The Australian Gold Kangaroo and the American Gold Eagle stand out for their popularity and prestige. Investors often wonder which of these coins is better for their portfolio. The Gold Kangaroo, known for its .9999 fine gold purity and annually changing designs, brings a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and high gold content. The American Gold Eagle, backed by the U.S. government and featuring a stable, iconic design, offers a blend of trustworthiness and global recognition.
The choice between these coins for investors hinges on factors such as purity, liquidity, market demand, and individual investment strategies. This comparison aims to shed light on these aspects, guiding investors in making an informed decision between the Gold Kangaroo and Gold Eagle.
In the article, we compare purity, IRA eligibility, the mints, liquidity, demand, total cost to own, and appearance.
Gold Kangaroos vs Gold Eagles: Purity
The purity of Gold Kangaroos and Gold Eagles is a key difference between these two popular gold bullion coins.
Gold Kangaroos
These coins are known for their high purity of 99.99% pure gold (.9999 fine). This purity level places them among the purest gold coins available.
Gold Eagles
The American Gold Eagles are 22 karats, translating to a gold purity of 91.67% (.9167 fine). They are alloyed with a small amount of silver and copper to make the coins more durable and less prone to scratching and marring, which is typical for pure gold.
Gold Kangaroos vs Gold Eagles: Specifications
| 2023 1 oz Gold Kangaroos | 2023 1 oz Gold Eagles | |
| Mint | Perth Mint | U.S. Mint |
| First Year Minted | 1990 | 1986 |
| Gold Purity | .9999 | .9167 |
| Diameter | 32.6 mm | 32.7 mm |
| Thickness | 2.95 mm | 2.87 mm |
| Availability | More Regional than the Eagle | High |
| Demand | High | High |
| Obverse | Queen Elizabeth II Memorial | Lady Liberty |
| Reverse | Kangaroo | Eagle |
IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts)
Both coins meet the IRS fineness standards for IRA inclusion. However, the decision to include either in a precious metals IRA depends on individual investment goals, the policies of the IRA custodian, and personal preferences for coin origin and design.
Gold Kangaroos
While they are of higher purity (.9999 fine gold), the inclusion of Gold Kangaroos in an IRA depends on the policies of the IRA custodian. They are generally considered acceptable for IRAs due to their purity and status as legal tender, but confirming with the specific IRA provider is essential.
Gold Eagles
American Gold Eagles are commonly included in IRAs. Their popularity, recognition, and backing by the U.S. government make them a favored choice for many investors. The fact that they are 22 karat yet still meet the fineness requirements for IRA investments adds to their appeal.
Always consult with a financial advisor or tax professional when considering a Precious Metals IRA (Individual Retirement Accounts) to ensure compliance with all regulations and make the best decisions for your financial situation.
The Mints
The United States Mint and the Perth Mint are two of the most prominent mints globally, each with a rich history and a strong reputation in the production of coins, bullion, and other numismatic items. Choosing one over the other is mostly personal preference or if you have interest in a specific item produced by one of the mints.
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is a renowned institution in the world of precious metals located in Perth, Western Australia. It is notable for its history, production of high-quality precious metal products, and role in the Australian and global bullion markets.
The Gold Kangaroo coin, initially introduced in 1986 as the Gold Nugget, was renamed and redesigned in 1989 to feature the iconic Australian kangaroo.
U.S. Mint
The United States Mint is a key institution in producing coinage in the United States, both for circulation and for collectors. Established in 1792, it is one of the nation’s oldest federal organizations. The American Gold Eagle coin was first issued in 1986, following the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. It quickly became one of the leading gold bullion coins.
Gold Kangaroos vs Gold Eagles: Liquidity
Gold Kangaroos
The Gold Kangaroo is well-recognized, especially in regions closer to Australia or in markets where Australian bullion products are popular. However, its global recognition might be slightly less than that of the American Gold Eagle.
Gold Eagles
The American Gold Eagle generally has a broader and more established market presence, making it one of the most liquid gold bullion coins globally. The trade volume of Gold Eagles tends to be higher than Kangaroos, which is a crucial factor in liquidity.
Gold Kangaroos vs Gold Eagles: Market Demand
Numerous factors, including economic conditions, investor preferences, and market perceptions, influence the market demand for Gold Kangaroos and Gold Eagles. Each coin has its unique appeal and position in the gold bullion market.
Gold Kangaroos
The Gold Kangaroo is particularly popular in the Asia-Pacific region and among investors who prefer Australian bullion products. However, its global demand may not be as extensive as the American Gold Eagle.
The perception of the Australian economy and the reputation of the Perth Mint can influence demand. Stability and positive perceptions can bolster investor confidence.
Gold Eagles
The Gold Eagle is often seen as a stable investment, backed by the U.S. government. This perception can increase demand, especially during times of economic uncertainty or market volatility.
The Gold Eagle appeals to a wide range of investors, from those seeking gold for investment purposes to collectors who value its artistic and historical significance.
While the Gold Kangaroo and Gold Eagle have strong market demand, the Gold Eagle typically sees a broader and more consistent demand due to its global recognition, economic symbolism, and appeal to a diverse investor base. The Gold Kangaroo, with its unique designs and high purity, also maintains a solid position in the market, particularly among collectors in regions with a preference for Australian bullion.
Total Cost to Own
At the time of publishing, the purchase price, including the premiums, was lower for Gold Kangaroos by a bit. The total cost to own either coin will vary over time. Generally, premiums and resale values can differ based on the coin’s popularity, market demand, and the economic context at the time of buying or selling.
Other costs to consider include storage costs, home safes, and insurance.
Gold Kangaroos vs Gold Eagles: Design
Gold Kangaroos
The Gold Kangaroo coin is renowned for featuring an image of a kangaroo, a national symbol of Australia. The design of the kangaroo changes annually, making each year’s issue unique. The obverse side typically features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which may change in future years. The attention to detail in depicting the kangaroo, including its texture and the Australian landscape, is a notable aspect of the coin’s design.
Gold Eagles
The American Gold Eagle has a design deeply rooted in American heritage. The obverse features a rendition of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic Liberty image, with Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. The reverse showcases an eagle that may change. Sometimes, the eagle may be in flight, and other years may feature its head. This design emphasizes themes of tradition and national pride.
Which Coin is More Attractive?
The annually changing kangaroo design makes each year’s issue unique, which can be highly appealing to collectors and those who appreciate artistic variety. The annually changing kangaroo design makes each year’s issue unique, which can be highly attractive to collectors and those who appreciate artistic variety.
The consistent design featuring Lady Liberty and the American Eagle is iconic and steeped in American symbolism, appealing to those who value historical and patriotic themes.
As one of the most recognized gold bullion coins globally, the Gold Eagle has a broad appeal, especially to investors seeking a widely accepted and easily tradable coin.
Subjective Factors
- Collector Interest: Collectors might prefer the Gold Kangaroo for its yearly design variations, while others might favor the classic and historical significance of the Gold Eagle’s design.
- Investment Focus: Investors focused on purity might lean towards the Gold Kangaroo, whereas those looking for liquidity and global recognition might prefer the Gold Eagle.
- Cultural Connection: Personal or cultural connections to Australia or the United States may also influence the preference.
The attractiveness of the Gold Kangaroo versus the Gold Eagle is subjective. The Gold Kangaroo appeals to those who value uniqueness in design and high purity, while the Gold Eagle is attractive for its iconic imagery, global recognition, and perceived stability.
Preferences may be Influenced by the Type of Buyer
The preferences for the Australian Gold Kangaroo and the American Gold Eagle can vary depending on the type of buyer.
- Investors Focusing on Purity: Those prioritizing gold purity might lean towards the Gold Kangaroo, which boasts .9999 fine gold.
- Investors Seeking Liquidity and Global Recognition: The Gold Eagle, with its wide recognition and stable design, might be preferred for its easier liquidity and trustworthiness, particularly in the U.S. market.
- Collectors: Collectors might be drawn to the Gold Kangaroo for its annually changing designs, adding a unique aspect to their collection, whereas the Gold Eagle’s historical and symbolic design might appeal to those interested in American heritage.
- Retirement Accounts: Investors considering gold for IRAs might prefer Gold Eagles due to their widespread acceptance and government backing, though Kangaroos may also be eligible for IRAs.
- Cultural and National Affinity: Buyers with a connection to Australia might prefer Kangaroos, while those with an affinity for the U.S. might lean towards Eagles.
Gold Kangaroos vs Gold Eagles: Summarized
| Factors Considered | How They Compare |
| Purity | Kangaroos are Higher |
| IRAs | Both May Be Eligible |
| Mint | Both Reputable |
| Liquidity | Depends on the Region |
| Demand | Eagle Demand May be Higher |
| Total Cost to Own | Kangaroos may Have Lower Premiums |
| Appearance | Subjective |
The Gold Kangaroo and the Gold Eagle are prestigious gold bullion coins with unique characteristics. The choice between them often depends on the investor or collector’s preference for design, purity, and the coin’s origin.
Investors and collectors choose between these coins based on personal preference, investment goals, and the potential for future value appreciation. Both are considered solid choices for those interested in silver bullion.
