If you’ve ever hung out in precious metals circles, chances are you’ve heard terms like 24-karat gold, 0.999 gold, or 0.9999 gold. Now, what does all this mean, and why exactly does that extra “9” matter? That’s exactly what we’re going to answer here today.
Here’s everything you need to know as you decide to buy gold to keep your hard-earned savings safe.
Gold Purity: What Do All Those Numbers Mean?
Gold purity is usually expressed in parts per thousand, or “millesimal fineness.” When you see numbers like 0.999 or 0.9999, these represent how pure the gold is:
- 0.999 gold (or 24-karat gold) is 99.9% pure.
- 0.9999 gold is 99.99% pure and known as “four nines” or “ultra-fine” gold.
Basically, 0.9999 gold is purer than 0.999 gold.
What Makes .9999 Gold So Pure?
Gold is refined to 0.9999 purity through an extra refining process. Remaining impurities are removed by a combination of chemical and electrolytic methods in most refineries. This is a very meticulous process, and only 0.01% (or less) of the material is anything other than gold.
To achieve this, two primary refining methods are commonly used:
The Miller Process
In this method, a chlorine gas is used to purify molten gold, separated from the impurities. It’s fast and cheap, but it usually yields 0.995 purity — it’s not quite good enough to get to 0.9999.
The Wohlwill Process
An electrolytic cell of acids is used in this method. Dissolving the gold and re-plating it onto pure sheets can make it as pure as 0.9999.
As a result, 0.9999 gold is often called “ultra-pure” or “investment-grade gold.”
Is .9999 Gold Worth More?
The purest commercially available gold is 0.9999, but its worth isn’t just its purity. Market demand is a major factor here. Some buyers prefer 0.9999 coins and bars because of their ultra-fine quality.
Others may prefer coins with historical or aesthetic appeal — such as the American Gold Eagle, which is 91.67% gold (22 karat). As one might imagine, it’s highly sought after for its legacy and beauty.
While 0.999 or 0.9999 gold is what you are purchasing, it is important to remember that you are still getting physical gold, an asset that can be a hedge against economic uncertainty. For many people, that’s where the value lies.
What Gold Coins Are 0.9999 Fine?
Several well-known gold coins are struck to 0.9999 purity. These include:
- American Gold Buffalo: The only U.S. coin struck with 99.99% pure gold.
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: Since 1982. Produced with 0.9999 fineness.
- Australian Gold Kangaroo: Known for its changing designs and ultra-pure composition.
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic: Collectors and those looking for fine gold will find this a popular choice.
- Gold Britannia: Issued by the British Royal Mint and globally known because of its purity and craftsmanship.
If you are buying physical gold for your assets, it is important to understand the difference between these. Because many of these coins are eligible for inclusion in a Gold IRA, they are a popular choice for those looking for long-term security.
Does Purity Matter in Gold IRAs?
Purity standards are part of the equation when rolling with a Gold IRA. In order for gold in IRAs to be accepted, it must be at least 0.995 fine. So that means coins like Gold American Eagle (.9167 fineness) are an exception because they are gold coins, but other coins, like Krugerrands, do not qualify because they are not fine gold.
If you are thinking about a Gold IRA, then you’ll want to concentrate your efforts on those coins or bars that have reached the 0.999 or greater threshold. American Hartford Gold is your trusted source here.
We make the process of buying and adding 0.999 or 0.9999 gold to your self-directed IRA simple and seamless without you having to become a gold expert overnight.
Should You Always Choose 0.9999 Gold?
Sure, 0.9999 gold is pure, but it’s not always a case of better or worse. Sometimes, it’s a personal preference, it’s a budget, it’s what fits best within your bigger financial picture.
With that in mind, the American Gold Eagle and other coins with slightly lower purity are still very valuable and trusted all over the world.
The most important thing is that you’re getting physical gold that you can hold in your hands, not digital assets or paper contracts that can disappear with a click of a button. Your physical gold does not belong to the banks or the markets, so when the banks fail or the markets wobble, your physical gold remains yours.
Make the Smart Move With AHG
American Hartford Gold is here to walk you through your precious metals buying journey, whether you are new to precious metals or a seasoned buyer. We have a team to make it easy and secure for you to acquire 0.9999 fine gold.
If you are thinking about how to add gold to your savings or retirement strategy, then it’s time to see how you can protect your future. Connect with our team today to do just that.
Sources:
Gold Jewellery: Colour, Carat & Purity | Gold.org
Gold refining by solvent extraction—the Minataur™ Process | SAIMM
Your 24 karat gold is of 999 or 995 fineness? Check before buying | The Economic Times
