The Krugerrand Legacy
The Gold Krugerrand, introduced in 1967, became the world's best-selling gold coin and helped make gold ownership accessible to everyday investors. In 2017, the South African Mint celebrated the 50th anniversary by releasing the Silver Krugerrand.
The silver version carries the same iconic design: Paul Kruger on the obverse and the Springbok antelope on the reverse. It's become a favorite among silver stackers who want sovereign-mint quality without the higher premiums of US Eagles.
Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Silver Content | 1 troy ounce (31.1035g) |
| Purity | .999 fine silver |
| Diameter | 38.725 mm |
| Thickness | 3.0 mm |
| Face Value | 1 Rand (South African) |
| Mint | South African Mint (Pretoria) |
| First Year | 2017 |
Premium Comparison: Krugerrand vs Eagles vs Maple Leafs
One of the main advantages of Silver Krugerrands is their competitive pricing compared to other sovereign coins. Here's how they typically stack up:
| Coin | Typical Premium | Price at $25 Spot | Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Silver Eagle | 15-25% | $28.75 - $31.25 | Highest |
| Canadian Maple Leaf | 10-15% | $27.50 - $28.75 | Very High |
| Silver Krugerrand | 8-12% | $27.00 - $28.00 | High |
| Austrian Philharmonic | 8-12% | $27.00 - $28.00 | Moderate |
| British Britannia | 10-15% | $27.50 - $28.75 | High |
IRA Eligibility Confirmed
Silver Krugerrands meet all IRS requirements for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA:
- - .999 fine silver purity (meets minimum .999 requirement)
- - Produced by a sovereign mint (South African Mint)
- - Legal tender status in country of origin
Design & Authenticity Features
The Silver Krugerrand features the same classic design that made the gold version famous:
Obverse (Front)
- Portrait of Paul Kruger (1825-1904)
- "SUID-AFRIKA" and "SOUTH AFRICA" inscriptions
- Year of mintage
Reverse (Back)
- Springbok antelope in full stride
- "KRUGERRAND" inscription
- Silver weight: "1oz FINE SILVER"
Where to Buy Silver Krugerrands
Silver Krugerrands are widely available from reputable dealers. Here are top sources:
- APMEX - Large selection, various years available
- JM Bullion - Competitive pricing, regular stock
- SD Bullion - Often the lowest prices
- Monument Metals - Good for bulk orders
- Bold Precious Metals - Competitive premiums
Buying Tip
For IRA purchases, Silver Krugerrands must be brand new and in original mint packaging. Your Gold IRA company will source these directly from approved suppliers to ensure they meet IRS requirements.
Silver Krugerrand vs American Silver Eagle: Which to Choose?
Both are excellent choices, but they serve slightly different purposes:
Choose Krugerrands If:
- You want the most silver for your money
- You're building a large position (premiums add up)
- You appreciate the historic Krugerrand design
- You're a pure bullion investor (not collector)
Choose Eagles If:
- Maximum liquidity is your priority
- You may need to sell quickly to local dealers
- You want US government backing
- Collector potential matters to you