What is an AVDP Ounce?
At a Glance:
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- Avoirdupois, often abbreviated as AVDP, is a common system of weight measurements.
- Everyday products are often weighed using AVDP units, and precious metals usually use troy ounces.
- Copper bars, rounds, and other products are typically measured using AVDP ounces and pounds.
- On this page, learn more about AVDP ounces, as well as how copper products are weighed.
What is an AVDP Ounce?
In the precious metals market, the troy system is king. Spot prices are often quoted in troy ounces, and coins, bars, and rounds weighing one troy ounce are the best-selling products of most private and public mints. The troy measurement system is important for new precious metal investors to understand, since it’s the most popular way to measure most precious metals.
But if you’ve been shopping around for copper bars and rounds, you may notice that these products are usually not weighed in troy ounces. What gives? Most investment-grade copper products are weighed using AVDP ounces.
So, what is an AVDP ounce? AVDP, an abbreviation for avoirdupois, is a system of weight measurement that uses ounces and pounds. AVDP measurements are often used in daily life, and investment-grade copper products are usually weighed in the AVDP system of ounces and pounds. Because troy ounces weigh more than AVDP ounces, a 1 oz copper round actually weighs a little bit less than a 1 oz silver round.
On this page, learn more about AVDP ounces, the history of the avoirdupois measurement system, the most popular copper weights to buy, and more.
About AVDP Ounces
While precious metals like gold and silver are typically weighed in either troy ounces or grams, copper products are almost invariably measured using AVDP ounces and pounds. This may seem confusing at first, but it’s important to remember that the AVDP measuring system is actually the same way we measure everyday items like food.
Although the AVDP system of weight measurements is used to describe the weights of everyday items, it’s important that investors pay attention to which weight unit is being used for their precious metal products. For example, AVDP ounces weigh slightly less than troy ounces, but an AVDP pound weighs more than a troy pound.
Below, we’ll learn a bit more about the AVDP system of weight measurement.
What Does AVDP Stand For?
AVDP is an abbreviation for avoirdupois, which is a weight measurement system that historians believe was developed in the 14th century.
Origin and History of the AVDP System
The exact origins of the AVDP system are unclear, and the measurement system has changed considerably over the last 2,000 years or so. Historians believe that the very first use of the avoirdupois system occurred sometime in the 14th century CE. At one point, an AVDP pound was defined as 6,992 grains, and ounces were split into sixteen smaller units called “parts.”
Like many other measurement systems, AVDP units were non-standardized for a very long time. A group of six countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, signed an agreement in 1959 to define the precise weight of an AVDP pound, which remains the same today.
AVDP vs. Troy Ounces
As you already know, precious metals are usually measured in troy ounces, rather than the AVDP ounces used to describe the weight of copper, base metals, and most everyday products. But how do AVDP weights stack up to their troy system equivalents?
An AVDP ounce is larger than a troy ounce; one troy ounce weighs the same as 1.09714 AVDP ounces. However, an AVDP pound weighs less than a troy pound. An AVDP pound weighs the same amount as 1.21528 troy pounds. It’s important that investors understand the difference between AVDP and troy weight measurements, as AVDP ounces and pounds are not equivalent to their troy system counterparts.
Do AVDP or Troy Ounces Weigh More?
Which one weighs more – an AVDP or troy ounce? AVDP ounces weigh more than troy ounces, with one AVDP ounce being equivalent to 1.09714 troy ounces.
Why is Copper Weighed in AVDP Ounces?
The main reason why copper is weighed in AVDP ounces instead of troy ounces is because copper is a base metal. Base metals are common, non-precious metals. Copper, tin, and zinc are three popular examples of base metals. Since copper is not as valuable as other precious metals, such as silver, gold, or platinum, it is measured by the same units we use to describe everyday items.
Most Popular Copper Weights to Buy
Copper’s weight measurement system may take some getting used to, especially if you’re used to buying precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. That being said, copper is an exceptionally popular metal to invest in, particularly because of the metal’s usefulness and low cost of entry.
Unlike gold and silver, copper bars are often sold in very large weights. Because copper is not very expensive per ounce, it’s an excellent metal for investors who want to purchase a large amount of metal at one time without spending thousands of dollars.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular copper bar and round weights to buy.
1 oz Copper Rounds
1 oz is one of the most popular weights for copper rounds. Because the price of copper is far lower than the price of silver or gold, copper rounds can be a good way to invest in a valuable metal without breaking the bank. Many private mints produce high-quality copper rounds with a wide range of different designs to fit any aesthetic.
The big downside of buying copper 1 oz at a time is the high premiums. You’ll often pay a large premium over spot price for your 1 oz copper rounds, which makes investing in larger bars and rounds a better strategy for stackers hoping to save some money on premiums. Still, the affordability and versatility of 1 oz copper rounds make them some of the most popular copper products on the market.
5 oz Copper Bars
5 oz copper rounds are very popular among copper stackers for their affordability and versatility. At 5 ounces, you begin saving at least a bit of money on premiums compared to 1 oz rounds. Many private mints produce high-quality 5 oz copper bars for you to add to your portfolio.
Hero Bullion actually produces a range of quality 5 oz copper bars featuring a wide range of beautiful, intricate artworks.
1 Pound Copper Bars
This is where copper’s affordability really comes into play. Because copper is so cheap per ounce, many investors prefer to invest in copper using 1 pound copper bars. A 1 pound copper bar retails for considerably less than even a single troy ounce of silver, making it a great investment if you want lots of metal for your money.
Because of the large size of a 1 pound copper bar, you won’t usually see the same intricate, ornate designs on these bars that you’d find on 1 oz copper rounds. Still, some mints are working to produce beautiful, high-quality artwork on their larger bars. If you’re looking for a 1 pound copper bar with a bit of personality, you may have to shop around a bit.
5 Pound Copper Bars
5 pound copper bars are also very popular among copper stackers. Element’s 5 Pound Copper Cube is an especially popular product at this weight, and you’ll save quite a bit of money buying copper 5 pounds at a time compared to smaller weights.
It’s important for new copper investors to realize that premiums in this market decrease substantially as the size of your investment increases. The spot price of copper refers primarily to what large institutional investors would pay per ounce when buying tons of copper at one time. That being said, you stand to save quite a bit of cash per investment if you choose to go large with your next copper investment.
10 Pound Copper Bars
For most investors, 10 pound copper bars are the largest copper investments that are feasible to purchase and ship. This is the largest copper bar weight Hero Bullion sells, and 10 pound copper bars are a fantastic choice for investors who are set on saving money while stacking one of humanity’s most useful metals.
Due to its size, the average copper bar features simple designs with very minimalist artwork. While this may be a let-down for investors looking for something more beautiful for their collections, the simplicity of the average 10 oz copper bar is a great asset if you’re looking to cut down on premiums.
Which Copper Weight Should You Buy?
So, which copper weight is best for investing? The answer to this question depends on your own personal preferences, investing objectives, and budget.
Small copper products weighing 5 ounces or less typically feature more beautiful, intricate designs. However, purchasing copper in bulk is a great way to save money on premiums, making it ideal for stackers working with a larger budget.
Final Thoughts: What is an AVDP Ounce?
AVDP ounces are part of the avoirdupois weight measurement system, which is used to describe the weights of most everyday products and base metals like copper. This is in contrast to troy ounces, which are used to measure the weight of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
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About The Author
Michael Roets
Michael Roets is a writer and journalist for Hero Bullion. His work explores precious metals news, guides, and commentary.