Is It Worth Buying 1/10 oz Gold Coins?
With the price of a full ounce of gold having pushed past $4,000 since 2025, it’s no surprise that more people are asking whether it’s worth buying 1/10 oz gold coins instead.
Some say yes, given their affordability and how easy they are to resell later. Others argue they’re overpriced and say otherwise. The truth? Both points are valid, and in reality, it comes down to your goals as an investor.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of investing in 1/10 oz gold coins so you can decide whether it makes sense for you or if larger denominations are the better choice.
What Is a 1/10 oz Gold Coin?
A 1/10 oz gold coin is a small, fractional gold coin that contains exactly one-tenth of a troy ounce of gold (about 3.11 grams).
It's produced to the same standards as full-ounce gold coins, usually struck in .9999 fine gold (99.99% pure), just in a smaller, more affordable size.
Most are minted by sovereign governments like the U.S., Canada, and Austria. However, some private mints also produce fractional rounds that follow similar specifications but without the legal tender status.
All that being said, when you invest in a 1/10 oz gold coin, you’re not giving anything up on purity or recognition. You’re simply buying a lesser amount of gold, which also means a lower upfront cost.
Common 1/10 oz Gold Coin Examples
Several sovereign mints dominate the fractional gold market, mainly because of government backing, strong demand, and easier resale. These are the most common examples.
American Gold Eagle
- Mint: U.S Mint
- Purity: .9167 fine (22k)
- Legal face value: $5
- Description: The 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle is alloyed with copper/silver for durability; most widely traded in the U.S.; suited for IRAs
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
- Mint: Royal Canadian Mint
- Purity: .9999 fine (24k)
- Legal face value: $5 CAD
- Description: The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf possesses ultra high purity among fractional gold bullion coins; world-class and globally recognized; lower premium compared to the American Gold Eagle
Austrian Gold Philharmonic
- Mint: Austrian Mint
- Purity: .9999 fine (24k)
- Legal face value: €10
- Description: Most popular gold coin in Europe; features intricate designs of iconic musical instrument and trades easily across international markets
British Gold Britannia
- Mint: The Royal Mint (UK)
- Purity: .9999 fine (24k)
- Legal face value: £10
- Description: Advanced security features; exempt from capital gains tax for UK residents; carries historical and symbolic appeal
Australian Gold Kangaroo
- Mint: Perth Mint (Australia)
- Purity: .9999 fine (24k)
- Legal face value: $15 AUD
- Description: Unique for its annually changing kangaroo design; popular among collectors and investors for both aesthetic and bullion value
Face Value vs Metal Value
Face value is the legal tender amount printed on the coin, while metal value reflects what the gold itself is actually worth on the market.
All 1/10 oz gold coins carry a legal tender face value, which technically means they can be used as currency.
But for the majority of investors, what holds far more weight than face value is the gold coin’s metal value, which is many times higher than the face value.
Take the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle. It has a face value of $5. But if gold is trading near $3,000 per ounce, the raw gold content alone is worth about $300. No rational buyer or seller would treat it as a $5 coin.
Now, add premiums into the equation.
These can tack on anywhere from 10% to over 30% on top of the spot price, which would bring the cost of the same 1/10 gold coin up to $390. This range changes depending on factors like dealer markups, coin type, and market demand.
Why Investors Choose 1/10 oz Gold coins
Lower Cost of Entry
Buying a 1/10 oz gold coin lets you invest in physical gold without needing to pay for a full ounce. Think of it like buying a smaller bottle of perfume before committing to the full-size version. You still get the same product, just in a smaller quantity and at a lower upfront cost.
As of writing, one ounce of gold costs about $4,000. That’s not cheap at all. With 1/10 oz gold coins, though, you can enter the gold market for around $500.
That means if your budget is tight, or you’re a first-timer looking to get one foot in the door with gold investing, 1/10 oz coins let you ease in gradually instead of going all in at once.
High Liquidity
Because the dollar amount is smaller, 1/10 oz coins are easier to resell to dealers, online marketplaces, or even individuals.
This also makes them more accessible for casual sellers or collectors who want the option to trade or cash out without committing to larger transactions or navigating niche collector markets.
Flexibility
With 1/10 oz gold coins being smaller denominations, you're not forced to sell all your gold at once. You can liquidate a single 1/10 oz coin when needed, making it ideal for emergencies, portfolio rebalancing, or taking profits in smaller increments.
Trust and Recognition
Because most 1/10 oz gold coins are issued by sovereign mints like the U.S. Mint or the Royal Canadian Mint, they carry the trust of official government backing.
This is one of the key benefits when it’s time to sell. Buyers know what they’re getting, and dealers are more likely to accept them without hassle.
1/10 oz Gold coins Drawbacks: What to Be Aware of
Much Higher Premiums Per Ounce
1/10 oz gold coins carry premiums ranging from 10% to over 30% above spot (or more in tight markets). That's the highest premium per ounce among common bullion sizes.
That means, while you're paying less overall, you're paying more per unit of gold. Your dollars aren't going as far in terms of actual gold weight.
Let’s put that into perspective and compare it with buying a 1 oz gold coin, which typically carries a 3% to 6% premium. Say spot gold is $4,000:
- A 1 oz gold coin at a 5% premium would cost about $4,200.
- Ten 1/10 oz gold coins at a 20% premium each would cost about $4,800.
Both options get you one ounce of gold, but the 1/10 oz route would cost you nearly $600 more.
Now, why does this happen?
Fractional coins cost more to produce, package, and distribute on a per-ounce basis. There’s more labor, more shipping volume, and more handling involved.
On top of that, demand for smaller gold units tends to spike during times of economic uncertainty, when people want to hold physical gold but can’t afford full ounces. That demand drives premiums even higher.
Lower Metal Value
Even though a 1/10 oz gold coin is real gold, its low metal weight makes it inefficient for those buying in large quantities.
Bulk buyers, whether investors, preppers, or institutions, typically want to maximize the gold they receive for every dollar spent. With 1/10 oz coins, that’s harder to do.
The premiums are higher, the packaging is bulkier, and the per-ounce cost is less favorable. Storing or transporting 50 small coins instead of five full ounces requires more work and complexity without adding gold.
Resale Spreads Can Be Wider
Because dealers make money on both the buy and sell side, fractional coins like the 1/10 oz often come with wider spreads.
You may buy at a 20% premium and only get 90–95% of spot when selling it back, depending on the buyer.
That results in a larger price gap compared to selling a 1-oz coin, which is easier to quote and offload at tighter margins.
Not Ideal for Investors Seeking the Lowest Cost per Ounce
If your primary goal is to accumulate as much gold as possible for the lowest cost per ounce, then fractional coins generally won’t make sense. The same logic runs in the heads of bulk buyers, survivalists, and long-term store-of-value investors.
These types of investors prefer 1 oz coins or larger gold bars for their efficiency. Every extra dollar spent on premiums is one less dollar going into actual gold weight.
Are 1/10 oz Gold Coins Worth It for Investment?
Whether 1/10 oz gold coins are worth it ultimately comes down to your investment goals, risk tolerance, and how you plan to use the gold.
1/10 oz Gold Coins are Worth It When:
- You want affordable, accessible gold.
- You value liquidity and flexibility.
- You prefer recognizable sovereign coins.
- You're building gold savings slowly.
1/10 oz Gold Coins are Less worth It When:
- You want the lowest premium over spot.
- You are investing large amounts (1 oz coins or bars offer better value).
- You expect numismatic value (1/10 oz coins rarely develop it).
1/10 oz coins vs Other Gold Formats
The table below breaks down how 1/10 oz coins and other gold formats compare against each other. This will help you quickly identify which format fits your goals best.
Who Should Buy 1/10 oz Gold Coins?
First-time Investors on a Budget
If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on your first purchase, 1/10 oz coins make gold ownership very easy and affordable. You can get started for a few hundred dollars instead of saving for months to afford a full ounce.
People Who Want to Accumulate Gold Gradually
Buying 1/10 oz gold coins is perfect for investors whose strategy involves adding one or two coins at regular intervals rather than committing a large amount upfront.
This approach spreads out purchases across different price points, which can help smooth out short-term price swings and make gold ownership more manageable from a budgeting standpoint.
H3: Investors Who Prefer Maximum Liquidity
Smaller units are easier to offload when needed. Whether you’re rebalancing your investment portfolio, dealing with an emergency, or selling into a price rally, you don’t have to part with a whole ounce all at once.
Buyers Looking for Small, Tradable Units of Gold
1/10 oz coins are compact, recognizable, and widely accepted. That makes them easy to trade, gift, or transport discreetly. They’re also favored by those who want a hedge they can physically use if needed.
Tips for Buying 1/10 oz Gold Coins Safely
Buy From Trusted, Reputable Dealers Only
Don’t settle for the lowest price you find online, as this is often a telltale sign of counterfeit coins or hidden fees that only appear after checkout.
Always verify the dealer’s reputation. Look for reviews from verified buyers, and cross-check the listed price against other well-known sources.
If you're buying in person, request a written receipt and verify the coin’s authenticity.
Stick to Sovereign Mints for Easier Resale
Choose coins issued by recognized government mints like the U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, or Austrian Mint. These coins have known specs, consistent purity, and wide market trust.
All these characteristics make them far easier to sell later on, whether to a dealer, peer, or marketplace.
Understand Markup Before Purchasing
Before you hit “buy,” check how much you're paying over spot. Compare pricing across multiple dealers and note whether the listed premium is fixed, percentage-based, or includes hidden fees like shipping or insurance.
A 1/10 oz coin with a 25% markup may still be reasonable in a tight market, but knowing that before you buy can help you avoid overpaying.
Store Securely
If you plan to keep your gold holdings at home, you must store coins in a fireproof safe that’s bolted down and preferably hidden. For larger gold quantities or added peace of mind, consider professional vault storage with insurance.
Either way, avoid showing or disclosing your gold stash to others. Discretion is a huge part of security.
Final Thoughts: Are 1/10 oz gold coins worth it?
1/10 oz gold coins are absolutely worth it if you're looking for a low-barrier, flexible way to begin your gold investment journey. They're accessible, easy to sell in smaller increments, and backed by reputable sovereign mints.
But if your primary goal is to accumulate the most gold at the lowest cost per ounce, 1 oz coins or gold bars will serve you better.
Ready to invest? Aurica carries a wide selection of recognized 1/10 oz gold coins. Browse our fractional gold optionstoday and start stacking gold your way!
FAQs
Why are 1/10 oz gold coins so expensive?
1/10 oz gold coins are so expensive because their premiums per ounce are much higher than those of full-size coins. In other words, you're essentially paying more per unit of gold weight, driven by factors like higher production costs, individual packaging, and distribution.
Are fractional gold coins a good investment?
Fractional gold coins are a good and attractive investment if your goals are flexibility, accessibility, or long-term gradual stacking. While they come with higher premiums, they offer the advantage of being easy to sell in smaller increments and allow you to enter the market at a much lower price point.
Do 1/10 oz gold coins hold value?
Yes, 1/10 oz gold coins do hold value. They contain pure gold and are typically backed by government mints, which gives them credibility in resale.
They may not appreciate like rare collectibles, but their value tracks the gold market. They remain easy to sell, especially in volatile times when demand for small gold units tends to rise.