The Krugerrand: complete guide to the South African gold coin
Complete guide to the Gold Krugerrand in Switzerland: history, weight (1 oz / 33.93g), purity (916‰), market premium calculation, and resale advice.
At a glanceThe South African Krugerrand is the world's most widely recognized and heavily traded 1 oz gold bullion coin. Introduced in 1967 by the Rand Refinery and South African Mint, it pioneered the 1 oz bullion coin concept with its durable 22-karat alloy. Guide to specifications, trading spreads, and Swiss tax rules.
Technical Specifications of the 1 oz Krugerrand
| Metric | Official Specification | Engineering Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Total Gross Weight | 33.9305 g | Heavier than 1 oz due to copper alloy |
| Pure Fine Gold Content | 31.1035 g (exactly 1 troy oz) | Baseline for bullion pricing |
| Fineness (Karat) | 916.7‰ (22 Karat) | 11/12 pure gold + 1/12 copper |
| Alloy Metal | Pure copper (2.827 g) | Provides signature warm reddish tint & hardness |
| Diameter & Thickness | 32.77 mm × 2.84 mm | Finely reeded edge |
| Obverse / Reverse | Paul Kruger / Springbok Antelope | Iconic historical engravings |
Swiss Tax Status
Under Article 18(2) of the Swiss VAT Act, the Krugerrand qualifies fully as investment gold and is 100% exempt from VAT (0%). Recognized globally, it trades in Switzerland with minimal buy/sell spreads (2% to 4% over spot).
Frequently Asked Questions: Krugerrand in Switzerland
Why is the Krugerrand reddish-orange?
The 8.33% copper alloy creates its distinctive warm reddish hue and makes it highly resistant to dents and scratches.
Should I buy a Krugerrand or a Swiss Vreneli?
For larger investments by the ounce (~CHF 2,600), Krugerrands offer narrower premiums. For fractional local liquidity, the 20 CHF Vreneli (5.80g gold) remains Switzerland's domestic favorite.
Buy Investment Gold in Switzerland (VAT-Exempt)
Buy and store physical gold in secure Zurich or Geneva vaults at direct live LBMA spot rates.
Gold coin premium
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