Troy Ounce vs. Regular Ounce: The $2,600 Precious Metals Trap
Why 1 Troy Ounce of gold weighs 31.1 grams instead of 28.35 grams, and how to verify dealer bullion quotes with zero confusion.
Arthur Sterling, MScMetrologist & Commodities Analyst • Verified Metrology ContributorIf you buy an ounce of gold bullion from a mint or dealer, you are not receiving a standard 28.35-gram avoirdupois ounce. You are receiving a Troy Ounce (symbol: ozt), which weighs precisely 31.1034768 grams—nearly 10% heavier.
The Troy weight system dates back to the Middle Ages in Troyes, France, where it was established for fair trading in gold, silver, gemstones, and coinage.
Confusion occurs when non-specialist scrap buyers or kitchen scales use the standard 28.35g multiplier. If an unscrupulous dealer weighs a 1 ozt American Gold Eagle on a postal scale and pays you for 28.35g, they are skimming 2.75 grams of pure gold worth roughly $230 USD.
Always ensure your digital scale is toggled to "ozt" mode when assessing bullion bars, sovereign coins, and scrap jewelry.
| Label | Oz | Grams | Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Avoirdupois Ounce | 1.00 oz | 28.35 g | 16 oz = 1 lb |
| Troy Ounce (ozt) | 1.00 ozt | 31.10 g | 12 ozt = 1 Troy lb |
| American Gold Eagle 1 oz | 1.09 ozt (Gross) | 33.93 g | Contains 31.10g Pure Au |
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