Precious metal purity is essential in determining the quality and value of gold, silver, and platinum. Collectors, jewelers, and investors must understand how purity is measured to make informed decisions. This guide will focus on explaining the differences between 24k, 18k, and 14k gold, standard in both jewelry and coins and how purity affects their overall worth.

What Does Karat Mean?

Karat (k) is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. It refers to the ratio of pure gold to other metals mixed in the alloy to improve durability and workability. Pure gold is soft, so it is often alloyed with metals like silver, copper, or nickel to create a more durable product.

• 24k Gold: This is the purest form of gold, containing 100% pure gold without any other mixed metals. Because of its purity, 24k gold is softer and more prone to scratches or dents. It is often used in high-end coins or gold bars and is highly valued due to its purity. However, because it’s soft, it is less commonly used for jewelry that requires durability.
• 18k Gold: Consists of 75% pure gold (750 parts per thousand), with the remaining 25% made up of other metals. 18k gold strikes a balance between purity and durability. It retains the rich color of gold while being more resistant to wear than 24k. This makes it popular in fine jewelry and is often used for rings, bracelets, and watches.
• 14k Gold: Containing 58.3% pure gold (583 parts per thousand), 14k gold is more durable than 18k or 24k gold due to the higher content of alloyed metals. It is widely used in everyday jewelry because it offers durability, affordability, and gold content. While it doesn’t have the same deep gold color as higher-karat gold, it’s less susceptible to damage, making it ideal for frequently worn pieces.

Why Purity Matters in Coins and Jewelry

The purity of gold and other precious metals directly influences the value of an item, whether it’s jewelry or a coin. For collectors of coins, understanding purity helps assess the worth of items like dollars, half dollars, or rare pieces such as Civil War tokens.

Higher-purity gold and silver coins generally have a higher intrinsic value due to their metal content. However, durability is also an important consideration. For example, a pure 24k gold coin is more valuable by weight, but a lower-purity coin might be better for handling due to its increased hardness.

Silver and Platinum Purity

While gold is measured in karats, silver, and platinum are assessed using millesimal fineness, which measures the parts per thousand of pure metal. Common purities for silver are .999 (99.9% pure) and .925 (92.5% pure, also known as sterling silver). Platinum, known for its strength and rarity, is often available in Pt950 (95% pure) and Pt900 (90% pure) purities. These purity levels are crucial when determining the value of silver and platinum items.

Hallmarks and Stamps: Verifying Purity

A simple way to verify the purity of gold, silver, or platinum is to check for hallmarks or stamps on the item. These marks indicate the metal’s purity and are typically placed by reputable assay offices or manufacturers.

• Gold: Look for stamps such as 24K, 18K, 14K, or a numerical value like 750 (for 18k gold) corresponding to its millesimal fineness.
• Silver: You’ll commonly see .999 or .925 stamped on silver items.
• Platinum: Stamps like Pt950 or Pt900 indicate platinum purity.

At Coin Exchange, we pride ourselves on providing quality items with verified purity, whether you’re searching for high-karat gold jewelry or rare collectibles like Civil War tokens. Visit us in-store or browse our online catalog to discover our diverse selection. Our experts are here to help you make informed decisions about your investment with confidence.