A
bullion coin is a
coin struck from
precious metal and kept as a
store of value or an investment, rather than used in day-to-day commerce. The
United Kingdom defines investment coins more specifically as coins that have been minted after 1800, have a purity of not less than 900
thousandths and are, or have been, a legal tender in their country of origin (those not meeting the last requirement are not "coins" according to
United States law and must be advertised as "rounds" instead). Bullion coins are usually available in
gold and
silver, with the exceptions of the
Krugerrand and the Swiss
Vreneli which are only available in gold. The
American Eagle series is available in gold, silver and
platinum, and the
Canadian Maple Leaf series is available in gold, silver, platinum and
palladium. Bullion coins are typically available in various weights. These are usually multiples or fractions of 1
troy ounce, but some bullion coins are produced in very limited quantities in
kilograms or heavier.