The top source of gold in the world over the last 120 years has been The Witwatersrand basin in South Africa. Also known as “The Rand”, it has been the source of 40% of the gold found during this time period. A large portion of the world’s unmined gold is thought to remain there, with some scientists suggesting the portion is up to one third.
After South Africa, the second biggest gold producing country is the United States. In particular Nevada, but also other states like Alaska, California, and Colorado have a gold mining output.
After the United States, the third biggest gold producing country is Australia. Gold was first discovered there near Ophir, New South Wales, and today is primarily mined in the Goldfields-Esperance and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, and at Bendigo, Victoria. The largest open-air mine in Australia is the Super-Pit gold mine in Kalgoorie, a town in the Goldfields-Esperance region, and extends 8 square kilometers. It is an overwhelming sight to behold. The above three countries have been the biggest gold producing nations over the last century. But if we measure only the current year’s production, China has become the world’s largest producer of gold, overtaking South Africa’s top position in 2007. Other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia actually have more extensive gold reserves than China. However, the low cost of labor and production in China, as well as recent capital expansion and increase in foreign investment, have propelled China’s production rate ahead of the other more naturally abundant countries.
In the days of the Gold Rush pyrites and gold were often confused, resulting in much confusion and disappointment. This sometimes leads to the worry in this day and age that fool's gold and real gold are difficult to distinguish. But fear not, because through the above testing methods, fools gold identification is relatively simple.
First introduced by the Chinese mint in 1982, Chinese Gold Panda coins are extremely popular amongst collectors. Unlike most other gold coins, whose designs generally remain static for long periods of time, these Chinese gold coins' design is changed every year. Collectors who may have otherwise been content with one coin from any particular series are excited by the changing face of the Gold Panda and often buy a variety of different releases.
The obverse side of the Chinese Gold Panda coin depicts the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and remains the same from year to year. The reverse side changes yearly, with the 2008 edition showing a mother panda together with her cub. 
Like most gold bullions coins, Chinese Gold Pandas are available in fractional sizes, specifically 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and even 1/20 oz. There is, however, a higher premium on fractional sizes, making them less popular than the 1 oz coins. Larger denominations are also sometimes issued, including 5 oz coins and even hefty 12 oz Chinese Gold Panda coins! 
Produced entirely from Canadian source for gold, coins such as the Canadian Maple Leaf to the left are made of 24 karat gold. Unlike American Eagles or South African Krugerrands which are 91.67% pure gold with the remainder coming from copper or silver to form a more durable alloy, Maple Leaf gold Canadian coins are 99.99% pure. Maple Leaf gold coins are pure gold bullion.
Being 24 karat gold, Maple Leaf gold coins are indeed less durable than American Eagles or South African Krugerrands. Pure gold bullion has rarely been used as a regularly circulated currency because it can be easily worn out, damaged, or bent over time. However, despite being legal tender in Canada, Maple Leaf gold coins are not a regularly circulated currency and are intended mainly for collectors and investors to own and hold onto. You can not walk into a Canadian 7-11 and buy lunch with a Maple Leaf gold bullion coin, despite its legal tender status. So perhaps the lower degree of durability is a non-issue.
Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins have become popular in many markets because of their status as "pure gold". Some people are disappointed or lose interest when they discover that a gold coin is less than 24 karat. Perhaps there is an aesthetic attraction to owning pure gold. And perhaps some people want the option of melting down their gold to increase liquidity in times of emergency. And there are likely people who misunderstand the "impure" status of lower karat gold coins, thinking that they contain less gold than a 24 karat coin of the same denomination. But in reality, a 1 ounce Krugerrand and a 1 ounce Maple Leaf contain the same amount of gold. The additional metals are not counted in the weight, only the gold content is counted. In any case, these beliefs are all reasons for the disproportionate popularity of the gold Canadian Maple Leaf coin.
The Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coin is available in the following denominations: 1 Troy Ounce, 1/2 Troy Ounce, 1/4 Troy Ounce, 1/10 Troy Ounce, 1/20 Troy Ounce. There is also a series of Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins, also 99.99% pure silver bullion.
The Canadian Maple Gold Coin is not only a wise investment, but also makes a beautiful keepsake or a meaningful gift. For those who intend to take good care of their collections and make an effort to keep their coins in good condition, the 24 karat Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin is a fine addition to, or starter of, any collection.
American Eagle Coins are available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz denominations, and are 22 carat gold (91.67% pure gold). The coin's denomination indicates the coin's gold content, with the additional metals being in addition to the weight of the gold. Unlike South African Kruggerands which contain a copper alloy, American Eagles contain a copper and silver alloy, giving them a lighter, yellower tone that the deep orange of Kruggerands. On one side of the coin is a depiction of Lady Liberty holding her torch. On the other side is an image of a male eagle flying above a female eagle and their offspring. The male eagle symbolizes the United States' great power and resolve to defend itself and its people, but in the male eagle's grasp we also see an olive branch, symbolizing America's quest for peace while maintaining its strength. The design of the various denominations is the same, aside from the listed gold content. 
The Krugerrand is named after Paul Kruger, the Boer resistance leader fifth president of the South African Republic. Kruger's face is printed on one side of the coin, while a depiction of the springbok antelope is printed on the reverse. Both Kruger and the springbok antelope have become widely recognized symbols of South Africa.
In 1980 the Krugerand was released in different weights, specifically 1/10 oz. Krugerrands, 1/2 oz. Krugerrands, and 1/4 oz. Krugerrand gold coin. Also, in the early 1980s, silver Krugerands were minted, but their source remains a mystery as they were minted privately. There is no reference to South Africa anywhere on the coins, perhaps to bypass the Apartheid bannings. The name "Krugerrand" is printed on the coins, but the name Krugerrand is a trademark and was used without permission. There is no indication on the coins of who they were minted or issued by.
Despite the presence of Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins, Australian Kangaroo gold coins, and US American Eagle gold coins on the market, the South African Krugerand still maintains some prestige as the original legal tender coin whose value is based on its gold content. It is also popular for it's different appearance, having a slightly orange, penny-like copper tone that makes it stand out from other more lightly colored gold coins (either made with silver alloys, or of 100% pure gold). They are a fine addition to any collection, and a sound investment for any investor.
