Collectible animal coins may have value because of precious metals composition, of course, but many coins are desirable because of their design too. From American Eagles to the South African Krugerrands, here are the ten collectible animal coins to have in your collection:
1. American Eagle Coins
The American Eagle coin comes in a variety of denominations, designs and metals. American Eagles coins are produced by the U.S. Mint. Two American icons, the eagle, an unwavering representation of the United States, and Lady Liberty, have appeared on American Eagles since their first minting in 1986. The Silver Eagle features a design based on the original 1916 Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar while the Gold Eagle takes its design from the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle. The Platinum Eagle features a close-up of the iconic Statue of Liberty.
2. American Buffalo Coins
The Gold Buffalo coin is based on the 1913 Buffalo Nickel designed by famed sculptor James Earle Fraser. This classic design celebrates Native American tribes and the majestic buffalo. The Gold Buffalo animal coin was the U.S. Mint’s first 1 oz gold coin to contain .9999 fine gold and has been popular since its introduction in 2006. Fraser’s design was also used for the Silver Buffalo, released in 2001, giving investors the opportunity to add value to their portfolio while also owning a small piece of American history.
3. Australian Kangaroo Coins
The Silver Kangaroo was first released in 2016. Struck in .9999 fine silver, this classic Australian animal coin from The Perth Mint is highly desirable to investors and collectors. Gold Kangaroos were introduced in 1987. The Gold Kangaroo is among the few major gold bullion coins that change their reverse design annually.
4. Australian Koala Coins
The continent of Australia is home to hundreds of native wildlife species, many of which belong to the marsupial family. Australian Koala coins pay tribute to one of the most well-known marsupials from Down Under. Made from 1 oz of .999 fine silver, each piece has a guaranteed face value of one Australian dollar, although the precious metal is worth much more. Because the koala design changes each year, older releases from this series are worth a premium to collectors.
5. Australian Swan Coins
In 2017, The Perth Mint released its first gold and silver bullion coins with a unique Swan design. Each coin showcases one of the world’s most distinct species in a unique design. The swan is an iconic species that is synonymous with The Perth Mint itself as it appears in the Mint’s logo.
6. British Queen’s Beasts Coins
The Queen’s Beasts coin series celebrates the British Monarchy and the centuries of fascinating heraldry that has been a part of their story. Each animal design is fashioned into .9999 fine gold or .9999 fine silver, with the first series launching in 2016. At the coronation of Her Majesty the Queen, ten heraldic beasts stood guard. Plaster models were created for the event, symbolizing the multiple strands of royal ancestry brought together in a young woman about to be crowned queen.
7. Chinese Panda Coins
Chinese Panda coins are produced by the Central Mint of China but are widely popular all over the world. The Chinese Panda series began with a gold coin in 1982, followed by a silver in 1983. This series has stood the test of time due to its quality gold and silver content along with the iconic designs. Each year depicts the animal most closely associated with China, the great panda. Sometimes a single panda is shown, other times may use an adult and cub, but all coins feature exceptional detail of the beloved animal. The obverse of each coin depicts the Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, bringing in another timeless Chinese element. Both the 1 oz Gold Panda coin and its silver counterparts are popular with collectors and investors.
8. Somalian Elephant Coins
Struck by Munich’s famous Bavarian State Mint, the attractive Somalia African Elephant Gold coin is famous all over the world due to its ever-changing reverse design, showcasing a new image of the magnificent African Elephant each year. This 1 oz .9999 fine gold coin bears a face value of 1000 Shillings, but of course, has a much greater intrinsic value. This piece is also available in .9999 fine silver and fractional sizes, providing an excellent opportunity for new gold buyers to get in on gold investing.
9. South African Krugerrand Coins
The first gold bullion coin in the world and a perennial favorite outside of the United States, the Krugerrand is generally one of the more affordable gold coins on the market and is recognizable for its unique hue and depiction of a springbok antelope. While some buyers feel it is not as detailed as other, more elaborate, gold coin reliefs, this simple design has been around since 1967 and has proven staying power in the investment market. The Krugerrand contains .9167 fine Gold, with an alloy of 8.33% copper to bolster the gold durability. Recommended as an excellent investment item for new and experienced buyers, Krugerrands are generally liquid on the open markets worldwide. To celebrate the 50th anniversary in 2017, the South African Mint introduced Silver Krugerrand coins in both uncirculated and proof finishes. Investors immediately understood the appeal of a more affordable version of the iconic bullion coin.
10. 20 Franc French Rooster Coins
The Gallic Rooster may be an “unofficial” symbol for France, but it is recognized as an emblem used on the country’s flags, furniture and, of course, currency. French Rooster Gold coins are gorgeous, with a detailed portrait of the animal on the reverse and a bust of the official national symbol of France, Marianne, on the obverse. This 20 Franc Gold piece was produced at the Paris Mint from 1899-1914, adding historical value since the coins are no longer minted.