Gold Eagle vs Krugerrand vs Maple Leaf: Which Bullion Coin Should You Buy?

All three coins hold one troy ounce of pure gold. The American Gold Eagle is easy to sell in the United States. The Krugerrand often costs a little less. The Maple Leaf is the purest at 24 karat. The best pick depends on your budget, your resale plans, and your taste.
You have decided to buy a gold coin. Then you see three famous names, and each one has a different price. Which one should go in your safe?
This is a common problem for first-time buyers. The names sound alike, and the sales pages use words that are hard to follow. The truth is simpler than it looks. In this guide, we compare the three most popular one ounce gold coins in plain words. You will learn how they differ, what the price really includes, and how to buy with care. This guide is for learning only and is not financial advice.

The Quick Answer

Here is the side-by-side view.

All three hold the same amount of gold. We explain why below.

What Does One Ounce Mean?

Gold is weighed in troy ounces. A troy ounce is a little heavier than the regular ounce you use in the kitchen. It is about 31.1 grams. The kitchen ounce is about 28.35 grams.
When a coin says one ounce, it means one troy ounce of pure gold. That is the amount your money buys.

Does 24K Mean More Gold?

This is the biggest point of confusion, so let us clear it up.
A 24K Maple Leaf is almost pure gold. A 22K Eagle or Krugerrand is 91.67 percent gold, with the rest being other metals. The other metals make the coin harder, so it scratches less.
But look at the weight. A one ounce Eagle weighs about 33.93 grams in total. Of that, 31.1 grams is pure gold. A one ounce Maple Leaf weighs about 31.1 grams, and almost all of it is gold. So both coins hold one troy ounce of pure gold. The Eagle is just a bit larger and heavier because of the added metals.
So purity changes the feel and the look of the coin. It does not change how much gold you get.

American Gold Eagle

The United States Mint began making the Gold Eagle in 1986. The front shows Lady Liberty in a design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The back shows a family of eagles, and the design was updated in 2021 with new features that help stop fakes.
The Eagle is 22 karat. It is made with gold, silver, and copper. That gives it a warm color and a tough surface. It comes in one ounce and smaller sizes, such as half, quarter, and tenth ounce.
Why people like it: It is the best known gold coin in the United States. Almost every dealer knows it on sight, so it is easy to sell. It is also commonly listed as eligible for retirement accounts.
Things to know: It often costs a bit more than the other two coins.

South African Krugerrand

The Krugerrand was first made in 1967. Many people call it the first modern gold bullion coin. It shows a springbok, which is a type of antelope, on the back.
The Krugerrand is also 22 karat, and it is made with gold and copper. The copper gives it a slight reddish glow. It has no face value printed on it. A one ounce Krugerrand weighs about 33.93 grams, the same as the Eagle.
Why people like it: It has a long history and is known around the world. It is tough, so it handles well. It often has a lower premium than the Eagle.
Things to know: Supply can change, so the price may jump at times. Rules for retirement accounts differ, so ask your account provider before you buy one for that use.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

The Royal Canadian Mint began making the Gold Maple Leaf in 1979. It shows a maple leaf, and it is .9999 fine. That means it is almost pure gold. It carries a face value of $50 Canadian.
The mint adds strong security features. These include tiny radial lines and a laser mark you can see only under magnification. That makes the coin hard to fake.
Why people like it: It has the highest purity of the three. It is well known around the world, and it is commonly listed as eligible for retirement accounts.
Things to know: Pure gold is soft. The coin can scratch and dent more easily. Over time, small cloudy marks can also show up on the surface. Handle it with care and keep it in its plastic holder.

What Is a Premium?

The premium is a key idea, and it is worth learning. It is the price you pay above the raw gold value.
The raw gold value is called the spot price. It is the market price for one ounce of gold at that moment. The premium covers the cost of making the coin, shipping it, and the dealer's work.
Here is an example, and the numbers are made up only to show the idea. Say gold is $4,000 an ounce. If the premium is 4 percent, that is $160. You would pay $4,160 for the coin.
Premiums change each day. They depend on supply, demand, coin size, and the dealer. Small coins, such as a tenth ounce, usually carry a higher premium per ounce than one ounce coins.

Which Coin Costs the Least?

The answer changes with the market, but here is a common pattern.

• The Krugerrand often has the lower premium.
• The Maple Leaf often sits in the middle.
• The Eagle often costs a little more, since so many U.S. buyers want it.

Do not choose only by the lowest price. A coin that is easier to sell later can be worth a small extra cost. When you compare, ask every dealer to show the spot price and the premium as separate numbers.

Which Coin Is Easiest to Sell?

All three are known around the world, so all three are easy to sell to a good dealer. In the United States, the Eagle is often the easiest, since so many dealers and buyers know it.
When you sell, a dealer will pay you near the spot price, minus a small margin. The gap between what you paid and what you get back is called the spread. Buying from a dealer who also buys back gives you a clear plan for later. If you ever want to sell, read our guides on where to sell coins in Albuquerque and where to sell gold in Albuquerque. You can also visit our sell to us page or ask about our trade-in program.

Bullion Coins vs Collectible Coins

Bullion coins are priced mainly by their gold weight. Collectible coins, called numismatic coins, are priced by rarity, age, and condition. A rare old coin can cost far more than its gold content.
These are two different worlds. If you are new, bullion is the simpler place to start. If collecting sounds fun, read our beginner guide to rare coins as an investment.

How to Buy Gold Coins Safely

Follow these steps to protect yourself.

1. Use a trusted dealer. Pick a shop with a real address, a phone number, and a good track record.
2. Ask for the price breakdown. You should see the spot price and the premium.
3. Be wary of deals that seem too good. A price far below spot is a red flag. Fake coins exist.
4. Look at the coin in person. Check the weight, size, and design against what the dealer lists.
5. Ask about buy back. Know how the dealer will price the coin when you sell.

Buying from a local store lets you hold the coin and ask questions face to face. To learn more about how gold fits into a plan, see our page on gold as an investment. You can also read our guide on how to buy gold in Albuquerque.

How to Store and Handle Gold Coins

Small habits protect your coins.

• Keep each coin in its plastic holder or capsule.
• Hold a coin by its edges, and try not to touch the faces.
• Never clean a coin. Rubbing can lower its value.
• Store coins in a dry place, such as a home safe or bank box.
• Think about insurance for larger holdings.

Which Coin Fits You?

Match the coin to your goal.

• You want the easiest sale in the U.S.: The Eagle.
• You want a lower upfront cost: The Krugerrand, if the price is right that day.
• You want the purest gold: The Maple Leaf.
• You will handle the coin often: The Eagle or Krugerrand, since they are tougher.
• You want a gift with a U.S. design: The Eagle.
• You have a small budget: A tenth ounce Eagle, though the premium per ounce is higher.
• You plan to use a retirement account: Ask your account provider which coins qualify.

Risks to Keep in Mind

Gold is not a sure thing. The price can go up, and it can go down. Coins do not pay interest or dividends. The premium also means the price of gold must rise a bit before you break even.
Talk to a financial adviser or tax professional about your own case. Sales tax and reporting rules can vary, so ask before you buy or sell.

Talk to a Local Coin and Jewelry Team

Crown Jewels & Coin has served Albuquerque since 2006. Our store is at 3248 San Mateo Blvd NE, and we are open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Call (505) 884-4888 to ask what is in stock and what today's price is. You can also book an appointment or use our contact page to talk it through with our team. Learn more about us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the Gold Eagle or the Krugerrand?

Both are 22 karat and hold one troy ounce of gold. The Eagle is easier to sell in the United States and is often listed for retirement accounts, but it often costs a bit more. The Krugerrand often has a lower premium. Choose based on price that day and how you plan to sell.

Does a 24K Maple Leaf have more gold than a 22K Eagle?

No. A one ounce Maple Leaf and a one ounce Eagle each hold one troy ounce of pure gold. The Eagle has silver and copper added, so it weighs a bit more and is tougher. The Maple Leaf is purer but softer. The gold amount is the same.

Which one ounce gold coin has the lowest premium?

It changes daily, but the Krugerrand often has the lowest premium, the Maple Leaf sits in the middle, and the Eagle often costs a little more. Supply, demand, and the dealer all affect the price. Always ask for the spot price and the premium as two separate numbers.

How should I store gold coins?

Keep each coin in its plastic holder, and hold it by the edges. Never clean it, since rubbing can lower its value. Store coins in a dry place, such as a home safe or a bank box. For larger amounts, think about insurance and keep your receipts in a safe spot.

Is the American Gold Eagle eligible for an IRA?

The American Gold Eagle and the Canadian Maple Leaf are commonly listed as eligible for retirement accounts. Rules come from the IRS and your account provider, so always confirm before you buy. Also ask about approved storage, since these accounts often have set rules for where the coins are held.

Where can I buy gold coins in Albuquerque?

Crown Jewels & Coin is at 3248 San Mateo Blvd NE in Albuquerque. We have served the city since 2006. Call (505) 884-4888 to ask what is in stock and today's price. Visit Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM to see coins in person.