Can coins be made out of 8 kt gold

HalfDime

Can coins be made out of 8 kt gold

Yes, coins can be made out of 8 karat gold, although it is uncommon. 8 karat gold, also known as 333 gold, contains 33.3% pure gold and is primarily used in Germany for jewelry making.

While most gold coins are typically made with higher gold content, such as 22 karat (91.7% pure gold) or 24 karat (99.9% pure gold), there are examples of coins and replicas made with 8 karat gold.

For instance, there are miniature replica coins available made of 8 karat solid gold, such as a 10.2 mm wide replica of the U.S. Indian Head $5 Gold Coin. However, it's important to note that 8 karat gold is considered a relatively low purity for coins, and most official gold coins use higher karat values for better durability and value retention.

When it comes to gold coinage, the ideal alloying metals are typically silver and copper, as these have been used historically and continue to be used today. These alloys help improve the coin's durability while maintaining its value and appearance.

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With gold prices continuing to move higher, at some point will we see "watered-down" gold coins? My guess is not now, but slight chance/maybe is a better answer if/when gold prices hit 10k per ounce.

PS There were silver Peso coins made between 1957 and 1967 with only 10% silver (and millions of them being melted), so there is some history of much lower precious metal amounts in coins.

asheland

Definitely an interesting choice being 1/3 gold. You see 9 carat being used in England often at .375.

I think my favorite is 18 carat and 22 carat both are high purity, but still have some durability from the alloy.