US Mint Gold Bullion Weight Tolerance

USA240

Does anyone know what the weight tolerance is for US Mint issued Gold Bullion Coins?
Specifically, the 1-ounce issue.
Thank you!

derryb

Keep in mind that in most cases weight tolerance of a coin concerns variations in weight due to circulation of the coin and is generally applied and accepted by collectors. I have been unable to locate any acceptable tolerances on the weight of US mint coins. A search of procurement documents for outsourced planchets may provide more information.

31 U.S. Code § 5112 - Denominations, specifications, and design of coins requires very specific weights for US Mint produced coins and does not provide for any deviation/acceptable tolerance from each coin's required weight. For the one ounce $50 gold eagle the above linked Title 31 of US law requires a production weight of 33.931 grams. Title 31 also requires that "any gold coin issued under section 5112 of this title shall contain the full weight of gold stated on the coin." Because an AGE must contain the stated amount of gold on the coin and additional alloys to make the coin harder and less susceptible to damage, it will in all sizes always weight more than the weight stated on the coin. On the other hand, the .999 $50 gold buffalo contains no alloys and will always weigh the stated one ounce, unless it is one of the fractional gold buffalos minted in only in 2008.

Of special note Title 31 requires:

"The Secretary shall acquire gold for the coins issued under this subsection by purchase of gold mined from natural deposits in the United States, or in a territory or possession of the United States, within 1 year after the month in which the ore from which it is derived was mined."

USA240

@derryb said:
Keep in mind that in most cases weight tolerance of a coin concerns variations in weight due to circulation of the coin and is generally applied and accepted by collectors. I have been unable to locate any acceptable tolerances on the weight of US mint coins. A search of procurement documents for outsourced planchets may provide more information.

31 U.S. Code § 5112 - Denominations, specifications, and design of coins requires very specific weights for US Mint produced coins and does not provide for any deviation/acceptable tolerance from each coin's required weight. For the one ounce $50 gold eagle the above linked Title 31 of US law requires a production weight of 33.931 grams. Title 31 also requires that "any gold coin issued under section 5112 of this title shall contain the full weight of gold stated on the coin." Because an AGE must contain the stated amount of gold on the coin and additional alloys to make the coin harder and less susceptible to damage, it will in all sizes always weight more than the weight stated on the coin. On the other hand, the .999 $50 gold buffalo contains no alloys and will always weigh the stated one ounce, unless it is one of the fractional gold buffalos minted in only in 2008.

Of special note Title 31 requires:

"The Secretary shall acquire gold for the coins issued under this subsection by purchase of gold mined from natural deposits in the United States, or in a territory or possession of the United States, within 1 year after the month in which the ore from which it is derived was mined."

Thank you derryb!

I did come across the link you provided while checking out the web -
The spec of 33.931 grams (523.6 grains) is what I also found through other reliable sources.
I recently purchased this 2021 type 1 Gold Eagle from a large dealer in North Carolina via Ebay.
I put it on my digital scale, and it kept on coming out between 33.8/33.9 grams (522/523 grains) which is a bit short of the specification.
I did verify that my scale is accurate by putting on other bullion coins that weighed out correctly.
The coin looks good, and has the correct diameter of 32.7 mm.
I know the difference is very small, but I know that the US Mint has some pretty ridged standards - Especially on Bullion related products.

derryb

based on pics, there is no question on authenticity.

When verifying bullion you might consider the addition of a Sigma PM Verifier to your toolbox.

ricko

I see a ding on the arm of Liberty, and a couple of rim dings on the reverse. These may account for the minor difference in weight. Cheers, RickO