Gram Gold or Quarter Gold Coin: Which Is Better?

The question people who want to save ask us most is whether they should choose gram gold or the quarter gold coin (çeyrek altın). Both are seen as safe havens, but they differ in how they are bought and sold, in craftsmanship costs and in how they are stored. When choosing, the length of the investment, your budget and your goals are decisive.

The quarter coin is a traditional investment and a very common gift at weddings, engagements and other special occasions in Turkey. Gram gold has become more popular in recent years for both saving and investment. Looking at both options more closely makes it easier to decide which one suits you.

Features and advantages of the quarter coin

The quarter coin is struck by the Turkish State Mint. It is 22 karat as standard, which means 916 fineness, and weighs about 1.75 grams. It is the most sought-after type of gold for both investment and gifts, and it is extremely well known and widely accepted.

One of its biggest advantages is that it is easy to store as physical gold and can be turned into cash very quickly at any jeweller when needed. It is sold with or without a loop; if you are buying for investment, a coin without a loop is usually the better choice. You can follow price movements live on our market screen. As we explain in our article on old-dated and new-dated quarter coins, small price differences caused by the minting year can sometimes be seen on the market.

Features and advantages of gram gold

Gram gold is packaged 24 karat gold (995 or 999.9 fineness) produced by authorised refineries. It is usually sold in weights such as 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 grams.

The clearest advantage of gram gold is that its craftsmanship cost is minimal. This is also the plainest answer for anyone wondering why gold buying and selling prices differ: the spread on gram gold is usually much narrower than on crafted products. Being able to buy exactly as much as your budget allows makes gram gold attractive, especially for regular, small savings. It can also be bought as a book entry through banks, which removes the need for physical storage.

Comparison: which should you choose?

If you are thinking of a gift, or you like holding gold physically, the quarter coin is the traditional choice. But if your goal is to invest in pure gold with the lowest craftsmanship cost, buy flexibly according to your budget and keep the buy/sell spread to a minimum, gram gold may be the more rational choice. To see how much you have gained or lost, use our calculators.

This article is for general information only and is not investment advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which earns more, gram gold or the quarter coin?

The gold price depends on the global ounce price and the dollar rate. When gold rises, both gain value. But because the spread on gram gold is usually narrower, you may lose less when you sell.

Does it matter for investment whether a quarter coin has a loop?

The loop added to a quarter coin is not the same karat as the coin and adds nothing to its value when sold. If you are buying for investment, a coin without a loop is the better choice.

Is gram gold from a bank the same as gram gold from a jeweller?

Gold bought from a bank is a book entry: it appears in your account and follows the market price, but you never hold it. Gram gold from a jeweller is physical and handed over in its packaging. You can see our physical gold options in our store.

What does the date difference on quarter coins mean?

The Mint strikes new-dated coins every year. Coins from the current year are called new-dated, those from previous years old-dated. There is no difference in content or weight, but because of demand, new-dated coins usually sell for a little more.