Gold Coin Melt Value
Classic US gold coins were struck in 90% gold at 0.04837 oz of gold per dollar of face — a $20 Double Eagle carries 0.9675 troy ounces. Modern bullion (Gold Eagle, Buffalo) carries exactly one ounce. All are priced live below.
For pre-1933 gold, melt is only the floor: every surviving piece has some collector premium, from a modest percentage on worn common-date Double Eagles to multiples on better dates. Never sell pre-1933 gold at spot without checking the date.
| Coin | Precious metal content | Melt value today |
|---|---|---|
| $20 Double Eagle (1849–1933) | 0.9675 troy oz — 33.44 g, 90% gold | $4,454.76 |
| $10 Eagle (1838–1933) | 0.4838 troy oz — 16.72 g, 90% gold | $2,227.61 |
| $5 Half Eagle (1839–1929) | 0.2419 troy oz — 8.36 g, 90% gold | $1,113.80 |
| $2.50 Quarter Eagle (1840–1929) | 0.1209 troy oz — 4.18 g, 90% gold | $556.67 |
| American Gold Eagle 1 oz | 1.0000 troy oz — 33.93 g, 22K | $4,604.40 |
| American Buffalo 1 oz (.9999) | 1.0000 troy oz — 31.11 g, 24K | $4,604.40 |
Dollar figures here are computed from the live spot price when the page loads and change continuously; the printed baseline is a 2026-08-23 snapshot — cite the metal content and formula, not a captured price. Formulas on the methodology page.
Counterfeit caution
Classic US gold is the most-counterfeited coin family in the market — fakes range from tungsten-core copies to altered dates. Weight, diameter, and a magnet test screen the crude ones; anything significant deserves authentication (PCGS/NGC) before either party trusts the price. This is precisely why buyers discount raw gold coins vs certified ones.
Sources: live spot prices via gold-api.com · coin weights and fineness from U.S. Mint historical specifications · karat/fineness definitions per standard jewelry marking practice. Melt value ≠ an offer to buy; see how we calculate.