Shopping for a one-ounce gold coin in Tualatin or the Portland area? Two names appear again and again: the American Gold Eagle and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. Both are government-issued bullion coins, both represent one fine troy ounce of gold in their one-ounce versions, and both can make a serious purchase feel refreshingly straightforward. The important difference is how each coin gets there. The Gold Eagle uses a durable gold alloy, while the Maple Leaf is nearly pure gold.

Quick answer: which coin is better?

Neither coin is automatically better for every buyer. Choose the American Gold Eagle if you prefer a United States Mint coin with a 22-karat alloy, a traditional reeded edge, and a United States dollar face value. Choose the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf if you want 99.99 percent pure gold, a slightly smaller diameter, and modern security features such as radial lines, a micro-engraved maple leaf, and Bullion DNA.

For a one-ounce purchase, compare the actual coins available and the current price on Local Coin Co’s gold page. Prices are not permanent facts; they move with the market and inventory.

American Gold Eagle specifications

The United States Mint American Gold Eagle is 22-karat gold. Its composition is 91.67 percent gold, approximately 3 percent silver, and the balance copper. That alloy gives the coin a gross weight greater than one troy ounce, but the one-ounce coin still contains exactly 1.0000 gold troy ounce.

• One-ounce coin: fifty dollars face value, 1.0909 troy ounces gross weight, 33.931 grams, and 32.70 millimeters in diameter.
• Half-ounce coin: twenty-five dollars face value and 0.5455 troy ounces gross weight; diameter is 27 millimeters.
• Quarter-ounce coin: ten dollars face value and 0.2727 troy ounces gross weight; diameter is 22 millimeters.
• Tenth-ounce coin: five dollars face value and 0.1091 troy ounces gross weight; diameter is 16.50 millimeters.

Gold Eagles have a reeded edge and a government guarantee. The United States Mint bullion page lists the coin’s specifications and sizes. A Gold Eagle can also be IRA-eligible when held through an appropriate custodian; the coin itself is not an IRA custodian.

Silver and copper are part of the Eagle’s alloy by design. For another metal, see Local Coin Co’s silver page.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf specifications

The Royal Canadian Mint’s Gold Maple Leaf is 99.99 percent pure gold. The one-ounce version has a fifty-dollar Canadian face value, weighs 31.11 grams, and measures 30 millimeters across. Its gross weight is close to the NIST conversion for one troy ounce: 31.1034768 grams.

• One-ounce coin: 99.99 percent pure gold, 31.11 grams, 30 millimeters, and fifty dollars Canadian face value.
• Fractional sizes: one-half, one-quarter, one-tenth, and one-twentieth ounce options are listed by the Royal Canadian Mint.
• Security details: serrated edges, radial lines, a micro-engraved maple leaf, and Bullion DNA.

See the Royal Canadian Mint’s official 2026 Gold Maple Leaf specifications for reference.

Key comparison points

Gold content and alloy

The one-ounce versions contain the same amount of fine gold: one troy ounce. The Eagle reaches that amount inside a 22-karat alloy, so it weighs 33.931 grams. The Maple Leaf is 99.99 percent pure and weighs 31.11 grams. Remember that “heavier” does not mean “more fine gold” in this comparison.

Size, handling, and appearance

The Eagle is 32.70 millimeters wide, while the Maple Leaf is 30 millimeters. The Eagle’s alloy includes silver and copper; the Maple Leaf’s nearly pure gold composition produces a different look and feel. If you are buying a fractional coin, check the exact denomination and dimensions rather than relying on a photograph or a general description.

Security and identification

The Maple Leaf combines radial lines, a micro-engraved leaf, and Bullion DNA with its serrated edge. The Eagle has a reeded edge and United States Mint specifications. For any coin, confirm the denomination, dimensions, weight, and source. Local Coin Cos guide to fake coins is a useful companion read.

Price and availability

Do not hardcode a “normal” price for either coin. Gold moves and dealer inventory changes. Check the live gold inventory, then ask what is available. A higher purity number does not automatically mean a lower or higher purchase price.

A simple decision guide for Tualatin and Portland buyers

• Choose an American Gold Eagle if you want a United States Mint product, prefer a 22-karat alloy, want the familiar United States dollar face value, or are specifically building an IRA-eligible position through a qualified custodian.
• Choose a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf if you prioritize 99.99 percent purity, like the compact 30-millimeter one-ounce format, or want the Royal Canadian Mints listed security features.
• Compare both if your main question is value. Ask about the current price, coin condition, exact weight, and any available sizes rather than choosing from an old price remembered from a previous visit.

For more context, read Gold IRA myths, scrap versus bullion, and gold hallmarks. New to silver? Start with your first silver stack.

Visit Local Coin Co in Tualatin

Local Coin Co is at 19354 SW Boones Ferry Road, Tualatin, Oregon 97062. Call 503-855-5255 to ask about current Gold Eagle and Maple Leaf availability. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments receive priority.

Local Coin Co matches or beats advertised prices when possible. Compare the live options and ask for exact specifications. Local Coin Co is a dealer, not an IRA custodian.

FAQ

Do both one-ounce coins contain one troy ounce of gold?

Yes. The one-ounce American Gold Eagle contains 1.0000 gold troy ounce inside its 22-karat alloy. The one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf is 99.99 percent pure gold and is specified at one troy ounce.

Why does the Gold Eagle weigh more?

The Eagle includes silver and copper in addition to gold. Its gross weight is 33.931 grams, compared with the Maple Leaf’s 31.11 grams. The extra alloy does not mean extra fine gold.

Are these coins the same diameter?

No. The one-ounce Eagle is 32.70 millimeters, and the one-ounce Maple Leaf is 30 millimeters.

Should I buy based only on purity?

No. Also consider size, alloy, security details, current price, availability, and intended use.

Bottom line

The American Gold Eagle and Canadian Gold Maple Leaf are two different routes to one fine troy ounce of gold. The Eagle emphasizes a United States Mint 22-karat alloy and familiar United States specifications. The Maple Leaf emphasizes 99.99 percent purity, a compact format, and modern security features. For buyers in Tualatin and Portland, the best next step is to check current inventory at Local Coin Co and compare the specific coins available today.

Educational disclaimer: This article is for general educational information, not individualized investment, tax, legal, or retirement-account advice. Gold prices and availability change. Verify current product details and consult qualified professionals for advice about your circumstances.