[9] Economic sanctions against South Africa for its policy of apartheid made the Krugerrand an illegal import in many Western countries during the 1970s and 1980s, with the United States, which had historically been the largest market for the coin, banning imports in 1985: the previous year, over US$600 million of Krugerrands had been marketed in the country.

[4] Most of these sanctions were removed in 1991 after the South African government took steps to end its apartheid policies.

[15] The coin is so named because the obverse, designed by Otto Schultz,[19] bears the face of Boer statesman Paul Kruger, four-term president of the old South African Republic.

The image was designed by Coert Steynberg and was previously used on the reverse of the earlier South African five shillings (1947-51 and 1953-59) and 50 Cents (1961-64) coin.

The name "South Africa" and the gold content are inscribed in both Afrikaans and English (as can be seen on the pictures of the coin).

The South African Mint Company produces limited edition proof Krugerrands intended to be collectors' items rather than bullion investments.

[21] In the 21st century, Krugerrands have received media attention in the United States after anonymous donors have left the valuable coin in the Salvation Army's annual "Christmas Kettle" donation jars in various cities around the country.