Gold coins come in a variety of sizes and weights, primarily measured in troy ounces or grams.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common sizes and some specific examples:
- 1 troy ounce (approx. 31.1 grams): This is the most popular size for gold bullion coins. Examples include:
– American Gold Eagle : 32.70 mm diameter, 2.75 mm thickness.
– Canadian Gold Maple Leaf : 30 mm diameter, 2.87 mm thickness.
– [South African Krugerrand] : 32.77 mm diameter, 2.84 mm thickness.
– Australian Gold Kangaroo : 32.30 mm diameter, 2.80 mm thickness.
– Chinese Panda : 32.05 mm diameter, 2.70 mm thickness.
– Vienna Philharmonic : 37.0 mm diameter, 2.0 mm thickness.
- Fractional Gold Coins: These are coins weighing less than one troy ounce. They are gaining popularity as a more affordable entry point for investors. Common fractional sizes include:
– 1/2 oz: American Gold Eagle (27 mm diameter, 2.24 mm thickness), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (25 mm diameter, 2.23 mm thickness).
– 1/4 oz: American Gold Eagle (22 mm diameter, 1.83 mm thickness), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (20 mm diameter, 1.78 mm thickness).
– 1/10 oz: American Gold Eagle (16.5 mm diameter, 1.19 mm thickness), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (16 mm diameter, 1.13 mm thickness).
– 1/20 oz: [Lady Liberty Gold 1/100th Ounce Round] is a smaller example available.
– 1 gram: Equivalent to about 0.032 troy ounces. Often used for gifts or smaller investments.
- [
1983 South Africa 1 oz Gold Krugerrand BU $3,595.20 5.0 (1)]
- [
Lady Liberty 1/100th oz .9999 Pure Gold Coin Round $310.00]
The size of a gold coin is influenced by its weight and precious metal content. However, other factors also play a role:
- Alloys: Many gold bullion coins, such as the American Gold Eagle and the Krugerrand , are not made of pure gold but are alloyed with other metals (like silver and copper) to increase durability . This means a 1 oz American Gold Eagle, for instance, will actually weigh slightly more than a pure 1 oz gold coin, but still contain the guaranteed 1 oz of pure gold.
- Minting variations: Different mints and coin designs can lead to slight variations in diameter and thickness, even for coins of the same weight and purity. For example, the 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (30mm diameter) is smaller than the 1 oz Australian Lunar gold coin (39.34 mm diameter).
- Edge and Rim Designs: The design of a coin’s rim and edge can significantly impact its overall dimensions.
- Metal Density: Different metals have different densities. For example, platinum is denser than gold, so a 1 oz platinum coin will be smaller than a 1 oz gold coin.
In conclusion, gold coins are available in a range of sizes, with the 1 troy ounce size being the most popular. Fractional sizes are also readily available, catering to different budgets and investment goals. It’s important to remember that slight variations in dimensions can occur due to factors like alloying and minting processes.
What size is a $50 gold coin?
Features of the $50 Gold American Eagle Bullion:
32.7mm diameter. 2.87mm thick.