The smallest US gold coin ever minted for circulation was the Type 1 Gold Dollar , minted from 1849 to 1854. It had a diameter of just 12.7 mm, smaller than a modern dime, and weighed 1.672 grams. It was made of 90% gold and 10% copper.
While there were also privately struck gold coins during the California Gold Rush that were smaller in denomination, the Type 1 Gold Dollar holds the distinction as the smallest standard-issue gold coin in US history.
However, its small size was a drawback, leading to its redesign into Type 2 and Type 3 Gold Dollars, which were slightly larger (15 mm). The $3 gold coin, minted from 1853 to 1889, was also a small denomination and was introduced primarily for purchasing postage stamps. In modern times, the smallest fractional-ounce gold coin commonly available in the US market is the 1/10 oz gold coin, such as the American Gold Eagle.
What is the smallest pure gold coin?
The smallest fractional-ounce gold coin you will find in the precious metals market is the 1/10 oz gold coin.
Can you buy 1/4 ounces of gold?
Great question! When you shop for gold bullion coins, you’ll notice that most collections are anchored by four gold weight options. These range from 1 oz gold to 1/10 oz gold, with 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz gold being the most common fractional-ounce coins in the vast majority of collections.