WEIGHTS OF METALS

Troy weights are used to weigh the precious metals: gold, silver, and platinum.  Copper, brass, and nickel are weighed and sold by the standard (avoirdupois) pound.  The troy ounce is about 10 per cent heavier than the avoirdupois ounce (16 oz.=1 lb.).

Troy Weights:

• 1 Troy oz. = 20 dwt.
• 1 dwt. = 24 grains
• 1 Troy oz. = 480 grains
• 1 Troy oz. = 31.1 grams
• 1 dwt. = 1.555 grams
• 1 dwt. = .05 oz.

Generally, refined gold, such as 14K, is referred to in grams.

Unrefined gold, such as natural gold nuggets, is referred to in pennyweight (dwt.). The pennyweight is abbreviated “dwt.”; “d” for the English penny and “wt.” for weight.

24 grains………….1 pennyweight
20 pennyweights…………1 ounce
12 ounces………………...1 pound