American Gold Eagle vs Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
Two flagship 1 oz gold coins, one big purity difference — how to choose, with today's live premiums side by side.
The American Gold Eagle and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf are the two flagship 1 oz government gold coins, and both contain a full troy ounce of gold. The core difference is purity and durability: the Eagle is 22 karat(alloyed with copper and silver, so it's harder-wearing), while the Maple Leaf is .9999 fine (essentially pure, but softer). Recognition and liquidity are top-tier for both, so the decision usually comes down to purity preference and the current premium.
Head to head
| Gold Eagle | Gold Maple Leaf | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold content | 1 troy oz | 1 troy oz |
| Purity | 22k · .9167 (copper/silver alloy) | 24k · .9999 (pure) |
| Durability | Harder-wearing | Softer — scratches / milk-spots more easily |
| Mint | US Mint | Royal Canadian Mint (radial-line security) |
| Recognition / resale | Top-tier | Top-tier |
How to choose
If you want the hardest-wearing coinfor a collection you'll handle, the Eagle's 22k alloy resists scratches better. If you want pure goldand don't mind handling it carefully (ideally leaving it in the capsule or tube), the Maple Leaf's .9999 purity is the draw. Because both hold exactly one ounce of gold and both resell easily, the tie-breaker for most buyers is simply whichever carries the lower premium today — which flips back and forth, so check the live figures above.
What to verify before you buy
- Current premium — compare both live; the cheaper one changes with demand.
- Condition / packaging — tubes and mint capsules protect soft 24k coins like the Maple.
- Payment method — advertised prices are cash/wire; a card adds a few percent.
- Shipping, tax, minimums — factor the full landed cost, not just the premium.
Compare Eagle and Maple prices live
Cash/wire premiums across every dealer, ranked lowest first.
Common questions
Does the Gold Eagle contain less gold because it's 22 karat?
No. A 1 oz American Gold Eagle contains a full troy ounce of pure gold. It's 22 karat (91.67% fine) because it's alloyed with copper and a little silver for durability, so the coin's gross weight is about 1.0909 oz — the extra is alloy, not a shortfall in gold. A 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf holds the same one ounce of gold but is .9999 fine (essentially pure).
Which has the lower premium, the Eagle or the Maple Leaf?
They're usually close, and it changes with the market — the Maple Leaf is often a touch cheaper because the Eagle carries strong US demand. The only reliable answer is the current one: compare the live premiums for each on this page before you buy.
Is the Maple Leaf's higher purity better?
It depends on what you value. The Maple Leaf's .9999 purity appeals to buyers who want pure gold, but soft 24k coins scratch and 'milk spot' more easily. The Eagle's 22k alloy makes it more durable for handling. Both are one ounce of gold and both are top-tier recognized coins.
Which is easier to sell?
Both are among the most recognized and liquid gold coins in the world, so either sells easily and close to spot at any major dealer. Recognition is not a meaningful differentiator between these two — the decision comes down to purity, durability, and the live premium.
Methodology & sources
Coin specifications follow the issuing mints (US Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint). Premiums are computed live from StackerSpot's dealer data on a cash/wire basis against current spot — see the methodology. Related reading: gold coins vs gold bars and how much over spot you should pay.
Informational purposes only — not investment, financial, or tax advice, and not a licensed dealer or advisor. Prices are each dealer's cash/wire figure, change constantly, and may differ from the dealer's own site; always confirm before buying. See our methodology & disclaimer.