Throughout history, few assets have stood the test of time like gold. It doesn’t rust, it doesn’t degrade, and it doesn’t rely on the promises of any government or central bank. Among all the forms that gold takes—jewelry, bars, coins—there’s one format that has become globally recognized for its purity, liquidity, and stability: the 1 ounce gold piece.

Whether you hold it as a coin or a bar, 1 ounce of gold is more than just a shiny piece of metal. It’s a universal store of value, a hedge against inflation, and a symbol of wealth that stretches back thousands of years.

At GoldSilverJapan, we believe that understanding gold isn't about speculation—it's about seeing gold as a long-term, time-tested anchor of purchasing power. So let’s explore what makes 1 ounce of gold so special—and why, even today, it still buys what it did hundreds of years ago: a fine suit and shoes.

The Golden Benchmark: A Suit, Shoes, and One Ounce of Gold

There’s a famous saying often repeated in the world of gold investing:

While the quote has been paraphrased and attributed to various economists, its meaning remains the same. Gold holds its purchasing power, even as paper currencies devalue and prices inflate over time.

Let’s break that down with a real-world comparison:

• In the 1920s, one ounce of gold was around $20 USD. At the time, $20 could buy you:

  • A tailored wool suit

  • A quality leather belt

  • Handmade leather shoes

• Fast forward to today, and 1 ounce of gold trades around $3,300 USD (as of 2025). What can you buy with that?

  • A luxury business suit from brands like Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss, or Zegna

  • Premium leather dress shoes

  • Accessories like a silk tie or belt

    
    

In both cases, gold preserves your lifestyle, not just your money. This is the essence of its role as a store of value.

What Makes 1 Ounce of Gold So Timeless?

1. Global Recognition

The 1 ounce gold format is widely known and accepted around the world. Whether it’s:

• A Krugerrand (South Africa)

• A Gold Eagle (USA)

• A Maple Leaf (Canada)

• A Panda (China)

• Or a fine .9999 gold bar

...the 1 ounce denomination is universally understood, making it easy to trade, sell, or store.

2. Perfect Balance of Size and Value

Too small, and you pay high premiums. Too large, and liquidity becomes a challenge.

The 1 ounce size offers:

• Practical storage and portability

• Lower premiums compared to fractional pieces

• High enough value to be meaningful, yet accessible to individual investors

It’s the “sweet spot” for both beginners and serious gold holders.

3. No Counterparty Risk

Unlike stocks or even government-issued currency, gold isn’t dependent on a company’s performance or a central bank’s decisions. Gold doesn’t default. It simply is.

Holding a 1 ounce gold coin or bar means you own real, tangible wealth—one that can’t be inflated or printed into oblivion.

A Historical Perspective: Gold Through the Ages

Let’s take a brief tour through history and see how 1 ounce of gold has quietly preserved wealth while empires, currencies, and economies have come and gone.

Ancient Rome

A Roman soldier was paid roughly one aureus per month, a gold coin containing nearly one ounce of gold. That coin could buy a month’s worth of food, gear, and even modest shelter. Sound familiar?

Middle Ages

Gold coins were accepted from Baghdad to Venice, from China to England. A single gold florin or ducat could fund long-distance trade journeys or secure land rights.

1800s

In the U.S., a $20 Double Eagle coin contained nearly one ounce of gold. It was a considerable sum, and again, it could buy you a fine tailored suit, dinner, and lodging.

Today

Gold is no longer used in daily transactions, but its real-world purchasing power has barely changed—even as fiat currencies have lost more than 90% of their value in the last century.

1 Ounce Gold as a Hedge Against Inflation

Paper currencies are designed to lose value over time. Inflation is often accepted as “normal,” but for long-term savers, it’s a slow erosion of buying power.

Consider this:

• In 1971, 1 ounce of gold was around $35 USD

• In 2025, it hovers near $2,300 USD

That’s not just gold getting more expensive. It’s the dollar (and yen, and euro) getting weaker.

By holding 1 ounce of gold, you’re hedging against the silent tax of inflation. You’re preserving the value of your work, your savings, and your future.

Should You Start With 1 Ounce Gold?

If you're considering entering the precious metals market, the 1 ounce gold bar or coin is an ideal entry point.

Here’s why:

✅ Liquidity – Easy to buy and sell✅ Portability – Store securely or transport when needed✅ Recognition – Trusted by dealers, banks, and investors worldwide✅ Flexibility – Buy in small quantities and gradually build your position

You don’t need to be wealthy to start. With regular savings or small investments, you can work toward owning your first full ounce—and eventually, your own personal gold reserve.

What Should You Buy? Coin vs. Bar

Both options have their pros, and GoldSilverJapan carries a curated selection of each.

Gold Coins:

• Legal tender status

• Often beautifully designed (e.g. Eagles, Maple Leafs)

• Higher premiums, but easier resale in some markets

  
  

Gold Bars:

• Lower premiums

• More discreet and compact

• Ideal for stacking and storing

If you're new to gold, coins offer familiarity and easy resale. If you're a long-term stacker, bars offer more gold for your yen.

Final Thoughts: Gold Is Still Gold

Trends change. Currencies inflate. Technology evolves. But gold stays gold.

From the markets of Rome to the boardrooms of Tokyo, from the Great Depression to post-COVID inflation, 1 ounce of gold has kept its quiet promise:“I will always be worth something real.”

Whether it buys a suit and shoes or funds your retirement, gold doesn't just store wealth—it stores time, trust, and purchasing power.

At GoldSilverJapan, we help you unlock the power of gold—responsibly, transparently, and with confidence. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to expand your holdings, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

📩 Ready to invest in 1 ounce of gold?💬 Browse our gold coin and bar collections or contact us for expert advice.📘 First time buying? Ask us for our beginner's gold investment guide!