Every major one-ounce gold coin contains the same thing — exactly one troy ounce of fine gold. What differs is the alloy around it, the premium you pay over spot, and how easily it sells later. Here is the field at a glance.
The big bullion coins
| Coin | Country | Purity | Gold content | Gross weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | USA | 22K (.9167) | 1.0000 ozt | 33.93 g |
| American Gold Buffalo | USA | 24K (.9999) | 1.0000 ozt | 31.11 g |
| Canadian Maple Leaf | Canada | 24K (.9999) | 1.0000 ozt | 31.11 g |
| Krugerrand | South Africa | 22K (.9167) | 1.0000 ozt | 33.93 g |
| Britannia (2013+) | UK | 24K (.9999) | 1.0000 ozt | 31.11 g |
| Vienna Philharmonic | Austria | 24K (.9999) | 1.0000 ozt | 31.11 g |
| Sovereign | UK | 22K (.9167) | 0.2354 ozt | 7.99 g |
| Swiss 20 Franc | Switzerland | 21.6K (.900) | 0.1867 ozt | 6.45 g |
Value any of them at the live price with the world gold coin calculator (US issues are in the US gold calculator).
22K vs 24K: the non-issue that confuses everyone
A 22-karat Eagle or Krugerrand is not“less gold” than a 24-karat Maple — mints simply add copper (and a little silver) on top of the full ounce, making the coin heavier and harder. The trade-offs are practical, not financial: 22K coins resist scratches and edge dings in handling, while 24K coins are softer but purer, which some refiners and most Asian markets prefer. Melt value is identical. (Karat math refresher: the karat chart.)
What actually separates them: premium and liquidity
- Premium over spot — typically a few percent for one-ounce coins. Krugerrands usually run cheapest (huge supply, no fancy packaging), Eagles often highest in the US (strong demand, IRA eligibility).
- Buyback — all eight coins above are instantly recognized and easily sold worldwide; expect bids near spot, occasionally over for in-demand issues. See how premiums and spreads work.
- Fractional sizes (1/2, 1/4, 1/10 oz) exist for most series but carry much higher percentage premiums — you pay dearly for divisibility.
- Old-world fractionals like the Sovereign and Swiss 20 Franc often undercut modern fractional premiums, which makes them a favorite budget route into gold. Pre-1933 US coins play a similar role — see the pre-33 guide.
Practical advice
If you are buying purely for gold content, buy whichever recognized one-ounce coin carries the lowest premium that day, and verify authenticity on delivery — how to test gold covers the checks. Track your cost basis against the live gold chart.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 22K Gold Eagle contain less gold than a 24K Maple Leaf?
No — both contain exactly one troy ounce of gold. The Eagle adds copper and silver alloy on top of its ounce (gross weight 33.93 g), while the Maple is nearly pure gold at 31.11 g. Same gold, different durability and purity.
Which gold coin has the lowest premium?
Generally Krugerrands trade with the lowest premiums among major one-ounce coins, with Eagles, Maples, Britannias and Philharmonics close behind. Premiums shift with demand, so compare at purchase time — and remember bars run cheaper than any coin.
What is a gold Sovereign worth?
A British Sovereign contains 0.2354 troy ounces of gold, so its melt value is about 23.5% of the spot price. Common dates trade near melt with a small premium; older and scarcer Sovereigns carry collector value.