Gold Eagle vs. Gold Maple Leaf: compare fine gold, not karat alone

A one-ounce Eagle and a one-ounce Maple Leaf have different purity and gross weight. Here is the comparison basis.

The one-ounce American Gold Eagle and one-ounce Canadian Gold Maple Leaf are both familiar bullion choices. Their purity figures look different, so it is easy to compare the wrong weights.

What one ounce means

The U.S. Mint describes American Eagle gold bullion coins as 22-karat and guarantees their gold content. The one-ounce Eagle contains one troy ounce of fine gold, with additional alloy increasing gross weight. The Royal Canadian Mint describes its one-ounce Maple Leaf as 99.99% pure gold. A one-ounce Maple Leaf also contains one troy ounce of fine gold. The purity difference does not mean the one-ounce Eagle has less fine gold.

Compare the exact issue

Match bullion to bullion. Proof and special collector versions can have different prices and packaging. Check year, condition, mint, and whether a dealer offers a random-year product. A vague product title is not enough to establish equivalence.

Compare delivered cost

Choose the same payment method, quantity and destination for both quotes. Include verified shipping, then compare premiums against the same spot reference and fine-gold weight. Tax and final checkout terms require a separate check. Our Gold Eagle and Maple Leaf pages keep those product groups separate; the comparison tool shows only eligible current observations.

Product sources: U.S. Mint bullion programs and Royal Canadian Mint Gold Maple Leaf. Verify the exact issue with its mint and seller.

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