Gold Coin Prices Today: Eagle, Maple Leaf, Krugerrand, Sovereign and More
Gold value of popular coins today
The table shows each coin’s weight, purity and pure gold content, and what that gold is worth at the live spot price. This is the coin’s melt value, the floor of its price. Dealers sell above it and buy back slightly below it.
| Coin | Country | Total weight | Purity | Pure gold | Gold value now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | USA | 33.931 g | 22K (91.67%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| American Gold Buffalo | USA | 31.108 g | 24K (99.99%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| Canadian Maple Leaf | Canada | 31.110 g | 24K (99.99%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| Krugerrand | South Africa | 33.930 g | 22K (91.67%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| Vienna Philharmonic | Austria | 31.103 g | 24K (99.99%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| Britannia | United Kingdom | 31.210 g | 24K (99.99%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| Gold Libertad (1 oz) | Mexico | 31.135 g | 24K (99.9%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| Kangaroo / Nugget | Australia | 31.110 g | 24K (99.99%) | 31.10 g | 4,063.60 USD |
| Panda (30 g) | China | 30.000 g | 24K (99.9%) | 29.97 g | 3,915.51 USD |
| Centenario (50 pesos) | Mexico | 41.667 g | 21.6K (90%) | 37.50 g | 4,899.29 USD |
| Sovereign | United Kingdom | 7.988 g | 22K (91.67%) | 7.32 g | 956.66 USD |
Notice that the American Eagle and the Krugerrand weigh about 33.9 g but contain the same ounce of gold as a 31.1 g Maple Leaf: the extra weight is copper and silver, which makes 22K coins harder and more scratch-resistant. Purity does not change the value of the gold inside; it only changes the colour and durability.
Why coins cost more than their gold
When you buy a coin you pay its gold value plus a premium. The premium covers minting, distribution, the dealer’s costs and profit, and it rises when demand spikes. As a rule of thumb, widely traded one-ounce coins often cost about 3–7% over spot from large dealers, fractional coins (1/2, 1/4, 1/10 oz) cost more per gram, and premiums can jump during crises when everyone wants physical metal at once.
The premium is not entirely lost. Popular coins also sell back above melt value when demand is strong, and many dealers buy them at or close to spot. Compare three things before buying: the selling price, the dealer’s buy-back price for the same coin, and shipping and insurance.
Which coin should you choose?
- For the lowest premium: the coins most traded in your country. In the US that is usually the Gold Eagle or Buffalo; in Canada the Maple Leaf; in Europe the Philharmonic, Krugerrand or Britannia; in Mexico the Centenario and Libertad.
- For durability: 22K coins such as the Eagle, Krugerrand and Sovereign resist scratches better than 24K coins.
- For small budgets: the Sovereign (7.32 g of gold) or fractional coins, accepting a higher premium per gram.
- For tax reasons: in the UK, Sovereigns and Britannias are legal tender and exempt from capital gains tax; in the EU, qualifying gold coins are exempt from VAT. Rules elsewhere vary.
Bullion coins vs. numismatic coins
Bullion coins are valued for their metal. Numismatic coins — old, rare or graded coins in special holders — are valued as collectibles, and their price depends on rarity, condition and demand from collectors. They can be wonderful to collect, but they are a poor way to buy gold cheaply: premiums of 30% to 100% or more are common, and selling them requires a specialist. Be wary of sellers who steer first-time buyers from bullion towards "rare" or "proof" coins.
How to check a coin is genuine
- Weigh it on a scale accurate to 0.01 g and compare with the official weight in the table.
- Measure the diameter and thickness with a caliper; fakes are often slightly off.
- Check the details: lettering, edge reeding and security features on modern coins.
- Buy from reputable dealers and keep sealed products sealed. Our guide on how to tell if gold is real explains more tests.
Selling gold coins
Coins are among the easiest forms of gold to sell because buyers recognise them instantly and do not need to melt them. Ask dealers for their buy price per coin, compare it with the melt value above and expect the best offers for clean, undamaged coins in original packaging. Never clean a coin: scratches from polishing reduce its value. For a full checklist read how to sell gold for the best price, and see what any amount of gold is worth with our gold calculator.