Gold Maple Leaf vs Gold Krugerrand: Which Should You Buy?

The Gold Maple Leaf and the Gold Krugerrand represent two philosophies of bullion: the Maple Leaf chases maximum purity, while the Krugerrand — the original bullion coin — favours durability and rock-bottom premiums.

This guide compares the Gold Maple Leaf and the Gold Krugerrand on purity, tax, premiums, security and resale value, so you can decide which belongs in your portfolio.

Quick verdict

• Choose the Gold Maple Leaf if you want 24-carat purity with modern security features.
• Choose the Gold Krugerrand if you want the lowest premium and a hard-wearing coin recognised everywhere.

At a glance: Maple Leaf vs Krugerrand

Feature	Gold Maple Leaf	Gold Krugerrand
Mint	The Royal Canadian Mint (Canada)	Rand Refinery (South Africa)
First minted	1979	1967
Purity	999.9 fine (24-carat)	916.7 fine (22-carat)
Pure gold (1 oz coin)	31.10 g	31.10 g
Alloy	None (fine gold)	Gold & copper
Sizes	1 oz, ½, ¼, 1/10, 1/20 oz	1 oz, ½, ¼, 1/10 oz
Legal tender	$50 (CAD)	Legal tender, no face value
UK VAT	Exempt	Exempt
UK CGT	Payable on gains	Payable on gains
Security	Radial lines, micro-engraved privy mark	Serrations, fine detail
Design	Maple leaf / monarch	Paul Kruger / springbok
Global liquidity	Very high	Very high
Typical premium	Low	Low

About the Gold Maple Leaf

Launched by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1979 and lifted to 99.99% purity in 1982, the Gold Maple Leaf set the standard for pure bullion coins. Walter Ott's maple-leaf reverse is world-famous, and the Mint added a microengraved privy mark in 2013 and radial lines in 2015.

It remains one of the purest and most widely recognised gold coins in existence.

Read more in our guide to the Maple Leaf.

About the Gold Krugerrand

The Krugerrand was the world's first modern bullion coin, minted from 1967 to bring South African gold — then about 70% of world output — to ordinary investors. By 1980 it accounted for roughly 90% of global gold coin sales. Its name fuses Paul Kruger with the rand, and Coert Steynberg's springbok graces the reverse.

Struck in 22-carat gold with copper, it has a warm reddish tone and a famously hard-wearing surface.

Read more in our guide to the Krugerrand.

Key differences

Purity and gold content

The Maple Leaf is 999.9 fine (24-carat); the Krugerrand is 22-carat (916.7) with copper. Both 1 oz coins contain a full ounce of pure gold, but the Krugerrand weighs about 33.93 g to carry the alloy and resists scratches far better, while the Maple Leaf offers a purer, brighter surface that is softer.

Tax treatment in the UK

Neither is CGT-free in the UK — both are foreign coins, so gains above the annual allowance are taxable. Both are VAT-free.

Premiums and value

Both are low-premium coins, which is much of their appeal. The Krugerrand's enormous circulation often makes it marginally the cheapest way to buy an ounce; the Maple Leaf is close behind and adds 24-carat purity.

Security and authentication

The Maple Leaf is clearly ahead, with its privy mark and radial lines. The Krugerrand relies on precise weight, dimensions and edge serrations, helped by its global familiarity.

Design and collectibility

The Maple Leaf's botanical simplicity versus the Krugerrand's historic Kruger-and-springbok pairing. Both designs are essentially fixed.

Liquidity and resale

Both are about as liquid as gold coins come. The Krugerrand is recognised everywhere thanks to its pioneering history; the Maple Leaf is a global purity benchmark.

Pros and cons

Gold Maple Leaf

• Pros: 24-carat purity, Low premium, Advanced security features, Recognised worldwide
• Cons: Subject to UK CGT, Soft surface marks easily

Gold Krugerrand

• Pros: Among the lowest premiums, Durable copper alloy, The original, universally recognised bullion coin
• Cons: Subject to UK CGT, Lower purity (22-carat), Heavier than its gold content

Which should you buy?

• Best for purity: Gold Maple Leaf — 24-carat versus 22.
• Best for lowest premium: Gold Krugerrand — often the cheapest ounce available.
• Best for durability: Gold Krugerrand — the copper alloy is tough.
• Best security features: Gold Maple Leaf — privy mark and radial lines.

For more pairings and a full overview of how the leading coins compare, see our gold coins comparison hub.

Maple Leaf vs Krugerrand: FAQs

Is the Maple Leaf or Krugerrand CGT-free in the UK?

Neither — both are foreign coins and subject to UK Capital Gains Tax. Both are VAT-free. For CGT-free gold, consider the Britannia or Sovereign.

Which coin is purer?

The Maple Leaf, at 999.9 fine (24-carat), is purer than the 22-carat Krugerrand.

Why does a 1 oz Krugerrand weigh more?

Its 22-carat copper alloy adds weight (about 33.93 g) so it still contains a full ounce of pure gold.

Which has the lower premium?

Both are low-premium; the Krugerrand is often marginally cheaper due to its huge circulation.

Which is more durable?

The Krugerrand's copper alloy makes it harder and more scratch-resistant than the soft 24-carat Maple Leaf.

Buy Gold Maple Leaf and Gold Krugerrand coins

Whichever you choose, StoneX Bullion stocks both coins from multiple years of issue, with live pricing updated every 60 seconds and fully insured, discreet delivery across the UK and Europe.

Browse our Gold Maple Leaf and Gold Krugerrand coins, or explore our full range of gold coins to start building your portfolio today.