Aziz Moti, Chief Operating Officer at ISA Gold

Analysts are predicting that 2025 will be a boom year for Krugerrands, not only because values are escalating along with the gold price but because this year is expected to see the highest sales in decades.

In South Africa, the Krugerrand continues to bridge the gap between everyday savers and institutional investors seeking security in uncertain times. While some investors are selling off their Krugerrands to add liquidity to their portfolios, even more are purchasing this historic coin as a means of mitigating risk during continued local and world economic turbulence.

“Since it was first minted in 1967, the Krugerrand has been more than just a coin — it has become a global symbol of accessible gold investment. It dominated the international gold coin market, accounting for over 90% of global demand by the 1980s. Today it remains one of the most recognised and traded bullion coins in the world,” explains Aziz Moti, Chief Operating Officer at leading regulated gold trading platform, ISA Gold.

The Krugerrand – which is a 22-carat coin that contains one ounce of pure gold – was initially created to enable the ‘man in the street’ anywhere in the world to legally own a gold coin.

This year’s sales are expected to increase by between 15% to 20% over 2016, another record year for the Krugerrand.

In 2016, 1.1 million ounces of the coins were sold according to the precious metal smelter and refinery, Rand Refinery. Last year, the Krugerrand was already the world’s bestselling gold coin with a 26% share of the global gold bullion coin market.

Aziz Moti points out that, “unlike some bullion products reserved for the ultra-wealthy, Krugerrands were designed to be a gold investment that remains in reach. Available in sizes from 1/10th of an ounce to a full ounce, they allow investors to enter the gold market at a level that suits their budget. This flexibility, coupled with their global recognition, makes them one of the most liquid and practical forms of gold ownership.”

Platforms that ensure that tradition can now speak the language of modern-day investors are making the Krugerrand even more accessible: “Today’s investors no longer need to queue at bullion counters. Our platform allows clients to buy, sell, and even trade Krugerrands digitally with options for physical ownership, instant liquidity and secure vaulting. This ease of access is drawing in younger investors who value both convenience and control.”

According to ISA Gold, buying Krugerrands in South Africa is both legal and straightforward, with no restrictions on ownership or resale. However, like all gold investments, transactions must comply with anti-money laundering regulations and be conducted through reputable dealers. Investors should be wary of unverified sources, as counterfeit coins remain a risk in secondary markets.

ISA Gold prioritises authenticity, trust and protecting investors.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that investing in physical gold is risky because of authenticity concerns. Our platform removes this uncertainty. Every Krugerrand purchased through our company is verified, sourced directly from the Rand Refinery, and securely stored or delivered to the investor. Digital verification and insured vault storage ensure peace of mind, combining the heritage of the Krugerrand with modern safeguards,” he says.

Aziz Moti observes that even current returns are showing that the Krugerrand is becoming an increasingly attractive and proven hedge against volatility.

“Gold is not a get-rich-quick asset, but Krugerrands have consistently held and grown in value. Over the past five years, gold prices have risen by more than 30%, with the coin reflecting these gains. While prices fluctuate, Krugerrands remain a reliable hedge against inflation and currency weakness which is particularly relevant for South African investors facing a volatile rand,” he explains.

It comes as no surprise, then, that, after more than five decades, the Krugerrand remains one of the world’s most trusted gold investments. “For South Africans, it is both a symbol of heritage and a practical hedge against economic uncertainty. With modern platforms making ownership safer and simpler, the Krugerrand is proving that it is not a relic of the past, but a golden opportunity for the future,” Aziz Moti concludes.

ENDS