear what you all think. Do any of you primarily invest in Krugerrands, or do you lean more towards other types of bullion like Eagles or Maples? Have you ever had any issues buying or selling them? Always interested in hearing about others' experiences and how these coins fit into your own long-term wealth strategies. Let's get a good discussion going!

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    41 comments

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    maria_campbell📊Growing (50-100k)
    Great thread! It's always good to see more discussion about physical gold. When I did my 401k rollover into a gold IRA a few years back, the Krugerrand was definitely on my radar. Ended up diversifying with some American Gold Eagles and Canadian Maples too, but the historical significance of the Krugerrand is undeniable. For anyone in Boise considering bolstering their retirement savings with precious metals, don't overlook the potential tax advantages of a self-directed IRA. My portfolio, in the $75k range now, has really benefited from that choice.

    Comments (41)

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    steven_mitchell🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    This is great info! I'm just getting into gold IRAs, and Krugerrands keep popping up. When I was looking at different options, the Tax Calculator at https://tax.goldirablueprint.com/?forum showed me exactly how much I could save on taxes with physical gold in an IRA, and it's making me seriously consider adding some diversity to my portfolio beyond just stocks. Are these really the best bet for a tangible asset given their history, or should I be looking at other coins too? Just trying to get my bearings here in Cleveland.

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    joseph_harris📊Growing (50-100k)about 1 month ago

    Awesome thread, this is right up my alley. I inherited a couple of these from my grandfather back in 2018 when I first started getting serious about diversifying my retirement. He bought them back in the late 70s, and they've been a really solid performer in my Gold IRA. It's funny, every time I see their distinctive reddish hue, I'm reminded of his stories about the gold boom and how he almost bought a whole stack more from some dealer on Murfreesboro Road back then. Sure wish he had!

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    timothy_reed💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Great overview of the Krugerrand's history! I've been holding a few of these in my Gold IRA since 2018 when I diversified out of some tech stocks. One thing I've always wondered, though, is how their premium typically compares to, say, a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, particularly when considering larger purchases like 10oz at a time from a dealer in, say, Milwaukee?

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    maria_campbell📊Growing (50-100k)✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    Great thread! It's always good to see more discussion about physical gold. When I did my 401k rollover into a gold IRA a few years back, the Krugerrand was definitely on my radar. Ended up diversifying with some American Gold Eagles and Canadian Maples too, but the historical significance of the Krugerrand is undeniable. For anyone in Boise considering bolstering their retirement savings with precious metals, don't overlook the potential tax advantages of a self-directed IRA. My portfolio, in the $75k range now, has really benefited from that choice.

    10
    jennifer_martinez💰Established (100-250k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    As much as I appreciate the historical significance of the Krugerrand, and trust me, I've got a few among my holdings here in Miami, I'm finding myself increasingly leaning towards American Eagles for their exemption from capital gains tax. It’s a perspective that definitely gets some raised eyebrows from the purists, but when you're looking at a 200k+ portfolio, that tax advantage just makes more sense for long-term wealth preservation.

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    michael_anderson🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    This was a great breakdown of the Krugerrand's history and enduring value. I've been eyeing a few more for my IRA to complement the Canadian Maple Leafs and American Gold Eagles I've already got. For those of us with a chunk of our portfolio already in physical gold, particularly through a Gold IRA custodian, what's been your experience with premium differences on Krugerrands versus, say, Eagles or Maple Leafs when both buying and potentially liquidating through a custodian? Are the fluctuations generally consistent, or do you see more volatility in the Krugerrand's premium?

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    diane_bailey💰Established (100-250k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    @Michael Anderson -- Fascinating thread, especially your mention of diversifying within gold. I'm pretty new to the Gold IRA world, just started one earlier this year with about $150k, mostly in Eagles and some Canadian...stuff (still learning the lingo beyond "gold coin," ha!). I'm curious, what's your reasoning for adding Krugerrands specifically when you already hold Eagles and Maples? Are there particular numismatic advantages, or is it more about cost basis or market access? Trying to soak up all the knowledge I can here down in Savannah.

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    christopher_young🌟Ultra (5m+)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    @Steven Mitchell - That tax calculator link is interesting, always good to see new tools popping up. Regarding Krugerrands, you're right, they pop up a lot in discussions about gold IRAs. I started really getting into metals back in the late 90s, after the dot-com bubble started looking suspiciously frothy from my vantage point in Scottsdale. Back then, premiums on Krugerrands were often a bit lower than Eagles, making them a solid go-to for building up my physical allocation. They've held their own, but don't overlook the slightly less common options once you've got your core holdings established; diversification goes beyond just gold versus silver.

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    janet_cook📊Growing (50-100k)about 1 month ago

    It's fascinating how the Krugerrand's initial *lack* of a face value was actually a genius move for investors. Back when I bought my first few ounces in 2018 for a little under $1,300 an ounce, that pure gold content, free from currency fluctuations on the coin itself, was a big selling point. It’s a pure gold play, which, being from Providence, I appreciate – reminds me of the old maritime trade, just in physical form.

    3
    betty_king📊Growing (50-100k)about 1 month ago

    @Maria Campbell - Absolutely, a great point about the Krugerrand. While its history and widespread recognition are undeniable, I personally opted for American Gold Eagles when I rolled over a good chunk of my old 401k – roughly $80,000 – into a Gold IRA back in 2021. Living here in Raleigh, NC, I liked the idea of knowing my physical holdings were recognized and fully backed by the U.S. government, which felt like an extra layer of peace of mind, especially with the volatile market at the time. It really boils down to individual preference and what specific factors bring you the most comfort in your precious metals investing.

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    catherine_bell🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Good read! I've held a few Krugerrands in my portfolio for years now, actually picked up a small batch of 1oz coins back in 2018 when the spot price dipped. Really appreciate the liquidity; it's a huge plus to know if I needed to offload some, almost any reputable dealer would snap them up in a heartbeat. Spokane has a couple of solid coin shops that always carry them.

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    charles_lewis💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    While the Krugerrand certainly holds a significant place in gold history, I've personally opted for AGEs and Canadian Maples in my own IRA, particularly over the last decade. My main reservation stems from the lower purity of the Krugerrand. Given the current global economic uncertainties and the long-term hold strategy for my family's future – aiming for another 15-20 years minimum – I prioritize the highest possible gold content for capital preservation. I actually had a conversation with a reputable dealer in the Philly area about this a few years back when I was first building out my ~750k allocation; they echoed similar sentiments about liquidity, even if the difference is marginal for smaller transactions. It's a healthy debate, though, as many investors certainly value the Krugerrand's historical significance and lower premium.

    3
    paul_hill🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    It's fascinating to read about the Krugerrand's history, especially how it was initially designed to help the average person own gold. I actually bought a few of them through my Gold IRA back when I first diversified about five years ago, right when I was living in downtown Salt Lake and decided to move about half my 401k. The design really grew on me, and seeing the springbok on the back always reminds me of why I got into precious metals in the first place – a tangible asset, totally separate from the stock market roller coaster.

    1
    david_brown💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    This was a fantastic overview, particularly the detail on the initial design changes. I'm curious, for those of us holding older Krugerrands, perhaps from the late 70s or early 80s, have you seen any particular trends in their secondary market value compared to more recent strikes, beyond just the spot price of gold? Are certain mintage years more sought after by collectors, similar to how some older American Gold Eagles have a premium?

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    helen_turner💰Established (100-250k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    My first foray into physical gold was actually a few Krugerrands back in '08, right before everything went sideways. I was watching the news about the housing market and just had this gut feeling I needed something tangible, something that wasn't tied to the banks. Living here in Louisville, it wasn't exactly easy finding a reputable local dealer for something like that back then, but I eventually tracked down a place about an hour south. I ended up converting about 10% of my retirement savings – maybe $25k at the time – into those beautiful coins. Best decision I ever made, seriously. It made navigating the next few years so much less stressful, just knowing a portion of my wealth was secure outside the system. When I decided to diversify further into a Gold IRA a few years later, finding out what *types* of gold were eligible felt like a whole new headache. Pro tip: use the Eligibility Checker first - saved me a lot of hassle.

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    linda_taylor📊Growing (50-100k)✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    Totally agree with your breakdown on the Krugerrand – especially its historical significance! It was actually the first gold coin I picked up for my Gold IRA a few years back, right around when I started looking into diversifying away from tech stocks here in Seattle. Remember feeling a real sense of tangible security holding it after years of just digital assets.

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    carol_carter💰Established (100-250k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Interesting dive into the Krugerrand's history, but I've always found the lack of a face value to be a bit... odd, especially for newer precious metal investors. While its intrinsic value is solid, in my personal experience here in Omaha dealing with local dealers, it sometimes causes a slight hesitation compared to something like a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf or American Gold Eagle when it comes to quick resale or understanding the premium. It's a small detail, but when you're moving a segment of your portfolio, even the slightest friction matters.

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    karen_robinson💼Starter (0-50k)about 1 month ago

    @Steven Mitchell That tax calculator link is slick, thanks for sharing! I've been doing a lot of deep dives into the gold IRA world here in Columbus, and Krugerrands definitely seem like a solid option. One thing that's been on my mind, though, regarding the *tax implications* mentioned in the article – do those tax rules generally apply the same way to other common, eligible gold coins like American Gold Eagles, or are there nuances specific to Krugerrands that I should be aware of when it comes to capital gains or distribution taxes down the line?

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    william_davis💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Been looking into these Krugerrands after seeing how they perform relative to other coins. I'm just starting my Gold IRA journey and trying to figure out if these make sense as a core holding. Are they generally considered a good choice for someone making their first significant gold purchase, let's say in the $50k range? I’m in Dallas, and it seems like the premiums can vary a bit.

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    laura_sanchez💰Established (100-250k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    @Helen Turner - That '08 gut feeling was prescient, wasn't it? I was actually in El Paso then, watching housing here get hit hard, but I dragged my feet on gold until around 2012. Wish I'd had your foresight; those Krugerrands would've been a brilliant move. I ended up diversifying into a Gold IRA eventually, mainly for the tax benefits and security, but that initial surge you saw would have been nice to catch.

    9
    frank_rivera💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    @Catherine Bell - Absolutely, the liquidity on those Krugerrands is a definite plus. Sounds like you made a smart move back in 2018! I actually took a more diversified approach with my gold IRA around that time, focusing on a mix of precious metals like American Gold Eagles and Canadian Maples for my retirement savings. The tax advantages of a 401k rollover into a self-directed IRA really appealed to me, especially living here in Honolulu. diversification is key for me.

    14
    elizabeth_johnson💰Established (100-250k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    @Diane Bailey – Great to hear you're jumping in! Eagles are solid, no doubt. My advice, especially for newcomers with a decent chunk like that, is to seriously look beyond just one type of coin, even within the same country. I started my Gold IRA about three years ago with around $180k, and initially, I was all about the Canadian Maples. My broker in Atlanta actually suggested I diversify a bit, not just by country, but across different purities and even historical significance. It's not just about the gold content; sometimes the numismatic or rarity value of certain coins, like older Krugerrands or pre-1933 US gold, can add an interesting layer of potential appreciation *on top* of the metal's price, though that's a more speculative play. Think about allocating maybe 10-15% of your total to something a little less common than bulk modern bullion – it can really add some spice and potential upside to your holdings.

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    richard_garcia👑Elite (1m-5m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    For anyone diving deep into Krugerrands, I actually found the World Gold Council's detailed historical price charts and production figures super helpful when I was building out my own allocation a few years back. It really put into perspective the sheer volume of these coins released since '67 and helped me understand their role in the global market beyond just their gold content. Ended up with about 200 oz. of them in my vault down here in Houston.

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    margaret_chen🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Interesting thread on Krugerrands. While they definitely have historical significance and are recognizable globally, I’ve personally steered clear for my IRA. For me, when I was sitting down with my financial advisor in San Francisco a few years back, we specifically chose to lean into American Gold Eagles instead. The liquidity and direct link to US monetary policy just felt a touch more secure, especially considering the political landscape shifts; it felt like a safer bet for the long haul in my precious metals allocation.

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    donna_rogers🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    @Frank Rivera - Totally agree on the Krugerrand liquidity, Frank! Catherine really nailed it back in 2018. I actually went a similar route with my gold IRA around the same time, though I did diversify a bit more into some Perth Mint Kangaroos too. It's been incredibly reassuring to watch that part of my portfolio perform so steadily, especially with all the market fluctuations lately.

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    susan_clark💰Established (100-250k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    The history on these is fascinating, especially considering the political context of their origin. I actually picked up a few Krugerrands back in 2020 through my Gold IRA, right when things felt really uncertain with the pandemic and the market dips. My advisor at the time suggested them for their liquidity and recognition, and even though I'm in Minneapolis, I appreciated diversifying with something so globally established. It felt like a solid move then, and still does.

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    daniel_wright💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    Man, seeing this thread just brings back so many memories. I remember buying my first few Krugerrands back in '08, right before the financial crisis really hit. My wife thought I was crazy, pulling a chunk out of our savings for "shiny rocks," as she called them. But that gut feeling, that unease about the paper markets, it just wouldn't let up. Fast forward a few years, and those same Krugerrands were basically our lifeline when my tech startup in Austin hit a rough patch, allowing us to keep our house and not totally wipe out our emergency fund. That's when she finally understood. Now, they're a cornerstone of our retirement plan, a real emotional anchor for us.

    3
    joshua_phillips🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    Great thread on Krugerrands. I remember picking up my first couple back in '98 when gold was hovering around $280 an ounce. My folks thought I was nuts sinking a chunk of my apprentice electrician wages into "shiny rocks," but seeing those coins now, particularly the ones without any significant milk spots, makes me glad I did. The premiums have always been decent, and their liquidity is unmatched when I've needed to rebalance the portfolio.

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    barbara_white🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    The Krugerrand discussion is always a good one. I've got a decent stack of these from when I first started diversifying into physical in 2019. Picked up a few rolls back then when the spot was hovering around $1300/oz. They’re good for stacking, but honestly, in my experience based on some recent appraisals for estate planning, they don't always fetch the same premium as, say, an American Gold Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf if you're trying to liquidate quickly. Still, a solid choice for long-term holding.

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    matthew_murphy👑Elite (1m-5m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    The historical significance of the Krugerrand is undeniable, especially for those of us who remember the sanctions era. From a modern portfolio perspective, given the current geopolitical landscape and the recent strength in gold, have any of you experienced significant premium fluctuations on these specific coins compared to other common bullion coins like AGEs or Canadian Maples when liquidating a portion of your holdings? I'm curious if that historical weight translates into a tangible difference in resale in today's market, beyond just the gold spot price.

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    dorothy_lopez💰Established (100-250k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Absolutely fantastic breakdown of Krugerrands! I've been eyeing these for a while to add to my Gold IRA, especially since I've already got a good chunk in Eagles. It's really helpful to understand the historical context and why they're such a solid choice for diversifying beyond just the usual suspects. Thanks for sharing!

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    kenneth_parker💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    This is a super informative thread, much appreciated! I've been doing my homework on different gold options since I just opened my Gold IRA a few months back. I actually started with a mix of American Gold Eagles and some Canadian Maples, but the Krugerrand's history is fascinating. From a value perspective, how do these stack up long-term compared to the Eagles, especially considering the lack of a stated face value? I'm trying to decide on my next purchase to add to my modest 10oz gold position.

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    donald_nelson💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    Interesting breakdown of the Krugerrand's history, but I'm curious about something specific to its present value beyond just spot price. Given their long-standing collectibility and the sheer volume produced, how much of a premium over spot do you typically see for uncirculated or older proof Krugerrands compared to, say, an American Gold Eagle of similar weight and condition? I'm thinking about diversification for my own IRA here in Detroit, and that premium spread can significantly impact long-term gains.

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    mark_adams👑Elite (1m-5m)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Funny to see Krugerrands pop up here; I was just chatting with a dealer down in Miami who mentioned a noticeable uptick in demand for them from high-net-worth clients, specifically for the 1oz coins. We've always diversified heavy into physical, and honestly, the liquidity for these in larger quantities has been surprisingly robust, even against some of the more "collectible" sovereign mints. I picked up a tube of 20 back in '18 when they dipped a bit, purely for the precious metal exposure, and that move alone has significantly outperformed a few of my more traditional equity plays.

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    ruth_perez📊Growing (50-100k)about 1 month ago

    @David Brown, your point about the older Krugerrands is interesting, and I appreciate the deep dive into their historical design. From my perspective here in Albuquerque, while the aesthetic changes are noteworthy from a collector's standpoint, for an investor like me focused on wealth preservation, the year on the coin takes a backseat to its gold content. My $75k portfolio is built more on the intrinsic value of the metal itself, regardless of whether it's a '79 or a newer mint, as they both represent a stable store of value in these uncertain times. I'm more concerned with the premium over spot price than the subtle design nuances, though I do admire the craftsmanship.

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    james_wilson👑Elite (1m-5m)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    @Christopher Young - You’re spot on with Krugerrands being a frequent topic. I remember back in 2018 when I first started moving a significant chunk of my portfolio, about $1.5M, into a Gold IRA, my advisor initially pushed hard for Eagles. But after doing my own due diligence, looking at real-time spreads out of Delaware Depository, the Krugerrands consistently offered a better acquisition price for the same amount of actual gold. It made a real difference on a larger allocation.

    0
    thomas_walker🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    @Mark Adams Interesting to hear that, especially about the 1oz Krugs. My Gold IRA holdings are significantly weighted towards them, largely due to their historical liquidity and lower premiums compared to, say, some of the newer sovereign mint coins. I've always viewed them as a strong foundational piece for any precious metals portfolio, especially when you consider their widespread recognition globally. Do you think this recent demand uptick is purely geo-political hedging, or is there something more nuanced driving it for the "high-net-worth" crowd you mentioned?

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    andrew_roberts👑Elite (1m-5m)Real Investor✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    @Maria Campbell, Funny you mention Krugerrands. When I was doing my own 401k rollover back in '19, the whole "sanctions" drama around them from the 80s kept popping up in my research. I was speaking with a rep from Augusta Precious Metals – fantastic outfit, by the way – and even he acknowledged some clients had hangups. Ended up diversifying into Eagles and Maples for the bulk of my physical, but I did tuck away a few 'Gerrands for the sheer historical aspect. My old man always said, “Son, sometimes the story behind the asset is worth as much as the asset itself.” And honestly, looking out at the Intracoastal from my patio here in Palm Beach, those Krugerrands still feel like a solid piece of history in my safe.

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    gary_stewart📊Growing (50-100k)about 1 month ago

    I've held a few Krugerrands over the years, great way to diversify. My first purchase back in 2018 was a couple of these, cost me around $1300 each from a dealer out near Blackstone and Nees. Wish I'd bought more then! They've always felt like a solid store of value, especially with all the economic uncertainty we've seen. Definitely worth considering for anyone looking at physical gold.

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    sharon_evans💰Established (100-250k)Real Investorabout 1 month ago

    Totally agree with the sentiment about the Krugerrand's staying power! I've been investing in a Gold IRA for about three years now, and my advisor here in Tulsa actually recommended picking up some Krugerrands precisely because of their long history and widespread recognition. It's reassuring to know that if things ever got truly sideways, those familiar coppery-gold coins would likely hold their value globally. I’ve probably got around $20k worth now, and they just feel *solid* in the hand.

    5
    patricia_miller📊Growing (50-100k)✓ Verifiedabout 1 month ago

    @Steven Mitchell Your point about Krugerrands popping up is spot on! I've been doing my own research for my Gold IRA here in Denver, and they're always in the mix. That tax calculator link is actually really helpful – I'm still trying to wrap my head around the tax implications for my 75k portfolio. I'm curious if anyone has thoughts on the **spread** for Krugerrands versus, say, American Gold Eagles when you eventually sell? Is one typically better for a smaller portfolio?

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