Since 1967 Kruggerands have been available to purchase for private ownership, and since 1975 U.S. citizens have been allowed to purchase them as well. For coin collectors in particular, there is a specific difference between a regular Kruggerand gold coin and proof coin, which inherently is worth more from a coin valuation perspective. To note the difference, there are a few tips to follow.

Proof Status is Subtle

Government-issued gold coins, such as the South African Kruggerand, won't always notate on the coins which ones are proofs, at least not in title. The Kruggerand proof coin is limited in production, thereby making it an automatic collector's item. The most notable difference is the number of serrations on the coin edge. The standard Kruggerand coin has 180 serrations around the coin; the proof Kruggerand has 220 serrations.

Polish May Show Proof, But Not Always

Many proof coins, including Kruggerands, are kept in mint condition by collectors and sealed. This keeps them in a very polished, almost mirror-image state. However, don't assume when you find such a coin it is a proof. Count the number of serrations to be sure.

Look for Professional Grading

If you're lucky, the coin you're examining may already be professionally graded. If so, the certification will be obvious. Professional graders certify coins for a fee and then seal them in a plastic viewing case. The case will be sealed with a tamper-proof ribbon, it will have the grading information and proof status labeled on the top, and the professional grader will be labeled with a serial number. Keep in mind, certified proof coins sell for more since they can visibly prove their status without a doubt.

Remember the Coin Size

If you're looking for a one-ounce proof coin, make sure that's what you are looking at. Both proof and standard gold Kruggerands will be labeled with their weight measurement. The largest Kruggerands are each one ounce of gold. Smaller sizes come in values of 1/2, 1/4th and 1/10th ounce of gold.

Source:

OnlyGold.com: South African Kruggerands

Rand Refinery Ltd.: Kruggerands

Rand Refinery Ltd.: The Kruggerand

More Information:

Goldprice.com: Kruggerand Price Tracking

Kruggerand Coin Photos

The South African Mint