New Customer? Get Gold or Silver at Spot!
New Customer? Get Gold or Silver at Spot!

Bullion

Whether you are a novice or experienced investor, the vast selection available can make buying bullion an intimidating experience. As you make decisions on your specific bullion needs, take the opportunity to explore our Knowledge Center and learn about the types of bullion bars, coins, or rounds available. 

Gold Biscuit vs Gold Bar

Gold Biscuit vs Gold Bar

Gold biscuits and gold bars contain the same investment-grade gold, but they differ in size, presentation, premiums, and typical use.…
Argor-Heraeus Gold Bars vs PAMP Suisse Gold Bars 

Argor-Heraeus Gold Bars vs PAMP Suisse Gold Bars 

Both Argor-Heraeus and PAMP Suisse sit at the top of the Swiss bullion market, backed by LBMA credentials and .9999 fine…
Rand Refinery Gold Bars vs PAMP Gold Bars: Which One Fits Your Gold Strategy? 

Rand Refinery Gold Bars vs PAMP Gold Bars: Which One Fits Your Gold Strategy? 

Rand Refinery and PAMP gold bars are both widely recognized, but they suit different buyer priorities. This comparison looks at…

Understanding Bullion

Bullion represents precious metals in their purest, high-value forms, typically measured by weight and purity. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, understanding bullion is crucial to making wise investment choices. Bullion comes from various public and private global mints, highlighting its universal appeal and significance in preserving wealth. This section of our Knowledge Center makes navigating the bullion market simple and informative, helping you explore different metals, forms, and factors influencing their value.

What is Bullion?

Bullion refers to bulk forms of precious metals, primarily gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.  Unlike numismatic coins, which carry additional collectible value, bullion is valued primarily for its metal content and weight. Gold and silver bars and coins are popular types, but the world of bullion also includes unique forms like rounds, shaped pieces, or hand-poured silver.  

Types of Bullion

Bullion comes in multiple shapes, sizes, and metals, making it adaptable to various investment strategies. Traditional forms include gold and silver bars and coins, but bullion also encompasses some platinum and palladium products. Bullion sizes range from grams and fractional ounces to large kilogram bars, allowing investors to tailor their purchases to fit their budget and goals.

Bullion coins are a popular choice, celebrated for their craftsmanship and value. Coins like the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, British Britannia, and Australian Kangaroo are internationally recognized, enhancing their liquidity and appeal. Each of these bullion types reflects its nation’s artistry and heritage, making them a store of value and a piece of cultural significance.

Why Buy Bullion

Investors turn to bullion for various reasons, primarily as a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty. Gold and silver have held their value over centuries, making them ideal for those looking to preserve wealth over the long term. Platinum and palladium, while less traditional, offer unique opportunities due to their industrial applications and rarity, providing additional layers of diversification. Many see bullion as a tangible asset in a world of fluctuating paper currencies, serving as a protective barrier in times of inflation or market volatility.

What Influences Bullion Value?

The value of bullion is primarily due to the intrinsic value of the metal and is determined by the current spot price. Global supply and demand, economic conditions, geopolitical events, and currency fluctuations drive precious metal prices. For example, silver’s value is often influenced by its industrial uses, while gold’s price responds to interest rates and inflation. Knowing how these factors interplay can enhance your ability to make well-timed, informed investments in bullion. Each form of bullion also carries a premium over spot, which varies depending on the type. Bars, for instance, typically have a lower premium than popular coins such as the American Eagle series.

Explore the World of Bullion

The journey into bullion investment is exciting, with a range of options suitable for every level of investor. Our Knowledge Center offers in-depth articles on gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion, guiding you through each type and helping you find the best fit for your portfolio. Whether you’re looking to start small or invest in larger quantities, our resources provide the insights needed to make confident decisions. Start exploring today and see how bullion can be a valuable asset in your investment strategy.

All Bullion Resources

What’s the Difference Between Cast Silver and Hand-Poured Silver?

Hand-poured silver bars and cast-poured silver bars involve different production methods, and there is a visible difference in the finished product. Both hand poured and

Is There Silver in a Mauritius 10 Rupees?

In 1971, the Royal, United Kingdom, and Llantrisant Mints issued Mauritius 10 Rupee coins with a bust of young Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and

2021 Type 1 vs Type 2 American Eagles

The 2021 Type 1 Silver and Gold American Eagle coins have iconic designs, while the Type 2 designs offer a modernized look. Learn more about

Silver Eagles vs. Silver Krugerrands

Silver Eagles broke records over the past couple of years for their high premiums. Savvy investors are seeking alternatives, and one of those is the

What Nickels are Silver?

Have you ever wondered which American nickels are silver? Learn about that and more in this article.

Is Gold & Silver In TEP Worth More?

If you’ve shopped gold or silver, you may have seen the acronym TEP. In this article we explain what it is and why it’s so

Silver Eagles vs. Silver Bars

If you are interested in finding another silver investment alternative to Silver Eagles, silver bars are something to look into. Check out why we think

What Does Secondary Market Gold Mean?

One of the caveats of buying Secondary Market Precious Metals is that often, several brands’ products will be grouped into one product. For instance, a

What Dimes are Silver?

Learn more about which dimes are silver and how that impacts different dimes' values.

2023 Silver Eagles vs. Silver Britannias

You may be looking for another silver coin option to invest in while Silver Eagle prices are up. Consider investing in Silver Britannias!

Silver Buffalo vs. Silver Eagle

Consider investing in other silver bullion coins, like the Silver Buffalo, when Silver Eagle premiums are sky high.

Why Private Mints make Silver Buffalos, but not Gold

Have you ever wondered why private mints can make Silver Buffalos but not Gold Buffalos? We break down the reasons why.

American Gold Eagles or Gold Buffalos? Which is a Better Buy in 2024?

Gold Eagles and Gold Buffalos are iconic American coins, so which will be better in 2023?

American Silver Eagle Bullion Coins – 1986 to Present

Learn about the Silver Eagle program’s inception, history, and transformation into a semi-numismatic collectible.

American Gold Eagle Bullion Coins – 1986 to Present

Learn about one of the most successful and popular gold bullion programs in the world.

American Gold Buffalo Bullion Coins – 2006 to Present

Learn what sets American Gold Buffalo bullion coins apart from others, its history, and its value as an investment option.

American Eagle Platinum Coins – 1997 to Present

Learn about American Eagle platinum coins, a platinum bullion coin struck by the U.S. Mint since 1997.

American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coins – 2017 to Present

American Eagles are a popular bullion coin historically struck in Gold and Silver. But since 2017, the series expanded to include Palladium as well.

Are Today’s Gold American Eagles a Mixture of Gold and Copper?

The American Gold Eagle is guaranteed by the U.S. government to contain the stated Gold weight in ounces and is available in 1 oz, ½

What is the Weight of a 1912 $10 Gold Eagle?

Learn more about the weight of this historic 1912 $10 Gold Eagle and about its history.

What Should You Stack? Silver Eagles vs Silver Maple Leaf

Silver Eagles have had higher costs and premiums in 2022, so learn more about another great silver bullion coin to invest in: the Silver Maple.
Hand-poured silver bars and cast-poured silver bars involve different production methods, and there is a visible difference in the finished product. Both hand poured and
In 1971, the Royal, United Kingdom, and Llantrisant Mints issued Mauritius 10 Rupee coins with a bust of young Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and
The 2021 Type 1 Silver and Gold American Eagle coins have iconic designs, while the Type 2 designs offer a modernized look. Learn more about
Silver Eagles broke records over the past couple of years for their high premiums. Savvy investors are seeking alternatives, and one of those is the
Have you ever wondered which American nickels are silver? Learn about that and more in this article.
If you’ve shopped gold or silver, you may have seen the acronym TEP. In this article we explain what it is and why it’s so
If you are interested in finding another silver investment alternative to Silver Eagles, silver bars are something to look into. Check out why we think
One of the caveats of buying Secondary Market Precious Metals is that often, several brands’ products will be grouped into one product. For instance, a
Learn more about which dimes are silver and how that impacts different dimes’ values.
You may be looking for another silver coin option to invest in while Silver Eagle prices are up. Consider investing in Silver Britannias!
Consider investing in other silver bullion coins, like the Silver Buffalo, when Silver Eagle premiums are sky high.
Have you ever wondered why private mints can make Silver Buffalos but not Gold Buffalos? We break down the reasons why.
Gold Eagles and Gold Buffalos are iconic American coins, so which will be better in 2023?
Learn about the Silver Eagle program’s inception, history, and transformation into a semi-numismatic collectible.
Learn about one of the most successful and popular gold bullion programs in the world.
Learn what sets American Gold Buffalo bullion coins apart from others, its history, and its value as an investment option.
Learn about American Eagle platinum coins, a platinum bullion coin struck by the U.S. Mint since 1997.
American Eagles are a popular bullion coin historically struck in Gold and Silver. But since 2017, the series expanded to include Palladium as well.
The American Gold Eagle is guaranteed by the U.S. government to contain the stated Gold weight in ounces and is available in 1 oz, ½
Learn more about the weight of this historic 1912 $10 Gold Eagle and about its history.
Silver Eagles have had higher costs and premiums in 2022, so learn more about another great silver bullion coin to invest in: the Silver Maple.

More Guides for You

What is Bullion?

Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium all come in various forms and sizes to create a variety of options for investors and collectors.  

What Is an Eagle

Since the U.S. Mint’s American Eagle program began in 1986, Gold and Silver Eagles have remained a popular choice among both investors and collectors

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