Gold Maple Leaf vs Gold American Eagle: Which Should You Buy?

The Gold Maple Leaf and the Gold American Eagle are North America's two great bullion coins — one prized for record purity, the other for durability and a beloved classic design. Neither is CGT-free in the UK, so the choice comes down to metal, premium and preference.

This guide compares the Gold Maple Leaf and the Gold American Eagle on purity, tax, premiums, security and resale value, so you can decide which belongs in your portfolio.

Quick verdict

• Choose the Gold Maple Leaf if you want maximum purity and a lower premium on every ounce.
• Choose the Gold American Eagle if you want a durable 22-carat coin with the classic Saint-Gaudens design, or you invest from the US.

At a glance: Maple Leaf vs American Eagle

Feature	Gold Maple Leaf	Gold American Eagle
Mint	The Royal Canadian Mint (Canada)	The United States Mint (USA)
First minted	1979	1986
Purity	999.9 fine (24-carat)	916.7 fine (22-carat)
Pure gold (1 oz coin)	31.10 g	31.10 g
Alloy	None (fine gold)	Gold, silver & copper
Sizes	1 oz, ½, ¼, 1/10, 1/20 oz	1 oz, ½, ¼, 1/10 oz
Legal tender	$50 (CAD)	$50 (USD)
UK VAT	Exempt	Exempt
UK CGT	Payable on gains	Payable on gains
Security	Radial lines, micro-engraved privy mark	Reeded edge, intricate relief
Design	Maple leaf / monarch	Liberty / eagles
Global liquidity	Very high	Very high
Typical premium	Low	Medium

About the Gold Maple Leaf

The Royal Canadian Mint introduced the Gold Maple Leaf in 1979, raising its purity to 99.99% in 1982 and setting a world benchmark. Walter Ott's sugar-maple-leaf reverse is instantly recognisable, and the Mint pioneered coin security with a microengraved privy mark (2013) and radial lines (2015).

The Maple Leaf is one of the purest mainstream gold coins available and is recognised worldwide.

Read more in our guide to the Maple Leaf.

About the Gold American Eagle

The United States Mint launched the Gold American Eagle in 1986. Struck in 22-carat gold alloyed with silver and copper, it was designed for durability and to echo America's historic gold coinage. The obverse reuses Augustus Saint-Gaudens' acclaimed 1907 Liberty design; the reverse shows a family of eagles.

By law its gold is sourced from American mines, and it remains the best-selling gold coin in the United States.

Key differences

Purity and gold content

The clearest contrast. The Maple Leaf is 999.9 fine (24-carat) — among the purest coins made — while the Eagle is 22-carat (916.7), alloyed for toughness. Both 1 oz coins hold a full ounce of pure gold, but the Eagle is heavier overall and far more scratch-resistant; the Maple Leaf's pure surface is softer and can show handling marks.

Tax treatment in the UK

Neither coin is CGT-free in the UK, as both are foreign issues — gains above the annual allowance are taxable on either. Both are VAT-free. UK investors seeking a tax advantage should instead look to the Britannia or Sovereign.

Premiums and value

The Maple Leaf is usually one of the lowest-premium 24-carat coins, while the Eagle tends to carry a higher premium, historically linked to the US Mint sourcing blanks externally. For pure gold-per-pound value, the Maple Leaf generally wins.

Security and authentication

The Maple Leaf leads decisively, with its microengraved privy mark and radial-line technology. The Eagle relies on intricate relief and a reeded edge rather than micro-engineered features.

Design and collectibility

Taste decides: the Maple Leaf's clean botanical emblem versus the Eagle's romantic Saint-Gaudens Liberty. Both designs are effectively fixed and globally familiar.

Liquidity and resale

Both are exceptionally liquid across North America and beyond. The Eagle dominates the US market; the Maple Leaf is a global staple.

Pros and cons

Gold Maple Leaf

• Pros: 24-carat purity, Often the lowest premium, Advanced security (privy mark, radial lines), Recognised worldwide
• Cons: Subject to UK CGT, Soft surface marks easily

Gold American Eagle

• Pros: Durable 22-carat alloy, Iconic Saint-Gaudens design, Best-seller in the US
• Cons: Subject to UK CGT, Higher premium, Lower purity; heavier than its gold content

Which should you buy?

• Best for purity and low premium: Gold Maple Leaf — more pure gold per pound spent.
• Best for durability: Gold American Eagle — the alloy resists marks.
• Best for US investors: Gold American Eagle — unmatched domestic recognition.
• Best security features: Gold Maple Leaf — privy mark and radial lines.

For more pairings and a full overview of how the leading coins compare, see our gold coins comparison hub.

Maple Leaf vs American Eagle: FAQs

Is the Maple Leaf or American Eagle CGT-free in the UK?

Neither. Both are foreign coins, so gains are subject to UK Capital Gains Tax. Both are VAT-free. For CGT-free gold, consider the Britannia or Sovereign.

Which coin is purer?

The Maple Leaf, at 999.9 fine (24-carat), is purer than the 22-carat American Eagle.

Which is more durable?

The American Eagle's 22-carat alloy is harder and more scratch-resistant than the Maple Leaf's soft 24-carat surface.

Which has the lower premium?

The Maple Leaf usually carries a lower premium than the American Eagle.

Do they contain the same amount of gold?

Yes. A 1 oz version of either contains one troy ounce (31.10 g) of pure gold; the Eagle weighs more overall due to its alloy.

Buy Gold Maple Leaf and Gold American Eagle coins

Whichever you choose, StoneX Bullion stocks both coins from multiple years of issue, with live pricing updated every 60 seconds and fully insured, discreet delivery across the UK and Europe.

Browse our Gold Maple Leaf and Gold American Eagle coins, or explore our full range of gold coins to start building your portfolio today.