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For other meanings, see Gold coins (disambiguation).

Gold coins are one of the oldest forms of coinage. The first gold coins in history were coined by the Lydian king Croesus in about 560 BC, not long after the first silver coins were minted by king Pheidon of Argos in about 700 BC.

Golden coins then had a very long period as a primary form of money, only falling into disuse in the early 20th century. Most of the world stopped making gold coins for circulation by 1933.

Since that time, gold coins have become popular among people who desire a 'hedge' against currency inflation or failures, and for potential use in possible times of political unrest. South Africa introduced the krugerrand in 1967 to cater to this market; this was the reason for its convenient and memorable gold content—exactly one ounce. It was the first modern, low premium (i.e. priced only slightly above the bullion value of the gold in it) bullion gold coin.

See also

• History of money
• Coinage
• History of coins
• List of coins

Further reading

• Robert Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World: From Ancient Times to the Present - An Illustrated Standard Catalogue with Valuations (Coin and Currency Institute, 2003)

External links

• Gold Coins
  • Gold Coins - A Brief History
• A History of Gold Coins
• History of Gold Coins

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