HSBC Launches Gold Token, Chinese Investors Turning to Gold Beans, SWIFT Planning CBDC Rollout

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HSBC has launched a gold token for retail investors in Hong Kong. The token is backed by physical gold held in the bank’s London vault and is powered by distributed ledger technology. This allows for efficient and cost-effective tracking of allocated and unallocated gold holdings. The token is equivalent to 0.001 troy ounce of gold, enabling fractionalization of gold bars and direct investment by retail investors. Coindesk has further details.

China’s Gen Z Prefers to Buy Gold Beans

In recent years, young Chinese investors, particularly those from Generation Z, have shown a growing interest in purchasing gold “beans” as a form of investment. These gold beans are small, pill-sized gold products weighing around one gram and priced between 450 to 600 yuan. Each gold bean is a little larger than the casting grain utilized by jewelers. The trend has been driven by economic instability and as a way to preserve wealth in a tangible form.

Gold beans have become popular among young Chinese investors due to their affordability and the belief that gold is a safe and low-risk investment option. This trend is reflected in the surge of gold sales in China, which reached a six-year high in December 2023. Buying one or two grams per gold per week is a good way to store tangible wealth.

SWIFT Plans CBDC Roll Out in the Next Two Years

SWIFT is collaborating with Capgemini to conduct new experiments to test how they can interlink domestic CBDCs and take the next step towards seamless cross-border payments involving digital currencies. This time they are testing how SWIFT can interlink the multiple domestic-based CBDC networks emerging worldwide to make cross-border payments with CBDCs more seamless and frictionless.

This important step forward builds on the core capabilities of the SWIFT banking network and means that as CBDCs and tokens develop, they can be rapidly deployed at scale to facilitate trade and investment between more than 200 countries and territories around the world. SWIFT is trying to catch up to the efforts by BRICS countries in facilitating local currency transactions along with a return to a gold standard. TechReport.com has more details.

Recent Additions to Gold Coin Price Tracking

FindBullionPrices.com already tracks the prices of dozens of 1 oz gold coins from many trusted and reputable precious metals dealers. Additional coins have been added in recent weeks, providing additional options for investors looking for the lowest premium gold coins.

From the Royal Mint, the 2024 1 oz Beowulf and Grendel Gold Coin is part of a new series which celebrates the great battles from the poem Beowulf. Beowulf, believed to have been originally written in the 8th century is considered the highest achievement of Old English literature.

The series starts Beowulf’s heroic first tale, the battle against the swamp monster Grendel. The reverse shows the Beowulf in a defensive position with his spear at the ready, while Grendel towers above. Inscriptions are included for the year, weight, .9999 fine gold purity. The obverse of each 1 oz gold coin from the Royal Mint contains an obverse portrait of King Charles and this one is no exception and includes the face value.

The 2024 Britannia and Liberty 1 oz Gold Coin is the first issue of a new collaboration between artists and sculptures from both the Royal Mint and the US Mint. The teams worked together on the reverse design, which combines the portraits of Britannia and Lady Liberty into a single design.

Right side up, the coin shows Britannia wearing her helmet and carrying a trident in her hand. The 180 degree flip shows a modernized interpretation of lady liberty holding the flaming torch.

The Royal Mint is a government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom. It is responsible for manufacturing and distributing coins for the UK, as well as producing and selling commemorative coins and medals.

The Royal Tudor Beasts collection is continued with the 2024 Seymour Unicorn 1 oz Gold Coin. The reverse features the Seymour Unicorn, which represents the strength and purity of the union between Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. A distinct surface animation background is incorporated into the chain mail surface texture providing adding an additional point of anti-counterfeiting security.

There are many 1 oz gold coins from the Royal Mint that are highly sought after by collectors and investors because they are known for producing a wide range that includes intricate and beautiful designs, while also employing advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity.

How do the prices of Costco Silver and Gold Coins and Bars Compare to Online Bullion Dealers?

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In a move that caters to the growing interest among consumers, Costco has broadened its selection of precious metals, introducing an array of new coins and bars to cater to the growing interest in tangible assets. The addition includes a variety of gold and silver coins and bars from renowned mints around the world, making it easier for members to diversify their investment portfolios.

The new lineup features investment-grade bullion coins such as the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, along with various sizes of gold bars from PAMP Suisse and the RAND Refinery. These offerings are tailored to both seasoned investors and those new to precious metals, providing competitive pricing that aligns with Costco’s commitment to value.

Costco is able to leverage its membership model to offer competitive pricing on precious metals, while providing members with Cash Back rewards that can be accrued alongside credit card rewards. This combination is helping to undercut traditional coin dealers or precious metals retailers.

The coin offerings have included both gold and silver coins from the US Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint. This move by Costco follows a broader trend that reflects a mainstream acceptance and interest in precious metals as both an investment and long term store of value.

US Mint

The US Mint began minting bullion coins for investors in 1986 after the passage of the Liberty Coin Act. Along with the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, these two laws require the U.S. Mint to produce and sell the American Gold Eagle and the American Silver Eagle in both bullion and proof finishes in sufficient quantities to meet demand from investors and collectors.

The coins are issued as a vehicle to provide consumers with a trusted tangible asset. At the time of the introduction, the economy was in recovery from a recession that was triggered by increases in oil prices by OPEC starting around 1979 and dragged on until 1982. In the first two years of minting, more than 16,835,340 Silver Eagle coins were sold.

US Mint Gold Coins

The most popular gold coins from the U.S. Mint are the American Gold Eagle and the American Gold Buffalo. These coins are significant to investors for their gold content, legal tender status, historical and aesthetic appeal. Both coins are backed by the U.S. government, ensuring their gold content and purity.

They are both highly recognized and traded worldwide, providing liquidity to investors looking for a tangible asset.

2024 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin

The American Gold Buffalo was first issued in 2006 as the U.S. Mint’s answer to pure gold bullion coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. It is the first 24-karat gold coin from the U.S. Mint.

It features the classic design of the Indian Head nickel or Buffalo nickel, with an image of a Native American on the obverse and an American buffalo on the reverse, both designed by James Earle Fraser.

The Gold Buffalo is 99.99% gold (24 karats), and has a face value of $50 and is also recognized as U.S. legal tender.

One of the most recent times that the Gold Buffalo was in stock, it was priced at $2099.99. At the time, the gold spot price was trading around $2049, indicating only a $50 markup or roughly 2.5% dealer premium. Normal dealer premiums typically range from around 4% to 10% above the spot gold price. While the Costco price beats out the national bullion dealers, the gold coins have typically sold out within an hour or two as experienced investors pounce on these deals.

Costco Product Page: Item #1799474


2024 1 oz American Gold Eagle Coin

Introduced in 1986, the American Gold Eagle is available from bullion dealers in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. However, only the 1 oz Gold Eagle is available from Costco, making this offer limited to investors with a larger budget.

The US Mint provides investors with fractional gold coins that allow for investors having more modest budgets to invest in a long-term store of value and wealth. This variety allows investors to choose based on their budget and investment strategy.

Costco offered the 1 oz Gold Eagle in late February with a price of $2,089.99 with each member limited to just two coins. That day, the spot gold price closed at $2,036.00 per ounce, a dealer premium of $53.99 per ounce or slightly higher than 2.5%.

Typical dealer premiums on current year gold eagles range from as low as 3.5% to around 8%. When Costco Gold Eagles are available for purchase, they are typically sold out within an hour or two. The addition of the Membership Rewards for their Executive Members offers an additional 2% cash back that can later be used on future Costco purchases, including precious metals.

Costco Product Page: Item #1804545


US Mint American Eagle Silver Coins

2024 1 oz American Silver Eagle Tube of 20 Coins

The American Silver Eagle is a one-ounce silver bullion coin issued annually by the United States Mint since 1986. A standard mint tube of Silver Eagle coins usually contains 20 coins. Each coin is one troy ounce of .999 fine silver. The coins are packed tightly in a tube to prevent movement and reduce the risk of scratching or damage during shipping.

Tubes of Silver Eagle coins are made available for sale periodically. The availability of Silver Eagle coins from Costco is limited and the pricing is typically similar to other online bullion dealers. It’s important to compare prices of Tubes of Silver Eagle Coins before making a purchase.

Costco Product Page: Item #1789494

2023 1 oz American Silver Eagle Tube of 20 Coins

Costco Product Page: Item #1799373


Royal Canadian Mint

Founded in 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint has established a global reputation for its innovative coin designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and advanced security features

The RCM is a prestigious institution, producing high-quality, pure gold and silver coins, with the Canadian Gold and Silver Maple Leafs being their flagship products. These coins are widely recognized in international markets and are considered to be a highly liquid investment.

Canadian Maple Leaf Silver Coins

2024 1 oz Canadian Maple Leaf Silver Coin Tube of 25 Coins

Maple Leaf silver coins are our Northern neighbors’ equivalent to the Silver Eagle and are suitable as an investment or store of value. The key advantages that Maple Leaf silver coins have over the Silver Eagle are:

  • .9999 Purity – The Silver Maple Leaf boasts a .9999 fine silver purity. While some investors prefer the four-nines purity, the extra nine does not add any extra value in today’s market.
  • Design and Recognition – The 2024 issue carries the King Charles’ profile on the obverse, while the iconic sugar maple leaf design is featured on the reverse. This classic reverse design has been minted annually since 1988 and is recognized and respected worldwide, ensuring the coin’s liquidity and marketability.
  • Anti-Counterfeiting and Security Measures – The Royal Canadian Mint began incorporating advanced security measures into the design of the coins in 2014, providing visual ways for investors to distinguish between fake and genuine coins.

The Maple Leaf coins were in stock on Costco’s website for a few hours recently at the price of $609.99. That puts each coin in a tube of 25 at around 24.40, with the spot price of silver that day closing at $22.08 per ounce. Typical dealer premiums are slightly higher at around $2.50 per coin.

Costco Product Page: Item #1814000

Canadian Maple Leaf 1 oz Gold Coins

The Maple Leaf 1 oz Gold Coin is the flagship bullion investment coin from the Royal Canadian Mint. It has been a mainstay with global investors since 1979. Its .9999 fine gold content makes it one of the purest investment grade gold coins available, which can be important for some investors.

Costco’s first offering of Maple Leaf gold coins including the Queen Elizabeth Memorial obverse design from last year.

A few weeks ago, the current year issue featuring the official portrait of King Charles was made available at the price of $2,219. On the same day gold spot price closed at $2,161.71 per ounce, a premium of $57.29, which is slightly higher than the lowest available price from national bullion dealers. The average premium for the Costco sale had some investors buying, with availability lasting around 17 hours.

Although the 1 oz coin is the standard, the Maple Leaf series is available in various sizes (1 gram, 1/20 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz) from a variety of trusted and reputable online bullion dealers, offering flexibility for different investment budgets and strategies.

2024 1 oz Canada Maple Leaf Gold Coin (King Charles Design)

Costco Product Page: Item #1814006


PAMP Suisse

PAMP Suisse is a private mint based in Ticino, Switzerland. Established in 1977, the company has grown to become a leader in the precious metals industry with an outstanding reputation for producing gold bars of the highest quality. Each newly minted gold bar is produced to the industry standard of .9999 fineness and is accompanied by an assay certificate that guarantees its purity and weight.

PAMP Lady Fortuna Series

The Lady Fortuna series is one of the most iconic and recognizable in the gold market. Combined with PAMP Suisse’s industry leading Veriscan technology that captures the unique topographical characteristics of each gold bar. A mobile app is available that allows investors to instantly verify if a bar is authentic by uploading a series of images which are compared to those stored in Veriscan database. This anti-counterfeiting measure helps assure investors that they are buying genuine investment-grade gold bars.

PAMP 100 gram Lady Fortuna Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1801206

PAMP 50 gram Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1782174

PAMP 1 oz Lady Fortuna Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1748080

PAMP 20 gram Lady Fortuna Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1782171

Multigram+25 Gold Bars

PAMP Multigram+25 1 gram Gold Bars

Costco Product Page: Item #1811661

PAMP Rosa Series

The most distinctive feature of the Rosa series is the intricate rose design engraved on the bar’s obverse side. This design features a single rose stem with detailed petals and leaves, representing love, beauty, and elegance. The design’s sophistication and artistry make these bars stand out in the gold bullion market.

PAMP 100 Gram Rosa Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1782169

PAMP 50 gram Rosa Gold Bar

Costco Product Page:

PAMP Rosa 1 oz Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1782167

PAMP Lunar Legends Series

Like other PAMP Suisse products, the Lunar series bars are available in high purity .9999 fine gold. The designs are renowned for their intricate detailing and artistic quality. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, PAMP Each bar features an image of the zodiac animal for that year, often depicted in a style that combines traditional and modern artistic elements.

The Azure Dragon is part of the Four Symbols and is considered important for creating balance and harmony in the environment. It is often paired with the White Tiger on the opposite side to balance yin and yang energies.

Each bar comes packaged in a tamper-evident assay card with an individual serial number and a certificate of authenticity.

PAMP Lunar Legends Azure Dragon 1 oz Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1778080


RAND Refinery

Established in 1920, The RAND Refinery plays a central role in processing gold from the renowned South African gold mines. With over a century in operation, the RAND Refinery has established a strong reputation for reliability and quality in the global precious metals market which contributes to its trusted status among investors and collectors.

Depending on the market conditions, gold bars from the RAND Refinery can be cheaper and may be more cost-effective with a lower price per ounce compared to those from other refineries. RAND Refinery’s gold bars are a highly liquid investment that is recognized and accepted worldwide.

RAND 1 oz Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1768080

RAND 100 Gram Gold Bar

Costco Product Page: Item #1796444


Costco’s expansion into the precious metals market by adding more coins and bars to its lineup demonstrates the company’s response to increased consumer demand for tangible investments as a store of value and wealth. This expansion not only broadens the investment options for Costco members but also signifies the growing trend of retail investment in precious metals.

Moreover, Costco’s foray into precious metals is complemented by its robust online platform and in-store services, ensuring secure and convenient purchases. With this expansion, Costco aims to solidify its position in the precious metals market, among industry veterans like APMEX, JM Bullion, Bullion Exchanges and SD Bullion, offering an accessible path for its members to invest in physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

Precious metals coins are government backed with a guarantee for their purity and weight. They are purposely minted as a long term store of value and wealth that have historically been an effective hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.

JM Bullion acquires Gold.com Domain Name

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In a press release last week, A-Mark and JM Bullion announced the acquisition of the website domain Gold.com. No terms were disclosed. Following this acquisition, JM Bullion now owns both silver.com and gold.com.

The acquisition of the gold.com domain represents a significant investment in our direct-to-consumer growth strategy,” said JMB CEO Robert Pacelli. “The gold.com domain carries broad global appeal and is an extremely versatile asset that will be incorporated into our long term strategy. Prominent, single word domains are in high demand due to their scarcity, and benefits of such domains include instant brand recognition and enhanced marketability.”  

Pacelli continued, “It’s rare to have an opportunity to acquire a category defining asset such as this, and we are excited to add the domain to our expanding portfolio. All gold.com traffic is currently being redirected to the JMB website, providing visitors with seamless access to the company’s extensive range of products and services.”

JM Bullion was founded in 2011 and has grown to become one of the largest online precious metals dealers in the United States.

At the time of its founding, the spot price of silver was around $37 an ounce, while the spot price of gold was trading near $1,755 an ounce.

As JM Bullion’s sales and customer base began to skyrocket, they began acquiring other bullion dealers. The first notable acquisition came in 2019 when the company bought Provident Metals.

By 2020, JM Bullion marked a significant milestone, selling more than $1 billion dollars worth of precious metals to investors that year.

The following year, in March of 2021, JM Bullion was acquired by the industry wholesale powerhouse, A-Mark.

Following the sale to A-Mark, JM Bullion continued their acquisition spree, buying up other notable dealers including BGASC, BullionMax, Pinehurst Coin Exchanges and others, as well as buying significant portions of other vertical businesses such as Silvertowne, Sunshine Minting, Pinehurst Coins and others.

Since 2018, A-Mark has grown through the acquisition of other companies to establish itself as a leader across the entire precious metals vertical, from sourcing and refining capabilities, to direct-to-consumer retail operations, as well as wholesale investment platforms.

A partial list of acquisitions by A-Mark/JM Bullion includes:

  • Silvertowne Mint – Silvertowne was established as a local coin shop in Winchester, Indiana in 1973. In the 1980s, Silvertown expanded into minting and selling their own brand of silver bars and rounds. A-Mark acquired a majority stake in Silvertowne in 2016.
  • Goldline, LLC – Goldline was a full-service precious metals trading company and an official distributor for all the major sovereign mints. The acquisition in 2017 bolstered A-Marks ability to reach investors directly by adding an expansive direct-to-client distribution model.
  • Collateral Finance Corporation (CFC) – Collateral Finance Corporation provided a secured lending facility to consumers and institutions wishing the leverage their gold holdings as a tangible asset.
  • Sunshine Minting – Sunshine Minting was established in 1979. The company is a leading domestic and global supplier of precious metal mint products with manufacturing facilities in Nevada, Idaho, as well as a joint venture in Shanghai, China. Sunshine Minting’s primary customers include sovereign governments and major financial institutions. SMI is a notable supplier of blank planchets to the US Mint, which are utilized in the manufacturing of American Eagle Silver Coins.
  • Pinehurst Coin Exchange – As a leading precious metals broker, Pinehurst established a reputation in the coin industry for best-in-class service and offering a vast array of numismatics and precious metal products. They are a notable seller of gold and silver through the eBay marketplace.
  • Atkinsons Bullion & Coin – A-Mark purchased a 25% equity stake in UK based Atkinson’s in May 2023.
  • BGASC – Long time California based gold and silver dealer, BGASC was acquired in September 2022.
  • Silver.com – Back in their early days, JM Bullion acquired the domain of silver.com for $875,000 back at the end of 2012. It has operated as a standalone website since, with pricing that is often higher than other dealers in the portfolio.
  • Texas Precious Metals – At the start of 2023, A-Mark announced an acquisition of a 12% ownership stake in Texas Precious Metals in exchange for $5.04 million in cash.
  • Silver Gold Bull – Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Silver Gold Bull has a large international retail presence in dozens of countries around the world. A-Mark upped their ownership stake to 47.4% in 2022 consisting of a considerable amount of cash and common stock. As part of the deal, A-Mark has the option to acquire up to 75% of the equity in the company pending a review based on Canadian Competition Laws.
  • CyberMetals – In November 2021, A-Mark and JM Bullion announced the creation of the CyberMetals Platform. The platform allows investors to buy and hold digital gold and silver in non-allocated storage with the option of converting their digital holdings into physical metals and taking fulfillment.
  • BullionMax – Fully acquired in 2023. The full terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition included BullionMax’s 20,000 customers and 100,000 newsletter subscribers.
  • LPM Precious Metals – LPM is a precious metals retailer and wholesaler based in Hong Kong. The LPM.hk acquisition is part of a strategic expansion by A-Mark into Asian markets.
  • ModernCoinMart – Included in the LPM acquisition, subsidiary Pinehurst Coin Exchange will acquire all assets of Modern Coin Mart, including the inventory.
  • Stack’s Bower Numismatics LLC – Stack’s Bower Galleries is a well-known auction house that specializes in numismatics and other collectibles.

Costco Adds More Coins & Bars to Precious Metals Lineup

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The membership warehouse club Costco, best known for their $1.50 hotdog and soda combo, began offering precious metals last year through their website and available for sale inside some select locations.

The initial product lineup include a variety of 1 oz Gold Bars from PAMP Suisse and RAND Refinery. After initial success, they began offering American Silver Eagles in tubes of 20 coins, which certainly increased awareness and interest.

Costco’s expansion into the precious metals market by adding more coins and bars to its lineup demonstrates an increase in consumer demand for tangible investment assets. This expansion not only broadens the investment options for Costco members but also signifies the growing trend of retail investment in precious metals.

Costco is well-known for its competitive prices and customer-friendly policies and services, both of which contribute to its strong reputation and popularity among consumers. The way that the retailer is able to leverage its membership model to offer competitive pricing on precious metals, potentially undercutting traditional coin dealers or precious metals retailers. With some analysts suggesting this move by Costco reflects broader trends in the retail and investment sectors, indicating a mainstream acceptance and interest in precious metals investment.

2024 Canada 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf in Assay Card from the Royal Canadian Mint

2024 Canada 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf

The 1 oz Maple Leaf is the flagship investment-grade gold bullion coin from the Royal Canadian Mint, the official government mint of Canada.

The Gold Maple Leaf is minted with gold that is refined to a purity level of .9999 millesimal fineness (24 carats). Additionally, the Maple Leaf series includes advanced anti-counterfeiting enhancements into the coin’s design, such as radial lines and micro-engraved laser etchings.

When compared with other investment-grade coins, the premiums for Maple Leaf gold coins are extremely competitive.

Costco is known for keeping product markups low, which helps keep prices competitive and attractive to shoppers. While these coins are only available from Costco during certain times with limited quantities, dealer premiums for 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf coins range from as low as 2% to as high as 8%, depending on the seller.

2024 US 1 oz American Gold Eagle

2024 US 1 oz American Eagle Gold Coin from the US Mint

Following up on the success of the American Silver Eagles, Costco began periodically offering its gold counterpart. The 2024 1 oz American Gold Eagle is the flagship gold investment coin from the US Mint. Introduced in 1986, this coin has been a mainstay for investors for nearly 40 years.

The current obverse of the coin features a famous rendition of Lady Liberty that was originally featured on the St Gauden’s Gold coin.

The reverse of the Gold Eagle was redesigned in 2021 and features the head of a bald eagle in the center.

Around the head of the eagle, inscriptions are included for the United States of America and the notable latin phrase “E Pleribus Unum”, which translates to In God We Trust. Other inscriptions are included for the weight and $50 dollar face value.

While Costco is known for their low prices, they seem to time their offerings when the spot price of gold remains fairly stable. There have been reports on social media where Costco has increased the price of an item during the sales period. When Costco does have a gold or silver offer live on their website, the quantity available remains unknown to buyers. Though on average, the flash sales seem to average between 4 and 6 hours.

The 2024 1 oz Gold Eagle is a standard bullion issue investment coin and are readily available from most online bullion dealers and local coin shops. Premiums from local coin shops can vary greatly, while online premiums are as low as 3.5% to as high as 9% over the spot price of gold.

PAMP Suisse Gold Bars

PAMP Suisse Multigram-25 1 gram gold bars

The PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna 1 oz gold bars was one of the initial precious metals offerings from Costco. The Lady Fortuna design is one of the most widely recognized gold bar in the world.

Lady Fortuna is the Roman goddess of luck, chance, and fortune, both good and bad. The age-old saying “Luck is blind” could probably be attributed to the story of Fortuna. She is shown blindfolded and holding a cornucopia spilling over with wealth and riches and a wheel of fortune.

PAMP Suisse has been using the design of their premier line of gold bars since the 1980s. Recently, Costco began offering other sizes of PAMP Suisse Gold Bars that include larger sizes, like the 50 gram gold bar, and even fractional 1 gram gold bars.

The PAMP Suisse 1 gram gold bars that are sold by Costco are part of the PAMP Multigram+25 set. The set includes 25 individual 1 gram gold that are each encased in their own mini assay card. The larger assay card is perforated to allow for easy divisibility should you need to gift, trade or sell a portion.

The obverse of each of the bars feature the same beautiful Lady Fortuna design as the larger bars. While the reverse each bar is emblazoned with the PAMP Suisse logo at the top. It also displays each bar’s weight, purity, and serial number.

Costco does not have a precious metals buyback program and their sale comes with special terms and conditions that explicitly state that all sales are final and not returnable.

Some local coin shops may carry some of the PAMP Suisse products, while the Multigram line of products from PAMP often has variable availability amongst online dealers. Premiums for fractional gold bars are generally higher due to the increase in manufacturing costs, with ranges from online dealers ranging from as low as 16% to as high as 30%.

Where to buy the cheapest silver rounds online?

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Most people learn about precious metals investing from family or close friends. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, there were always older family members around that had lived through the Great Depression, the banning of gold and the demonetization of silver. Many lessons were passed along through family, such as keeping a stash of scrap gold jewelry, old Pre-1965 silver coins, and maybe some silver bars.

With a lot of generational knowledge lost to the passing of time, new investors often turn to social media looking for advice, sales, trustworthy dealers and other valuable information.

One of the most frequently asked questions from first time investors is: where to buy the cheapest silver rounds online? The second most asked question: which dealer has the lowest price on silver rounds?

The first answer that most experienced silver buyers suggest is to start buying up the Silver At Spot Price deals that are offered by some of the top dealers. The availability of offers, and dealers offering them varies all the time. FindBullionPrices.com tracks the availability of silver at spot price deals from all of the dealers that offer them.

Sometimes the available offers include ten 1 oz silver rounds, other times the offers include 10 oz silver bars and other choices.

Generic Silver Rounds

Silver rounds are available in a variety of sizes, such as 1 oz , 2 oz, 5 oz and 10 oz. There are even kilogram silver rounds that are popular amongst collectors for their detailed designs and semi-numismatic value. For investors, one of the most obvious ways to get the best price possible is to buy silver rounds at the lowest premiums over spot price.

Silver rounds is manufactured and minted in multiple forms including bullion bars, rounds, coins and collectible coins. Each of these products can, however, have some significant differences when it comes to overall premiums.

Silver Round Design

Rounds are produced by private mints. They are not legal tender like coins, nor do they have no face value and they are not government backed. However, the vast majority of the private mints that issue silver rounds have affiliations and certifications with various international organizations that adhere to industry related ISO manufacturing standards. Some are even approved “Good Delivery” providers on various international exchanges such as COMEX.

When buying silver bullion rounds, the cheapest silver rounds will often be labeled as generic silver rounds or secondary market silver rounds.

Generic Silver Rounds - Buffalo Design

Generic Silver rounds often have simple, well known designs. There are many cases where the design mimics those early 20th century coins. The most frequently available generic design is based on James Earle Fraser’s buffalo nickel, which features a standing buffalo on one side and an Indian head on the other.

This general design is manufactured by virtually every private mint and available from most dealers and local coin shops as generic silver rounds. These are usually one of the lowest priced silver rounds available.

Secondary market silver rounds can be virtually anything that the dealer’s have in stock. In most cases, secondary market silver rounds have been bought over the counter from investors that are liquidating their precious metals investment. Dealers buy these in bulk, usually at a discount below spot price. As a result, the premiums on secondary market silver rounds will typically be lower than newly minted rounds. The condition of these round will vary from dealer to dealer and may be scratched, tarnished or vintage. Secondary market silver rounds will often be the cheapest silver rounds.

Discount Silver Rounds

Silver rounds are one of the most popular precious metals investments because they are extremely liquid and easy to store at home. The high volume of sales allows most online dealers to offer various pricing tiers. With quantity pricing, dealers offer better pricing when purchasing multiples of silver rounds, which allows for better pricing when buying in bulk.

For a given product, a dealer may set a certain price point for those buying 1-9 rounds, a slightly lower price for 10-19 rounds, and yet an even lower price for 20 rounds or more. The quantity and pricing tiers vary from dealer to dealer and sometimes from product to product. Buying coins or rounds in mint tubes or monster boxes can offer a significant savings.

Tube Silver Rounds

During the manufacturing process, the newly minted silver rounds are packaged into plastic tubes before being packed into boxes for distribution. The private mints in most countries have accepted that tubes of 20 silver rounds has become the industry standard and most common option.

Since 1 oz silver rounds are generally between 37mm and 39mm, each tubes of silver rounds is easy to store at home and they are an affordable way of stacking precious metals. The liquidity that is provided by holding tubes allows for the sale of one or more rounds, depending on the circumstances.

Large Format Silver Rounds

The pricing of silver rounds generally follows the principal that buying larger sizes results in lower premiums. While the most common size is the 1 oz silver round, larger sizes such as 5 oz and 10 oz are growing popular with investors.

These larger rounds offer a way to purchase silver in bulk, potentially reducing the premium over the spot price compared to buying the equivalent weight in smaller rounds. Many of the 5 oz silver rounds that are available carry the same design, but with much greater detail due to the larger surface area. It’s a good idea to keep these larger sizes in capsules to prevent scratches and fingerprints when handling or on display.

Compare Multiple Dealers for the Cheapest Silver Rounds

Since silver bullion is a commodity, most online dealers carry many of the same exact products. However, the price of a given product could be significantly higher from one dealer to the next. Shopping around and comparing prices along with dealer reviews is an important part of the buying process.

FindBullionPrices.com compares prices of over 1500 Silver, Gold and Platinum bullion products across dozens of online bullion dealers. Use FindBullionPrices.com to find the best prices on silver rounds.

Shipping and handling costs can be a factor in getting the lowest overall premiums for your investment. Many online bullion dealers will include free shipping with a minimum purchase. The free shipping requirements vary from dealer to dealer. There are many dealers that include free shipping with a minimum $99 purchase.

Payment Methods – Check/Wire, Credit Card, PayPal, BitCoin

Another way to save on the dealer premiums is to choose a payment method that will not include additional surcharges.



Online bullion dealers charge roughly a 4% fee for payments via Credit Card or PayPal. This is due to the transaction costs from the merchant provider that are passed through to the dealers. The dealers pass this cost through to the end buyer.

Technically, they get around this by offering a cash discount price for those wishing to pay via Check, ACH or Wire Transfer.

Many dealers now accept BitCoin for payment through the BitPay gateway service. As a result, some dealers offer an addition discount tier when payment with cryptocurrencies.

However, to get the best prices, stick with checks, wire transfers and ACH.

Visualizing the Commercial Real Estate Crisis

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In his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told Senators that there will be bank failures resulting from the commercial real estate crisis.

Recently, the folks at Visual Capitalist brought to life a report published by UBS Bank in February 2024 that shows a breakdown that shows which of the country’s banks have the greatest exposure in the commercial real estate sector.

It should be no surprise that the nation’s largest bank, JP Morgan Chase, sits at the top of the list with over $171 billion in commercial real estate loans, roughly 12.6% of their total loans and leases.

New York Community Bank (NYCB), the most recent bank to fail, reportedly held 57% commercial real estate loans.

There are some mid-size banks that are holding a significant share of commercial mortgages, which may be the ones Powell was referring to in his testimony to Congress.

In recent years, Well Fargo has paid more than $3.7 billion in fines in recent years for illegally creating new accounts for customers and other violations. Wells Fargo is holding around 21% of their loan portfolio in CRE.

Portfolio Diversity: Platinum Investment Coins

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Having a diverse investment portfolio helps spread risk while take advantage of the growth potential across different asset classes. A balanced portfolio is typically comprised of a mix of stocks, bond, cash, real estate, commodities and tangible assets.

While stocks like Nvidia are doing well, most have been down in recent months. Companies have been laying off left and right. If that wasn’t enough, we are still dealing with record high inflation and the highest interest rates in decades.

In his testimony before Congress, Fed Chairman Powell said that he believes there will be bank failures caused by the looming commercial real estate crisis.

With recent news that BRICS is creating a payment system based on blockchain and digital currencies, a growing number of affiliated countries including China and Russia have been boosting their Central Bank gold reserves.

Many investors may have some exposure to silver and gold, maybe through investments in mining stocks, ETFs or via direct investment in physical coins such as the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and Great Britain Britannia.

Given that the global economy is dedollarizing and speeding like a freight train in the direction of a commodity backed currency for trade, it may be a good time to consider diversifying into other precious metals.

Why Platinum?

Platinum is a dense, malleable, ductile, highly unreactive, precious, silverish-white transition metal. It is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust and is known for its remarkable resistance to corrosion, even at high temperatures. It is a vital industrial metal as well as a highly valued precious metal for investment and jewelry.

The largest platinum deposits in the world are located in South Africa and Russia. These two resource rich countries combined are responsible for producing over 80% of the world’s platinum.

A diverse precious metals portfolio is constructed to mitigate risk while aiming for growth by investing across various types of metals and investment vehicles within the precious metals category.

During the 2008 Financial Crisis, the price of platinum reached its current all time of $2176.30 per troy ounce. Since 2018, the price has been rising at a stable rate, with some short lived peaks and troughs along the way. In recent months, the price of platinum has been hovering below $900 per ounce, less than half of the current price per ounce of gold.

Some investors have been looking at this as unique opportunity to diversify further by invest some money in platinum 1 oz coins. Investment-grade platinum coins are issued by a variety of trusted and reputable governments mints, including the US Mint, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Royal Mint and the South African Mint.

Great Britain Platinum Britannia

The Platinum Britannia is a trusted investment option from the Royal Mint that offer a low premium, low risk way to diversify your physical holdings. 

The current year 2024 1 oz Platinum Britannia Coin reverse carries the infamous Philip Nathan illustration of Britannia that is shared amongst the other coins in the series.

The design captures a powerful image of the mythical female warrior protecting the southern coast, carrying a trident in her right hand to control the seas. Her left hand rests on a shield bearing the Union Jack, signifying her role in defending the British Isles.

The obverse of 2024 British Platinum Britannia Coins feature a new effigy portrait of His Majesty King Charles III.

American Platinum Eagle

First introduced in 1997, the 1 oz Platinum Eagle is the only investment-grade platinum coin from the U.S. Mint. The obverse of the coin displays the “Portrait of Liberty,” designed by John Mercanti, which symbolizes the American ideals of freedom and democracy.

The reverse features an eagle soaring above America’s landscape, designed by Thomas D. Rogers.

Minted from .9995 pure platinum, the coin is notable for the high-quality minting and legal tender status with a face value of $100 USD.

Maple Leaf Platinum

The Platinum Maple Leaf was first introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1988, following the success of the gold and silver versions. These coins are known for their purity, quality, and the iconic Canadian maple leaf design.

For the current year, 2024 Maple Leaf 1 oz Platinum Coin, the obverse features a portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. While previous issues have shown Queen Elizabeth II, with designs varying over the years as the Queen has aged. The reverse displays the signature maple leaf, a national symbol of Canada, along with the coin’s weight and purity. Each coin carries a $50 face value in Canadian dollars, though the market value of the platinum far exceeds this nominal legal tender value.

Issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, known for its high-quality minting processes and innovative security features, the Platinum Maple Leaf benefits from high liquidity and global recognition.

Philharmonic 1 oz Platinum Coin

The Platinum Philharmonic is produced by the Austrian Mint as part of the Vienna Philharmonic coin series. The series celebrates the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Austria’s most prestigious cultural symbols.

Struck in .9995 fine platinum, the design of the 2024 Philharmonic 1 oz Platinum coin mirrors that of its gold and silver counterparts. The obverse features the great organ found in the Musikverein, the concert hall in Vienna where the orchestra performs. The reverse depicts an array of orchestral instruments, including violins, a viola, a cello, a bassoon, a harp, and a Viennese horn.

South Africa Big 5

The Big 5 platinum coin series from the South African Mint is a testament to the country’s rich wildlife heritage and the mint’s dedication to high-quality numismatic products. The “Big 5” refers to five of Africa’s most famous animals: the elephant, lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard. These animals are each renowned for their majesty, strength, and the challenge they posed to hunters, making them symbols of Africa’s rich wildlife heritage.

The 2023 1 oz Elephant Platinum coin is available with a bullion finish and the obverse displays a single elephant front profile, while the reverse shows two elephant profiles facing each other.

The South African Mint is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and each coin in the series is struck from .9995 fine platinum with each featuring detailed and lifelike representations of the Big 5 animals.

Greatest Generation Coins Available for Preorder from the US Mint

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The United States Mint Commemorative Coin Program issues coins that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. These coins are legal tender but are not intended for general circulation; instead, they are crafted to collector-grade quality and are often purchased by collectors and investors.

The program aims to raise public awareness about significant aspects of American heritage and history, with a portion of the proceeds from the sales of these coins typically going towards funding related projects, organizations, or memorials.

The Greatest Generation commemorative coin program honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II, as outlined in the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act. The coins are available in gold, silver and clad.

The available coins include:

  • Proof $5 Gold Coin (24CA)
  • Uncirculated Five-Dollar Gold Coin (24CB)
  • Proof Silver Dollar Coin (24CC)
  • Uncirculated Silver Dollar Coin (24CD)
  • Proof Half Dollar Coin (24CE)
  • Uncirculated Half Dollar Coin (24CF)
  • Three Coin Proof Set (24CG)

The Director of the Mint, the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, signed 250 Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) for the 2024 Greatest Generation Three-Coin Proof Set (24CG).

These personally signed COAs will be randomly inserted into unmarked sets and will be fulfilled when shipping begins.

“The Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins serve as a heartfelt tribute to our World War II heroes and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the remarkable World War II Memorial. We urge all Americans to obtain a coin in memory or honor of a loved one who served in this historic conflict,” said Jane Droppa, Chair, Friends of the National World War II Memorial. “We aspire to see these coins become a meaningful medium for individuals to share the extraordinary stories of those who played a pivotal role in bringing freedom to millions worldwide during the deadliest conflict in human history.”

Initiated in 1982, the modern commemorative coin program has produced coins that honor and celebrate a wide range of subjects, from historical figures like George Washington to significant events like the moon landing and institutions such as the Smithsonian.

Some investors buy commemorative coins for their precious metal content and potential for appreciation. Gold and silver commemoratives make unique gifts for special occasions and can be attractive as tangible assets.

U.S. Mint Commemorative Coins are available directly from the Mint through pre-order. More details can be found at the US Mint website.

    PAMP Suisse Installs Solar Panels Installs at its Castel San Pietro Refinery to Accelerate Supply of Renewable Energy

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    MKS PAMP, the parent company of PAMP Suisse has announced the completion of a project to supply their Castel San Pietro refinery with renewable solar energy. The solar panel installation covers a total area 2000m² rooftop with an expected annual production of 519.7 MWh of electricity.

    In 2016, MKS PAMP entered into an agreement with the Swiss Confederation to reduce Co₂ emissions. Since then, the company has reduced its CO₂ emissions at its production site by 41%.  Moreover, they continue to source 100% renewable electricity long-term.

    “This renewable energy installation demonstrates our path to continued environmental sustainability – we are proud to achieve such objectives with the support of the Castel San Pietro municipality ”, said Phaedon Stamatopoulos, Managing Director, MKS PAMP Ticino in a press release.  

    Silver is utilized in solar panels as part of the conductive paste that is contained in photovoltaic cells. Silver is well known for its excellent electrical conductivity, which helps in efficiently collecting and transmitting the electricity generated by the solar cells.

    MKS PAMP

    MKS PAMP GROUP has a significant international footprint and is known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

    The company’s operations span the gamut of the precious metals industry from refining and manufacturing to trading and finance across key markets worldwide while adhering to strict environmental standards.

    PAMP’s refinery is accredited as a Good Delivery provider of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) underscoring its reputation for reliability and the high quality of its products.

    Throughout its more than 60 year history, PAMP has been at the forefront of integrating advanced security features into its products, including Veriscan® technology, which uses microscopic surface topography to register and verify the authenticity of gold bars.

    BLM Proposes Updates to Western Solar Plan

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    First proposed in 2012, the Western Solar Plan from the Bureau of Land Management aims to facilitate the development of utility-scale solar energy projects on public lands.

    The Biden administration has updated the plan, with several proposed options that would divert anywhere from 8 million to up to 55 million acres of public lands across 11 Western states to be made available for solar energy.

    For utility-scale solar installations, a commonly used estimate is that 1 acre of solar panels can accommodate about 1,000 panels, considering the necessary spacing and infrastructure. This estimate can vary based on the design and layout specifics of the installation but serves as a good baseline for calculation.

    To meet only Los Angeles’s annual electricity consumption of approximately 26 billion kWh, it would require about 42.25 million solar panels.

    A typical 300 watt solar panel uses approximately 0.1 to 0.2 grams of silver per watt of solar cell, with roughly 30 to 60 grams of silver per panel. How much silver would it take to manufacture enough solar panels to power Los Angeles? 81,502,142 troy ounces, roughly 2,535,058 kilos of silver.

    While the efficiency of solar panels has been increasing over the years, this plan from the BLM is pretty absurd.

    From the ZeroHedge Article:

    This plan is part of the Biden administration’s goal of generating 25 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from wind and solar on public lands by 2025—and generating 100 percent “renewable” electricity by 2035—solar panels would need to be sited on 700,000 acres of public land.

    The sheer scope of the BLM plan—designating tens of millions of acres for solar development when the agency says 700,000 acres would suffice to meet Biden administration goals—is a red flag for many communities.