How Much Is a Gold Coin Worth: Pricing Chart
Nov 14th 2022
How Much Is a Gold Coin Worth: Pricing Chart
As you grow your coin collection or look into picking up points for the first time, you need to know how much a gold coin is worth. After all, with dozens of different sellers to choose from, it helps to know which gold coins are priced correctly.
Read on for a detailed breakdown of gold coin values and a helpful pricing chart.
Rare Legal Tender: The Most Valuable Gold Bullion Coins
While there are hundreds of gold bullion coins to purchase and add to your collection, you might want to target the most valuable gold bullion coins to maximize your collection’s value.
Here are five well-known valuable gold bullion coins:
The Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coin
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin is an excellent way to add some gold to your collection, as it was the first gold bullion coin minted at a 99.99% purity level. Many consider it to be the most beautiful gold coin ever made. This coin was originally made by the Royal Canadian Mint. These coins were made with gold that was mined within Canada’s borders.
The Indian Head Quarter Eagle Gold Coin
The Indian Head Quarter Eagle Gold Coin is one of two U.S. coins using a special incuse design, resulting in the lettering, date, and devices being pressed into the coin's surface instead of sticking out like relief coins. This is now one of the most classic and sought-after U.S. gold coins on the market.
The U.S. Mint American Gold Eagle Coin
The U.S. Mint American Gold Dollar is made of 22-karat gold and is, as its name suggests, created by the U.S. Mint. This particular coin is regularly minted, and, as of 2021, new versions of the coin have an obverse side featuring an eagle’s portrait. Most coins feature enhanced security features, like reeded edge variations.
The $20 USD Augustus Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The $20 Augustus Saint-Gaudens gold coin is a double eagle and one of the most sought-after collectors' coins today. It was minted by the U.S. mint from 1907 to 1933.
The Augustus Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was originally ordered by then-president Teddy Roosevelt, who wanted to make U.S. coinage more beautiful.
$50 USD Gold Buffalo
The $50 Gold Buffalo Coin is the purest gold coin ever made by the U.S. Mint. It was first created in 2006, and each coin is made of 24-karat gold.
It features an iconic design reminiscent of a copper coin that circulated in the U.S. from 1913 to 1938. Each 1-ounce coin is made of 99.99% pure gold.
What Is the Gold Content in a U.S. Gold Coin?
In a U.S. gold coin, gold content can vary slightly depending on the type of coin minted, the year, etc. However, standard American Eagle Gold Proof Coins are collector versions of the official bullion coins made by the U.S. mint since 1986.
Each of these coins features 91.67% 22-karat gold. Because of this, they are very valuable, oftentimes beyond their "face" values.
How Gold Content Affects Coin Prices
Put simply, the gold content in a gold coin can affect coin prices because gold is a precious metal that has fluctuating numismatic value on the commodities market.
Because gold is a limited and valuable material, the price for it can vary from day to day. The more in-demand gold is, the more valuable any gold coin with a substantial gold content is as well. Therefore, the more gold content is in a given U.S. gold coin, the more valuable the coin is on average.
How Are 22-Karat Gold Bars Turned i=Into Gold Coins?
Many bullion gold coins are created from 22-karat gold bars. In general, 22-karat gold coins are minted when 91.67% gold is fused with different metals and alloys like copper or silver. Why?
In short, gold is a very soft, flexible metal. By mixing pure gold with other metals like silver and copper, the resulting alloy is stronger and less resistant to damage while still retaining most of its real-world value.
Note that gold coins can be made from other gold materials, including higher-karat gold bars. However, 22-karat gold is still the standard fermenting gold coins of all varieties in the US.
Rare Coins Made From Precious Metals: What To Know
Given the fluctuating value of rare coins made from precious metals, it’s a good thing to keep a few key things in mind.
What Is a Proof Coin?
A "proof" coin is any commemorative coin of the highest quality. Each coin is made with unparalleled attention to detail, finish, and sharpness. Imperfections are removed, and each is inspected before it is sold or put into circulation. In other words, proof coins are very valuable and should be trusted by collectors.
The Current Gold Coin Value vs. the Face Value
If you have one or more gold coins, their gold value may be different from the face value or the value indicated on the coin's face.
For example, if you have a $50 gold coin, its face value is $50; you can theoretically use it to buy something worth $50 or exchange it for other forms of fiat currency. However, the coin’s gold value is dependent on the commodities market and the current market value of gold. This can be more or less than the coin’s face value.
Why Does the Spot Price of Gold Fluctuate?
The “spot” or current market price of gold fluctuates because gold becomes more or less valuable as gold enters or leaves circulation. If a new gold mine is discovered, for example, the price of gold will decrease since there’s now more gold available for the general population. The reverse is true if no new gold mines have been discovered in recent years.
What Is a Troy Ounce of Gold?
A troy ounce is a unit of measurement used to determine the weight of precious metals like gold, silver, and so on. It originated in the region of Troyes, France.
According to the UK Royal Mint, one troy ounce is the same as 31.1034768 grams. It's contrasted with one ounce (standard), also called the Avoirdupois ounce, which is a little less than 28.35 g and is used for weighing other commodities like green, sugar, wood, etc.
Where Can You Buy Gold Coins?
You can buy gold coins from a variety of locations and dealers. Trustworthy dealers like Bullion Shark get their coins from the U.S. Mints in Philadelphia, Carson City, and more from other sources, often by connecting with collectors, museums, and so on.
You can sometimes purchase gold coins directly from the Treasury, as well. Other countries may also allow you to buy gold coins directly from their minting offices.
A Coin Dealer You Can Trust
Ultimately, gold coins can be worth anything from $30-$100 to well above that, depending on rarity, gold content, and other factors. It's important to do your research before buying any new gold coin. That way, you'll purchase your coins from trusted dealers like Bullion Shark.
As experienced coin dealers for collectors, we have the best selections of valuable gold coins and other collectibles. Check out our selection today and take advantage of free shipping on all orders over $99!
Sources:
Troy Ounce: Definition, History, and Conversion Table | Investopedia
Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Theodore Roosevelt, and the Coin | U.S. National Park Service
How to Buy Gold Bars | Investopedia