Your Ultimate Guide to Proof Krugerrands
This website provides comprehensive information on all Proof Krugerrands minted by the South African Mint. Learn how to distinguish between a standard Krugerrand and a Proof Krugerrand, discover mintage figures, and explore certification data from SAGCE and NGC. Additionally, we offer a pricing guide to help you determine how much you should pay for a Proof Krugerrand.
Krugerrand Proofs Came in Presentation Packaging
The Proof Krugerrand was presented in a leatherette case from the South African Mint. In 1967, the SA Mint struck its first Krugerrand, producing both Proof and Bullion versions of the gold coin. While many websites provide general information on Krugerrands, this website is dedicated exclusively to Proof Krugerrands and their variations.
2003 Uncirculated Bullion Krugerrand and Proof Krugerrand.
Krugerrand Proof vs. Bullion Krugerrand
Today, distinguishing between a Proof Krugerrand and a Bullion Krugerrand is straightforward. Proof Krugerrands feature frosted lettering and images, with a mirror-like finish on the fields. However, this was not the case with the 1967 Proof Krugerrands, where only the fields had a mirror finish. As a result, a highly polished Bullion Krugerrand could be made to resemble a Proof Krugerrand.
To prevent the polishing of uncirculated Bullion Krugerrands, the South African Mint introduced frosted lettering and images in 1968. That year, the first official Proof Krugerrands were minted. However, due to either an oversight or an incomplete second die, some early Proof Krugerrands featured frosting on only one side before the mint began producing fully frosted coins.
Additionally, since 1977, the reeding on Proof Krugerrands has been finer compared to Bullion Krugerrands. Proof Krugerrands have 180 reeds along the edge, while Bullion Krugerrands have 220.
Comparison of Proof Krugerrand fine reeding vs. coarse reeding on a Bullion Krugerrand.
Krugerrand Proofs Also Came in Sets
The 1993 Proof Krugerrand set includes a 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz coin. Known as the Prestige Krugerrand Set, it was presented in a stinkwood case.
South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE)
The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) began slabbing Proof Krugerrands years before organizations like NGC. The highest grade assigned was 105. This 1979 Proof Krugerrand received a grade of 103 out of a maximum of 105.
