The Ying yuan is an early gold coin minted in ancient China. Ancient Greek coinage contained a number of gold coins issued by the various city states. The most valuable of all Persian minted coinage still remains the gold drams, minted in 1 AD as a gift by the Persian King Vonones (Matthew 2.1–23). In 546 BC, Croesus was captured by the Persians, who adopted gold as the main metal for their coins. The name of king Croesus of Lydia remains associated with the invention (although the Parian Chronicle mentions Pheidon of Argos as a contender). Gold was used in commerce (beside other precious metals) in the Ancient Near East since the Bronze Age, but coins proper originated much later, during the 6th century BC, in Anatolia.

Gold Solidus of Roman Emperor Valentinian II Additionally, gold is extremely unreactive chemically: it does not tarnish or corrode over time. The density of gold is higher than most other metals, making it difficult to pass counterfeits. Gold can be re-coined, divided into smaller units, or melted into larger units such as gold bars, without destroying its metal value.

Gold is also easily transportable, as it has a high value-to-weight ratio compared to other commodities such as silver. It is fungible, with a low spread between the prices to buy and sell. Gold has been used as money for many reasons. The gold reserves of central banks are dominated by gold bars, but gold coins may occasionally contribute. For example, the American Gold Eagle has a denomination of 10 USD, but a metal value of more than $800 USD (being around a half an ounce). While modern gold coins are still legal tender, they are not observed in everyday financial transactions, as the metal value normally exceeds the nominal value. In recent decades, however, gold coins are mainly produced as bullion coins for investors and as commemorative coins for collectors.

Traditionally (up to about the 1930s), gold coins have been circulation coins, including coin-like bracteates and dinars. Alloyed gold coins, like the American Gold Eagle and South African Krugerrand, are typically 91.7% gold by weight, with the remainder being silver and copper. Most gold coins minted since 1800 are 90–92% gold (22 karat), while most of today's gold bullion coins are pure gold, such as the Britannia, Canadian Maple Leaf, and American Buffalo. Gold coins for sale in the Dubai Gold SoukĪ gold coin is a coin that is made mostly or entirely of gold.

Us mint gold coins