Gold Tael: A Brief History and Market Overview

Author

Reads 140

Pile of Gold Round Coins
Credit: pexels.com, Pile of Gold Round Coins

The gold tael has a fascinating history that spans centuries, originating in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). This was the first recorded use of gold taels as a unit of currency.

Gold taels were minted with a standard weight of 37.8 grams, which was equivalent to about 0.8 troy ounces. This standardization allowed for easy trade and commerce.

The gold tael played a significant role in China's economy, particularly during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD). Its value was pegged to the silver tael, which was used as a unit of account for taxes and other transactions.

You might enjoy: Gold in China

History of Gold Tael

The price of gold in tael has fluctuated over the years, with significant changes occurring in February 2025.

On February 18, 2025, the price of gold in tael jumped by $44.78, or 1.27%, to $3,567.50.

This increase was followed by a slight drop on February 19, 2025, with the price falling by $2.42, or 0.07%, to $3,565.08.

For another approach, see: Silver Melt Value vs Spot Price

Credit: youtube.com, Finemetal AG China Gold Tael the nicest Gold Coin for Asia

A notable increase occurred on February 10, 2025, where the price rose by $57.28, or 1.65%, to $3,534.18.

Here is a summary of the price changes for the week of February 10-16, 2025:

History of Gold Prices

As you delve into the history of Gold Tael, it's essential to understand the fluctuations in its price over time. The price of Gold Tael has varied significantly, with a notable decline on February 14, 2025, when it dropped by $54.63 (-1.54%).

One of the most significant price increases occurred on February 18, 2025, when the price rose by $44.78 (+1.27%). This increase was followed by a slight decrease on February 19, 2025, when the price dropped by $2.42 (-0.07%).

The price of Gold Tael has also experienced some volatility on weekends, with prices remaining unchanged on February 23, 2025, and February 22, 2025, due to market closure.

A closer look at the price history reveals some interesting trends. Here are the price changes for the week of February 17-25, 2025:

These fluctuations demonstrate the dynamic nature of the Gold Tael market, with prices influenced by various market forces and events.

A unique perspective: Indian Gold Market Chart

Historical Usage

Credit: youtube.com, A History of Gold as a Currency: Did You Know?

The tael has a rich history, particularly in China, where it was used as a unit of weight and currency for centuries. In China, the silver tael weighed around 40 grams.

One of the most common government measures was the Kuping tael, which weighed 37.5 grams. The Kuping tael was the standard used by the government for official transactions.

Another weight used in China was the Caoping tael, which weighed 36.7 grams. This weight was used for commercial transactions and was considered to be of marginally less pure silver than the Kuping tael.

In East Asia, the tael was used not only in China but also in Japan and Korea. The Japanese used the term "ryō" to refer to the tael, while the Koreans used the term "nyang" or "ryang".

Expand your knowledge: Short Term Gold Trading

Gold Tael in China

In ancient China, gold was a valuable commodity, and the gold tael was a significant unit of measurement. The gold tael was used in the Chu state as part of the Gold Ying Yuan coins.

Related reading: China Tael

Credit: youtube.com, Finemetal China Gold Tael (English, short Version)

The gold tael was a standard unit of weight, equivalent to 50 g or 1⁄10 catty. In the Qing dynasty, silver was also traded in taels, but with weights based on the standard market tael of 31.25 g.

The gold tael played a crucial role in China's economic history, and its legacy can still be seen today.

Broaden your view: Gold Standard Zimbabwe

Imperial China

During the Tang Dynasty, the gold tael was a widely accepted unit of currency in Imperial China.

The gold tael was often used as a standard unit of account for transactions involving gold, silver, and other precious commodities.

In Imperial China, the gold tael was a symbol of wealth and power, often presented as a gift to high-ranking officials and nobles.

The gold tael was also used as a store of value, with many families and individuals hoarding them as a safeguard against economic uncertainty.

The gold tael's value was closely tied to the silver tael, with a fixed exchange rate between the two metals.

Take a look at this: Krugerrand Value by Year

Mainland China

Credit: youtube.com, Asias first Gold Tael for China (Chinese version, manufacturing )

In Mainland China, the standard market tael was modified in 1959 to make it compatible with metric measures. The new market tael weighs 50g, or 1/10 catty, which is 500g.

The tael is still used in Shanghai to trade silver, and its weight is standardized. However, in other parts of China, the tael is used to measure foodstuffs, but its weight can vary. For example, one tael of cooked rice is approximated using a special tael-sized ladle.

Some popular food items sold in taels include the shengjian mantou and the xiaolongbao, both small bao buns commonly sold in Shanghai. One tael of these buns is traditionally four and eight buns respectively.

In Shanghai, you can still find silver being traded in taels, but in other parts of China, the tael is used more for food and other items.

Hong Kong-Singapore

In Hong Kong and Singapore, the tael is a weight measure still in active use. One tael in Hong Kong is defined as 37.799364167 grams.

Credit: youtube.com, RARE 37.5 g ONE TAEL 9999 GOLD CHINA HONG KONG SYCEE INGOT / BOAT BAR

In both Hong Kong and Singapore, one tael is equivalent to 1+1⁄3 ounce. This is a significant weight unit in these regions.

The tael is used in Hong Kong and Singapore as a standard weight measure, reflecting the historical connection between these territories and China.

In Hong Kong, the tael is defined as 37.799364167 grams, which is also equivalent to 1+1⁄3 ounce.

Key Information

The 1 Tael Gold Bar is available in varied conditions, ranging from brand new to those with wear and tear or detracting flaws from the production process.

You can expect to pay $3,680.13 for a single 1 Tael Gold Bar, with prices increasing to $3,718.46 and $3,833.47 for larger quantities.

The bars will ship in original packaging if available, but other items will be shipped in a plastic bag, sleeve, flip, or in a shipping box with protective wrap around the bar.

Here's a breakdown of the pricing for different quantities:

Key Data Points

Close-up of molten gold in a crucible, showcasing the smelting process at a Bangkok foundry.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of molten gold in a crucible, showcasing the smelting process at a Bangkok foundry.

The current gold price per tael is $3,544.54. This is a significant decrease from yesterday's price of $3,588.79.

The price change today is -$44.33, which represents a 1.2% drop. This volatility is a stark contrast to yesterday's market.

Today's high price was $3,590.56, while the low price was $3,510.17. This fluctuation of $80.39 is a notable aspect of the market.

The market volatility status is currently classified as Very High. This level of uncertainty can be daunting for investors.

Pricing

The pricing for 1 Tael Gold Bars varies depending on the quantity you purchase.

You can buy as little as one bar for a price that's just $3,680.13, or opt for a larger quantity to get a lower price per ounce.

The prices listed are for 1 Tael Gold Bars in varied conditions, with the exact price per ounce depending on the quantity you buy.

Here's a breakdown of the prices:

If you're interested in buying more than one bar, you can get a better deal with the price per ounce dropping to $121.99 over spot!

Why Trade

Credit: youtube.com, Finemetal China Gold Tael (English, administration)

You can trade with confidence because Gold Stackers has a secure vault and meeting environment in CBD Melbourne, ensuring safety and discretion.

We're an Australian owned and operated company with strong values and high integrity, making us a trustworthy partner for your precious metal investments.

Our team is experienced and friendly, always happy to help you navigate the world of gold and silver investing.

We're authorised distributors for top brands like Perth Mint, Baird & Co, and Gold Stackers, giving you access to a wide range of investment-grade products.

You can store your precious metals with us, knowing they're covered by insurance for full replacement value.

Regular audits are conducted at our facility to ensure compliance, accuracy, and transparency, giving you peace of mind.

If you're ready to sell your metals, we'll buy them back from you at a price based on the current spot price, with no hidden fees or charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tael mean in Chinese?

A tael is an ancient Chinese unit of weight, equivalent to 1.3 ounces of silver. It was historically used as a unit of currency, particularly for silver.

Abraham Lebsack

Lead Writer

Abraham Lebsack is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and insurance. With a focus on educating readers, he has crafted informative articles on critical illness insurance, providing valuable insights and guidance for those navigating complex financial decisions. Abraham's expertise in the field of critical illness insurance has allowed him to develop comprehensive guides, breaking down intricate topics into accessible and actionable advice.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.