A 1/2 troy ounce gold coin contains 15.55 grams of pure gold. This size sits exactly between smaller gold bullion coins and a full troy ounce. It is suitable for buyers who want a larger amount of physical gold without immediately choosing a 31.1 gram coin.
Well-known coins in this size include the Maple Leaf, Krugerrand, Philharmonic, American Eagle and Lunar. Although they differ in purity, total weight and design, they all contain 1/2 troy ounce of pure gold. See the current selection of 1/2 troy ounce gold coins for available versions and current prices.
A 1/2 troy ounce gold coin contains 15.55 grams of pure gold. Its total weight may be higher, however, depending on purity and the addition of other metals.
For example, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the Philharmonic are made of 24 carat gold with a purity of 99.99%. Their total weight is therefore almost the same as the fine gold weight of 15.55 grams.
The Krugerrand and American Eagle, by contrast, are 22 carat coins with a gold content of approximately 91.67%. Their total weight is higher because other metals have been added to the gold. This makes the coins harder and less prone to damage.
For the amount of gold you buy, this difference does not matter. Both a 22 carat and a 24 carat coin of 1/2 troy ounce contain 15.55 grams of pure gold.
Not every 1/2 troy ounce gold coin has exactly the same dimensions. Mints use different alloys, designs and proportions between diameter and thickness.
The 1/2 troy ounce Maple Leaf, for example, has a diameter of approximately 25 millimeters, while the Philharmonic is slightly wider at around 28 millimeters. The Krugerrand has a diameter of approximately 27 millimeters.
A half troy ounce coin is therefore noticeably smaller than a 1 troy ounce coin. Its compact size makes it easy to keep several coins in individual capsules without taking up much space.
A 1/2 troy ounce gold coin offers a middle ground between smaller gold coins and a full troy ounce. With 15.55 grams of pure gold, you buy a substantial amount per coin while paying less per coin than for a 1 troy ounce coin.
This size also gives you more flexibility if you later want to sell only some of your gold. If you own two 1/2 troy ounce coins, for example, you can sell one and keep the other. With one 1 troy ounce coin, you would sell the entire 31.103 grams.
On the other hand, a 1/2 troy ounce gold coin generally costs slightly more per gram of gold than a 1 troy ounce coin. Production, packaging, transport and trading costs are spread across less gold, making the premium over the gold value relatively higher.
Buyers focused mainly on the lowest price per gram can therefore consider a 1 troy ounce coin. Those who value a lower purchase amount per coin and more flexibility when selling may prefer several half troy ounce coins.
Various well-known mints issue 1/2 troy ounce coins. All contain the same amount of pure gold but differ in origin, purity, design and alloy.
The best coin for you depends mainly on your priorities. If you want a particular origin, design or high purity, you can choose a specific series. If gold weight and price matter most, you can also select a 1/2 troy ounce gold coin from mixed producers.
The price of a 1/2 troy ounce gold coin consists of the value of 15.55 grams of pure gold plus a premium. This premium covers production, transport, packaging and trading costs, among other things.
The gold value follows the current gold price. The selling price of a 1/2 troy ounce gold coin can therefore change during the day. The premium also varies by coin, producer, year of issue and availability.
A current-year coin, for example, may cost more than a mixed-year coin, even though both contain the same amount of gold.
Always check the current selling prices of the different coins and compare them with the current gold price if appropriate.
Would you like to sell your gold coins later? Holland Gold buys back gold bullion coins. This also applies to coins that were not originally purchased from Holland Gold.
The current buyback price depends on the gold price and type of coin, among other factors. On our Sell to Us page, you can see the current buyback price and lock in your selling price.
Gold bullion coins meeting the legal requirements are exempt from VAT in the Netherlands. This applies to the common 1/2 troy ounce bullion coins in Holland Gold's range. To qualify, a gold coin must, among other things, have a purity of at least 900/1000, have been minted after 1800 and be or have been legal tender. You therefore pay no VAT when buying these coins.
A 1/2 troy ounce coin is compact enough to store several coins together in an organized way. Gold barely reacts with air or water and therefore does not rust or oxidize. In principle, you can store gold almost anywhere. The main risk is scratches and other signs of wear, especially on softer 24 carat coins. Preferably use individual capsules or suitable coin holders. For larger holdings, you can also consider a safe or professional storage.
With mixed-year coins, you receive a gold coin from a specific producer, but the year may vary. With 1/2 troy ounce coins from mixed producers, the producer, year and design can all vary. You cannot choose the exact coin in advance. These coins are often more competitively priced than specific versions, even though they contain the same amount of pure gold. This can be an economical choice for buyers primarily interested in the gold value.
Both gold coins and gold bars are suitable for investing in physical gold. Which is best for you depends mainly on your personal preferences and budget.
The main differences between gold bars and gold coins are their shape, weight and available versions. Gold coins come in various designs and weights. Gold bars are almost always 24 carat and differ mainly in weight and brand, from 1 gram to 1,000 grams. Our FAQ explains the differences, benefits and considerations in more detail.
A historical gold coin was once used as legal tender and is often more than a century old, while a gold bullion coin is minted specifically for investment purposes. However, gold bullion coins can also be legal tender. Our FAQ provides more information on the differences.
All 1/2 troy ounce gold bullion coins contain 15.55 grams of pure gold and therefore have the same intrinsic gold value. The purchase price can differ by producer, year and availability. When buying back common bullion coins of the same weight, Holland Gold pays the same buyback price regardless of brand. It is therefore advantageous to choose the least expensive 1/2 troy ounce gold coin when buying.