Gold and Silver Coins vs Bars: Which Has Lower Premiums Today?
As of Nov 11, 2026, 9:49 AM ET, the lowest 1 oz gold bar is 1.9% over spot, against a median of 3.0% for the lowest offer on each of 6 popular 1 oz gold coins, so the bar is cheaper today by 1.1 points. In silver, the lowest bar premium (1 Kilo Silver Bar, 2.5%) is below the lowest 1 oz coin (1 oz British Silver Britannia, 4.8%).
Bars are often said to be cheaper than coins. These tables check that against the lowest fresh price at the dealers we track.
1 oz gold: coins vs bar
| Product | Lowest price | Dealer | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand | $4,081.60 | Monument Metals | 1.7% |
| 1 oz Gold Bar | $4,092.88 | Bullion Standard | 1.9% |
| 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | $4,107.60 | Monument Metals | 2.3% |
| 1 oz Austrian Gold Philharmonic | $4,110.30 | Monument Metals | 2.4% |
| 1 oz American Gold Eagle | $4,161.89 | MintBuilder | 3.7% |
| 1 oz British Gold Britannia | $4,167.23 | SD Bullion | 3.8% |
| 1 oz American Gold Buffalo | $4,169.90 | MintBuilder | 3.9% |
Silver: 1 oz coins vs larger bars
| Product | Lowest price | Dealer | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Kilo Silver Bar | $1,724.53 | MintBuilder | 2.5% |
| 100 oz Silver Bar | $5,383.00 | Monument Metals | 2.8% |
| 10 oz Silver Bar | $543.50 | MintBuilder | 3.8% |
| 1 oz British Silver Britannia | $54.89 | MintBuilder | 4.8% |
| 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | $55.97 | Bullion Standard | 6.9% |
| 1 oz American Silver Eagle | $57.52 | Bullion Standard | 9.9% |
Things the premium doesn't capture
- Sovereign coins carry legal-tender status and are widely recognized. Bars vary by brand.
- Large bars cut the premium per ounce, but you can't sell part of one.
- Buy-back prices differ by product, so ask your dealer.
Ready to compare dealers? See every dealer's 1 oz gold bar price or the cheapest place to buy silver bars. The Bullion Premium Index tracks these premiums at every refresh.
Related: Gold Eagle vs Buffalo, cheapest way to buy gold coins.
FAQ
Is it better to buy silver coins or bars?
Bars usually cost less per ounce; coins are easier to sell in small amounts. Today the cheapest Silver Eagle is 9.9% over spot and the cheapest 10 oz bar 3.8% (Nov 11, 2026 9:49 AM ET).
Are gold bars cheaper than gold coins?
Today, yes: as of Nov 11, 2026, 9:49 AM ET the lowest 1 oz gold bar is 1.9% over spot, against a median of 3.0% for the lowest offer on 6 popular 1 oz gold coins. The gap changes daily.
Should I buy gold bars or gold coins?
On price alone, buy whichever has the lower premium on the day; this page shows both. Government coins are widely recognised when you sell, while bars vary by refiner. This is a price comparison, not investment advice.