What are the Pros and Cons of 24k vs. 22k Gold Coins?
We recommend that serious investors purchase only the most common gold bullion coins in the world, which are made of either 22-karat or 24-karat gold. All of these products contain the same amount of gold, but there are some notable differences.
24k gold is 99.99% pure, and the coins made from it weigh precisely 1 troy ounce.
22k gold is approximately 91.67% pure, with the remainder composed of other precious or semi-precious metals. These coins weigh about 1.1 troy ounces, ensuring the presence of a full troy ounce of gold in every coin.
Most Popular 22-karat gold coins:
- American Eagles (gold with copper and silver added)
- South African Krugerrands (gold with only copper added)
Most Popular 24-karat gold coins:
- Canadian Maple Leafs
- Austrian Philharmonics
- Australian Kangaroos
The added metals in 22k products make them far more durable than pure 24k gold, which is a notoriously soft and pliable metal. Investors who plan on trading or handling their coins more often might find this durability more valuable.
However, some countries have higher import taxes on lower-purity gold coins. In many cases, a 24k gold coin will be easier to ship and move internationally than a 22k coin. This is an important consideration for our international customers or anyone planning to ship or store their wealth outside of the United States.
Sometimes the choice between 22k and 24k simply comes down to the aesthetics of the product itself, as each of the popular coins we sell has its own unique look and feel.