Fine weight

Fine weight is the weight of the pure precious metal in a coin or bar, computed as gross weight times fineness. A Krugerrand weighs 33.93 grams at 916.7 fine and so has a fine weight of 31.10 grams; a Sovereign weighs 7.988 grams at 916.7 fine and contains 7.32 grams of fine gold.

Only the fine weight determines the metal value. The copper in a Krugerrand carries no value. That is why Aevumex always reckons in fine weight: value = fine weight × spot price per gram.

For 999 or 9999 products such as the Maple Leaf or a modern bar the fine weight is practically equal to the gross weight. For older coins (900, 916.7, 925) the difference is large, so the fineness is the first thing to look up.

Frequently asked questions

How do I compute fine weight?

Gross weight times fineness. A sterling silver piece of 100 grams at 925: 100 × 0.925 = 92.5 grams of fine silver.

What does 916.7 mean?

That 916.7 of every 1000 parts by weight are precious metal, i.e. 22 karat. 999.9 is 24 karat, 900 is 21.6 karat.

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