The price of gold surged this week past a record-breaking $2,720 per troy ounce, fueling widespread interest in the precious metal as a hedge against economic uncertainty.
The current surge shows no signs of slowing down, with many analysts predicting further increases into next year.
The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) gold forecast suggests the price could reach as high as $2,941 per troy ounce within 12 months. While Goldman Sachs has issued a more bullish outlook, expecting gold to rise to $3,000 by early 2025.
Global rate cuts, central bank gold purchases, and geopolitical tensions support upward momentum.
Technical analysts point out that gold may be overbought and temporary pullbacks are likely. Yet, the long-term outlook remains strong.
Gold Bar Premiums
Premiums tend to rise along with gold prices. However, some investment-grade gold bar premiums have decreased slightly recently.
Costco’s foray into the gold market has changed the game for investors and forced other dealers to adjust their pricing strategies.
For those hesitant to enter the market at these price levels, fractional gold bars in various gram weights provide a more favorable entry point.
Why Fractional Gold Gram Bars Are an Attractive Alternative
While lower premiums on gold bars are an unexpected development, with prices exceeding $2,700, not all investors can afford a full ounce of gold.
Fractional gold gram bars are a more affordable entry into the gold market. In addition to the 20 gram size, they are also available in 10 grams, 5 grams, or 1 gram.
Fractional gold bars provide a lower-cost option for investors without needing large sums of money upfront.
Although fractional bars have higher premiums per ounce, they allow investors to build their gold holdings incrementally.
Because they are smaller, they offer greater liquidity and can be quickly sold when needed.
Fractional gold bars offer an affordable and flexible option for investors looking a more cheaper alternatives to full 1 oz bars.
With analysts predicting further gold price increases, now may be an opportune time to consider adding gold to your portfolio.
In recent years, Costco has become more than just a one-stop shop for groceries and bulk household items—it’s now a destination for precious metal investors. Costco’s foray into selling 1-ounce gold bars began in 2023, and the demand for them has been nothing short of a gold rush.
With prices soaring and a steady stream of customers eager to invest in tangible assets, Costco’s gold bars have been flying off the shelves faster than they can be restocked.
More recently, the company has expanded its precious metal offerings to include platinum bars to their unique inventory.
The Popularity of Costco Gold Bars
Costco’s decision to sell gold bars proved to be a masterstroke. The 1-ounce PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna gold bars were priced at just under $2,000 when they began selling them last year.
Despite gold prices surging to over $2,600 per ounce, the company says that demand remains strong. Costco undercuts traditional precious metal dealers premiums while allowing members to receive additional perks in the form of cash back and rebates.
Member are allowed to take advantage of both membership rewards and credit card points to accumulate rebates which helps to further reduce the premiums.
One notable example comes from a 33-year-old customer named Sourav Sethia, who explained to Bloomberg that he frequently takes advantage of pullbacks in the price of gold after receiving phone calls from his local warehouse whenever they restock gold bars.
Costco’s Expansion into Platinum Bars
Costco’s success with gold prompted the retailer to expand its offerings by introducing platinum bars. The PAMP Suisse 1-ounce platinum bars, priced at $1,089.99, are available exclusively online and come with a one-transaction, five-bar limit per member.
PAMP Suisse Platinum Bars are made of .9995 fine platinum and meet the standards set by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), ensuring their quality and authenticity.
Although platinum is less popular with investors than gold, its introduction marks a significant step in bringing greater awareness to precious metals as a store of value.
With Costco entering the platinum market, the retailer is likely to see a similar level of enthusiasm from its members as it did with gold.
Combining Costco Membership and Credit Card Rewards
One of the most appealing aspects of buying gold and platinum bars from Costco is the ability for members to combine their Costco Executive Membership rewards with Costco Citi credit card points to maximize rebates and savings. Here’s how savvy shoppers are leveraging these rewards to gain even more from their investments:
Precious Metals Rebates Combining 2% Executive Membership Reward Plus 2% Citi Credit Card Cashback
While the annual Executive Membership costs $130, it includes a 2% annual reward on all purchases, including gold and platinum bars.
Additionally, customers who have the Costco-branded Citi credit card can earn an additional 2% cashback.
As of October 2024, Costco’s gold bars are selling at a 1.6% premium to the spot price, while the average premium from traditional bullion dealers is around 4.5%.
Members can receive as much as 4% back when combining the rewards, effectively acquiring gold bars for below spot price.
A Safe Haven for Investors
Costco’s entry into the precious metals market makes them more accessible to everyday investors.
Many of Costco’s members have higher household incomes and are already accustomed to the warehouse retailer’s bulk pricing model.
As Stefan Gleason, CEO of Money Metals Exchange, pointed out, only a tiny percentage of Americans own gold and silver outside of jewelry, but Costco’s offerings could change that. He estimates that increasing ownership to even 5% to 10% would dramatically impact the market.
The Future of Costco’s Precious Metal Sales
Costco sold more than $100 million in gold bars between September and November 2023 alone, proving its foray into precious metals to be highly successful.
With the introduction of platinum bars and plans to expand its precious metals lineup further, it’s clear that Costco sees an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for tangible assets.
While the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) warns that gold is not a “safe” investment and can fluctuate based on market demand, many Costco members view the metal as a hedge against instability. As one customer, Johnny Lee, put it, buying gold bars at Costco is an easy way to make a purchase, knowing the historical value of gold as a store of wealth.
As Costco continues innovating in the precious metals market, its customers benefit from the retailer’s competitive pricing, rewards programs, and the convenience of purchasing gold and platinum alongside their weekly groceries. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, Costco’s offerings provide an accessible and rewarding way to diversify your portfolio with precious metals.
Costco reported a modest 1.0% increase in net sales for its fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, reaching $78.2 billion. According to a report from Kitco, Costco’s gold bullion sales have become a significant driver of its online sales, with reports of double-digit increases in gold sales over the past three months.
The growth is notable, especially given the competitive retail environment, and suggests that consumer interest in gold remains robust despite rising prices.
Costco’s CFO noted that gold has been a “meaningful tailwind” for e-commerce sales, indicating that the popularity of gold bullion is helping to bolster online revenue. The rapid sell-out of online bullion products further highlights this trend.
Analysts are closely monitoring Costco’s gold sales, with some suggesting that the company could explore private-label gold products in the future. While no such plans exist, the interest reflects this segment’s growth potential.
Costco’s collaboration to offer the Gold Maple Leaf Single Mine bullion coin is a strategic move to attract members interested in unique and collectible bullion products, further enhancing its market appeal.
Despite gold prices exceeding $2,600 an ounce, analysts from Wall Street banks expect demand for physical bullion to remain strong. Higher prices can historically deter retail buyers, but the current environment suggests that many investors prioritize physical gold holdings as a haven amid economic uncertainty.
A major retailer like Costco selling precious metals reflects a broader interest in alternative investments due to current economic conditions. Gold prices have risen, with expectations for continued growth due to factors like additional interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Silver, while not as dramatic in price increase, also showed growth.
Analysts like Joseph Cavatoni from the World Gold Council observe a strong demand in the investment category, reinforcing that investors increasingly turn to physical gold as part of their asset allocation.
Costco Platinum Bars
Following the success of their gold and silver offerings, Costco has added the PAMP Suisse 1 oz Platinum bar to its product lineup.
While the Platinum Bars are available online and in some physical stores, there are limitations. Some states, such as Nevada and Louisiana, restrict certain products, so precious metals are only available in some parts of the country. Also, buying precious metals at Costco requires a membership. While some Executive members have reported combining special offers with cash-back rewards and racking up rebates, these PAMP Platinum Bars are limited to one per member.
Lady Fortuna Platinum Bars
PAMP Lady Fortuna Platinum Bars are among the most popular and sought-after platinum bullion products in the precious metals market. Produced in Switzerland, investors seek PAMP Platinum Bars for their purity and craftsmanship. The Lady Fortuna design features the goddess wearing a blindfold and holding a cornucopia that pours out riches, symbolizing the unpredictability and abundance of fortune.
Fractional Platinum Bars Available From PAMP Suisse
While Costco sells only the 1 troy ounce bar, Lady Fortuna Platinum Bars are available from online bullion dealers in an assortment of sizes, making them accessible to a wide range of investors.
Each is stamped with its weight, purity, and unique serial number. The PAMP brand name ensures quality with its proprietary VeriScan™ technology, which allows buyers to verify the authenticity of the bars using a digital fingerprint stored in PAMP’s database.
Costco vs Online Bullion Dealers
While Costco offers the convenience of buying precious metals while shopping for toilet paper and other essentials, they provide a minimal selection compared to specialized dealers.
During their online flash sales, the prices of gold bars and coins are often competitive against specialty precious metals dealers. However, in-warehouse pricing is much less competitive due to the static nature of retail pricing.
Online dealers specializing in precious metals offer a greater selection of Lady Fortuna platinum bars and are more competitively priced, using live market conditions.
It’s essential to compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Costco’s reported gold sales reflect the robust demand for precious metals, indicating a strong and possibly sustained interest in physical bullion despite high prices.
As the year draws to a close, pre-sales of 2025 American Eagle will be starting in the coming weeks. Based on previous years, precious metals dealers should start offering the 2025 American Silver and Gold Eagles for pre-sales during the month of October or early November.
These pre-sales allow investors to lock in prices before the coins are even available, ensuring they don’t miss out on the early releases.
While the coins themselves are not expected to ship from the U.S. Mint until the first half of January 2025, many buyers take advantage of pre-sales to lock-in the price and guarantee that they will receive their coins as soon as they are distributed.
Many analysts predicting gold and silver prices will continue climbing through next year, buying during pre-sales allows investors to lock in the price per ounce when they make the purchase. While prices are likely to fluctuate before delivery, speculative investors may anticipate higher returns.
As some of the most recognizable and trusted coins in the world, American Silver Eagles (1 oz of .999 fine silver) and American Gold Eagles (offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz of 22-karat gold) are the go-to options for many investors looking for physical bullion. Rumors are circulating that Costco may permanently incorporate these precious metals into their product line will only help bolster the awareness further.
Annual Changes
The release of the 2025 coins marks the beginning of a new production cycle for the U.S. Mint. Near the end of each year, the U.S. Mint ceases minting the current year’s coins. This pause allows for crucial equipment maintenance, as well as the replacement of dies that are used to strike the new year’s coins.
During this period, market availability of current-year coins can become scarce, leading to increases in premiums. Typically, secondary market or random-year Silver Eagles will have the lowest premiums.
What to Expect from the 2025 American Eagle Coins
While the designs of the 2025 American Silver and American Gold Eagle have remained largely unchanged since the 2021 design refresh.
Both coins are known for their patriotic designs, premium minting quality, and, of course, their precious metal content. Investors will find the 2025 American Eagles to be no different—an attractive investment that combines artistry with intrinsic value.
Dealers are Preparing for Strong Demand
With gold and silver prices hitting record highs week and week, dealers are anticipating strong demand. Early buyers should quickly secure their coins at market prices when they become available for sale.
During periods of strong market demand, the current-year American Eagles tend to sell out quickly, as was the case during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With prices now hitting new highs, a similar scenario could unfold, especially as more investors seek out tangible assets like gold and silver to protect against inflation and economic instability.
Many dealers offer special pre-order pricing, incentivizing those eager to add the 2025 coins to their portfolios before they hit the broader market.
January 2025: Shipping Begins
While pre-sales are beginning now, investors will need to wait until January 2025 for the coins to officially ship from the U.S. Mint. The Mint has historically fulfilled orders during the first half of January.
If you’re considering adding the 2025 American Eagles to your portfolio, now is a good time to explore pre-sale opportunities and secure your position before the rush begins in January. Be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on each dealers’ website prior to purchase to confirm the specific shipping date.
What and Who are U.S. Mint Authorized Purchasers?
U.S. Mint Authorized Purchasers are a select group of companies that are officially approved to purchase bullion coins directly in bulk.
These Authorized Purchasers (APs) act as wholesalers between the U.S. Mint and the general public, helping distribute coins like the American Silver Eagle, American Gold Eagle, American Platinum Eagle, and other bullion products to the retail market.
Authorized Purchasers sell to wholesalers, retail precious metals dealers, and, in some cases, directly to the public. This distribution network ensures that U.S. Mint bullion products are widely available in both domestic and international markets.
Becoming a U.S. Mint Authorized Purchaser involves meeting stringent criteria, such as financial standards to ensure they have the capacity to buy and distribute large quantities of bullion.
Utah based Precious Metals Dealer Money Metals Exchange has opened a new, state-of-the-art bullion depository in downtown Eagle. This facility, spanning 37,000 square feet, is designed to securely store precious metals for a wide range of clients, including individuals, businesses, family offices, governments, and financial institutions.
While it doesn’t have the machine-gun turrets found at Fort Knox, it is nonetheless being compared to the famous depository due to its significant capacity and security measures. The Eagle depository can store up to $100 billion in gold and silver, with the potential for expansion to 60,000 square feet.
According to the company, the bullion depository boasts the largest Class 3 vault in North America, which is the highest vault rating based on Underwriters Laboratories standards.
The facility is equipped with advanced security features, including 24/7 monitoring, secure access controls, and a security team composed of armed former law enforcement and military personnel.
This new depository not only enhances the security options available for precious metals storage in the Western United States but also brings additional employment opportunities to the Treasure Valley area.
The $28 million construction project involved a variety local Idaho businesses, including Wright Brothers Construction Co., Zions Bank, Erstad Architects, Integrated Security Resources, The Land Group, and Musgrove Engineering.
Money Metals Exchange, which currently employs around 100 people, processes approximately 40,000 gold and silver orders per month, serving nearly 750,000 customers in North America.
This new Idaho bullion depository adds a significant capability to the company’s existing infrastructure, potentially positioning it as a key player in the global precious metals storage industry.
The opening of this depository reflects the growing demand for physical precious metals, driven by concerns over currency debasement and economic uncertainty.
Facts About the Fort Knox Bullion Depository
The Fort Knox Bullion Depository is located in Kentucky, about 30 miles southwest of Louisville, situated inside the Fort Knox military base, providing an additional layer of security.
The depository was constructed in 1936 during the Great Depression in response to the need for a secure place to store the nation’s reservesr, which had been confiscated from the American people in 1933.
The depository’s security features include a combination of physical barriers, electronic systems, as well as armed guards. The vault door is blast-proof and is constructed of steel and concrete. The vault door is set to a time lock and can only be opened with multiple combinations known by different individuals.
Fort Knox houses approximately 147.3 million troy ounces of gold, a significant portion (roughly 56.35%) of the total U.S. gold reserves. The gold stored at Fort Knox is valued at over $200 billion, which fluctuates based on the current market price of gold.
The Fort Knox Vault it is not open to the public, and even high-ranking government officials rarely get to enter. The last official audit of the gold at Fort Knox took place in 1953 under the Eisenhower administration amid concerns over the adequacy and security of the nation’s gold reserves.
However, during the 1950s and 1960s, substantial amounts of gold were transferred from Fort Knox to foreign governments and central banks under the Bretton Woods system, during an era when the U.S. dollar was backed by gold, and other currencies were pegged to the dollar.
By the time Nixon closed the gold window in 1971, the U.S. gold reserves had declined significantly. It is estimated that the U.S. gold reserves were reduced from over 20,000 metric tons in the 1950s to around 8,133.5 metric tons by 1971.
About Money Metals Exchange
Already recognized for its extensive product inventory, competitive pricing, and superior customer service, the opening of this bullion depository and fulfillment center further solidifies Money Metals as a leader in the precious metals industry.
The new depository is positioned to further strengthen Money Metals’ role in the market, providing secure and cost-effective storage options that surpass those offered by traditional bank vaults and other facilities.
Money Metals offers a range of services, including the buying, selling, and storage of precious metals, gold loans, as well as investment options through IRAs and monthly purchase plans.
While gold bars and coins are now offered almost daily, the offerings for Silver Eagles and Canadian Maple Leaf Silver Coins have been less frequent.
To purchase silver coins from Costco, you must be a Costco member, which comes with an annual membership fee.
For investors that also like to maximize credit card rewards and other rebates, buying silver coins from Costco’s website can be a good way to bank up extra points and rebates. Some chose to maximize the potential rewards by upgrading to the Executive Membership, which provides for 2% cash back in the form of a rebate from Costco.
While it’s not publicly disclosed who handles the fulfillment, logic would suggest that one of the US Mint’s Authorized distributors are involved, such as APMEX or A-Mark.
The combined availability of PAMP gold bars and US Mint Wholesale products leads many industry insiders to speculate in favor of APMEX, due to the strategic investment MKS PAMP purchased in September 2023.
The level of sales volume Costco’s channels likely provides the warehouse retailer with deep discount on American Silver Eagles and other bullion coins that aren’t available to other precious metals dealers.
This also provides a relief valve for precious metals wholesalers who have been accumulating secondary market silver eagles due to other investors that are selling and looking for quick cash.
Selling newly minted American Silver Eagles at a discount also helps to raise investor awareness and encourages mainstream adoption of using precious metals as a store of value.
A-Mark Precious Metals (NASDAQ: AMRK) (A-Mark) announced recently that they have increased their invest in Silver Gold Bull, making them the majority owner of the Calgary-based precious metals retailer.
Bob Belandis, President and Co-Founder of Silver Gold Bull commented: “This marks another milestone in our enduring partnership with A-Mark. Their previous investments have fueled significant growth for us. This additional backing positions us for further expansion in Canada and new markets.”
According to the announcement, the latest investment of $9.6 million brings A-Mark’s ownership stake to 55.4%. A-Mark acquired its initial stake in SGB in 2014 and increased its investment again in 2022 to 47.4%.
Since being founded in 2009, Silver Gold Bull has grown to become one of the leading precious metals retailers in Canada and developing a large customer base in the United States through its partnership with A-Mark. The dealer is best known for its popular 10 oz Silver Bar at Spot Price deal.
The 10 oz silver bar features the dealer’s “charging bull” logo and is minted by Sunshine Mint, a leading refinery that is also owned by A-Mark. The Sunshine Mint is one of the companies responsible for supplying 1 oz silver coin planchets that are used in the manufacturing of American Silver Eagle coins.
A-Mark’s previous option to increase its ownership interest in SGB has been reduced from 75% to 70%. The option, previously set to expire in September 2024, has been extended to September 2025.
Per the announcement, Silver Gold Bull had net sales of $467.9 million, gross profit of $20.8 million (4.4% of net sales), and pre-tax income of $4.2 million (0.9% of net sales) for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2024, selling more than 7.85 million ounces of silver and 151,000 ounces of gold.
“Increasing our stake in SGB aligns with our strategy to expand internationally,” said A-Mark CEO Greg Roberts. “Since our 2014 investment, SGB has shown consistent growth in Canada and abroad. We aim to strengthen our partnership with SGB and may further increase our ownership in the company in the future.”
Founded in 1965, A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc. is a leading fully integrated precious metals company that brings an array of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper bullion, numismatic coins, and related products to wholesale and retail customers through three complementary segments: Wholesale Sales & Ancillary Services, Direct-to-Consumer, and Secured Lending.
On the Direct-to-Consumer side, A-Mark fully owns or has large ownership stakes various well known and popular precious metals retailers include JM Bullion, LPM Group Ltd, Silver.com, BGASC, BullionMax, Provident Metals, Pinehurst Coins, Modern Coin Mart, Stack’s Bowers Galleries and others. Recently, JM Bullion announced the acquisition of the website domain gold.com, which currently redirects to their website.
Inheriting a collection of gold coins and bars can be a valuable and exciting opportunity. However, navigating the best ways to sell these items to get the highest possible value can be a daunting task.
There are various ways to sell gold coins and bars, including online dealers, local coin stores, gold refiners, online forums and social media, eBay, pawn shops, and “We Buy Gold” stores. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each method and provide a recommendation for the best way to sell your inherited gold items.
Selling to an Online Dealer
One of the most convenient and efficient ways to sell gold coins and bars is through an online dealer. These companies specialize in buying and selling precious metals, making the process quick and easy.
Reputable online dealers such as APMEX, JM Bullion, and Bullion Exchanges have streamlined processes.
The first step is to contact the dealer and provide details about the all of the items you wish to sell and the condition of each item. Some dealers may request photos of the items. It’s a good idea to get price quotes from at least 3 dealers.
The dealer will offer a preliminary quote based on the current spot gold price and any numismatic value.
If accepted, you’ll ship the gold to them, often with insurance and tracking provided. Upon verification of the items, payment is usually made via check, bank transfer, or PayPal.
Depending on the dealer, the price may not be fully locked-in until they are in receipt of your metals. Be sure to ask each dealer for details of their process.
Online dealers typically pay close to the spot price for gold coins and bars, with some offering a small premium for numismatic items.
Pros and Cons of Selling to an Online Dealer
Pros: Convenience of selling from home, simple process, competitive prices, transparency.
Cons: Shipping time and risks, potential for lowball offers, payment can be longer than local options.
Selling to a Local Coin Store
Local coin stores are a traditional option for selling gold coins and bars. Visit the store with your items for an appraisal. The store owner or clerk will assess the gold’s weight, purity, and condition, and provide an offer. Transactions are typically completed on the spot with immediate payment.
Pros and Cons of Selling to Local Coin Store
Pros: Local presence, in-person evaluation, face to face transactions allow for negotiation, quick transaction.
Gold refiners buy gold items to melt down and purify. Contact a refiner to get a quote based on the gold’s weight and purity. Ship your gold to the refiner, who will assay it to determine its exact content. After verification, the refiner pays you, usually 3% to 6% below the current spot price minus refining fees.
However, refiners may not be interested in numismatic items.
Pros and Cons of Selling to a Gold Refiner
Pros: Competitive prices, quick transaction.
Cons: Refining fees, Limited market for numismatic items, potential for lowball offers.
Selling on eBay
Selling gold coins and bars on eBay can be a way to reach a larger audience and potentially get a higher price for your items. Depending on any numismatic value or rarity of your gold coins, selling the item as an auction may yield a higher price.
Selling on eBay requires creating a listing, taking photos, and dealing with shipping and payment logistics. Additionally, the eBay Buyer Protection can cause problems for sellers if the buyer files any type of claim, real or fraudulent.
Additionally, eBay takes a percentage of the sale, plus accepting payment via PayPal comes with additional fees. To sell gold coins on eBay comes with the realization that the total fees may be up to 15%.
eBay also offers a service that purchases precious metals. However, it is a referral service that is handled by APMEX. If you’re considering this option, it may be worthwhile to also get a price quote directly from APMEX and compare the results.
Pros and Cons of Selling on eBay
Pros: Wide audience, potential for higher prices.
Cons: Listing and shipping logistics, eBay fees, potential for scams.
Selling to a Pawn Shop
Pawn shops are a quick and easy way to sell gold coins and bars. Bring your items to the shop for an appraisal. The pawnbroker will offer a price based on the current gold market.
However, Pawn shops typically pay significantly less than other methods. Pawn shops are in the business of making a profit, so they will offer you a price that allows them to resell your items at a markup.
Pros and Cons of Selling to a Pawn Shop
Pros: Quick transaction, no shipping required.
Cons: Significantly lower prices, limited market exposure, lack of expertise in numismatic values.
Selling to a “We Buy Gold” Store
“We Buy Gold” stores specialize in purchasing gold items are similar to pawn shops in that they offer quick transactions and less money for your gold.
These stores are often found in shopping malls or strip malls and are primarily interested in buying gold for its melt value.
Visit the store with your items and the staff will evaluate them and make an offer based on weight and purity.
Contact at least 3 to 5 different dealers or brokers to receive quotes or appraisals.
Confirm in writing with each dealer when their price is locked in, the spot gold price price used in creating the quote, any dealer premiums or commission and other pertinent details such as shipping or handling fees.
FindBullionPrices.com can help find the best place to sell gold coins for the highest price. We track the “buy back price” of various US Mint gold coins and others from an assortment of online dealers.
We also track the buy back prices of fractional American Eagle Gold coin series including the 1/10 oz, 1/2 oz and 1/4 oz denominations, as well as Canadian 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf Coin. If there are other gold coins or bars that you’d like us to track, send a request via our contact form.
Some online dealers offer spot price deals to new customers as an incentive to purchase. By combining all the gold and silver at spot price offers, investors can build a portfolio that contains roughly 2 kilos of silver plus 1 oz and 11 grams of gold.
Silver at Spot Price Deals
Silver at spot price deals are available to new customers. Each dealer has typical restrictions that allow only one offer per household. These offers are low-risk paths to invest in silver. Some offers include free shipping, and some don’t. It’s essential to check the fine print on each dealer’s website for the exact terms and conditions since they can change anytime. Many online dealers today have a minimum order amount to qualify for free shipping. Some offers meet the threshold and qualify, but some do not.
JM Bullion: 10 oz Silver Starter Pack
Having been around for many years, it has become a rite of passage for new investors to buy the JM Bullion Starter Pack. The kit includes ten 1 oz Silver Rounds at spot price. The styles of rounds often change, but they will be new silver rounds from a trusted American mint. Silver at spot price deals are available to new customers.
What’s in the JM Bullion Starter Pack?
It ships in a plastic tube inside a custom velvet pouch
Silver Gold Bull: Custom 10 oz Silver Bar at Spot Price
Silver Gold Bull is famous for the custom-minted 10 oz silver bar at a spot price. While based in Canada, all their orders ship from vaults in the Las Vegas area. With recent silver prices, these 10 oz bars qualify for free shipping.
GoldClub Direct: 10 oz Silver Bar at Spot Price
GoldClub Direct offers new customers a random mint 10 oz Silver Bar at a spot price. These are typically generic silver bars or secondary market silver bars. Buying a 10 oz silver bar at a spot price also qualifies for free shipping.
Monument Metals: Monument Starter Pack
Monument Metals offers the Monument Starter Pack, which is hard for new investors to resist. This pack includes five 1 oz Buffalo Silver Rounds at spot price.
Monument Metals is a family-owned business in Maryland that began selling to the general public in 2014. The firm’s owners are veterans of the numismatic and bullion business, with nearly three decades of combined industry experience.
What’s in the Monument Starter Pack?
The Monument Starter Pack includes:
Five 1 oz Silver Rounds.
Free shipping with orders over $199.
SD Bullion: 5 oz Silver at Spot Price
Founded in Michigan in 2012, SD Bullion has built a reputation for consistent pricing. The offer from SD Bullion is for a 5 oz silver bar at spot price. At current silver prices, this does not qualify for free shipping. However, free shipping is available with a minimum purchase of $199.
These offers from Bullion Exchanges are sometimes out of stock. If that happens, check back several days later to see if the offer you’re looking for is available.
Gold at Spot Price Deals
Some dealers also offer gold at the spot price offers in addition to the silver offers. These deals carry the same restrictions as the other offers but are an opportunity for those interested in buying gold to start a small precious metals portfolio while saving on dealer premiums.
These deals are good for beginning investors who want to get physical precious metals. By combining all of these offers, you will have a diverse precious metals portfolio that includes a combination of investment-grade silver bars, silver rounds, and silver coins, along with a variety of 24k gold bars.
SD Bulion: 10 gram Gold Bar at Spot Price
The Doc at SD Bullion has an offer for a 10-gram Gold Bar at Spot Price. Argor-Heraeus mints the bar and incorporates their Kinebar hologram innovation, which is almost impossible to counterfeit.
JM Bullion: 1 oz Gold Starter Pack
In addition to the popular silver at spot price deal, the JM Bullion Gold Starter Pack allows investors to buy a 1 oz gold bar at a spot price.
APMEX: 1 gram Gold Bar at Spot Price
New customers can purchase a 1-gram gold bar at the spot price in the APMEX app. To do so, install the app on your phone, create a new account, and add the bar to your cart.
Understanding Promotional Terms
Many of these deals come with specific terms and conditions you should be aware of. While each dealer’s specific terms and conditions with vary, in general, these offers are limited to a certain number of items per household and are typically restricted to new customers only. With many online dealers, free shipping is available with a minimum purchase amount.
These offers provide a lower entry barrier for new investors to make it easier to start investing in gold and silver. By taking advantage of these offers you can get more silver for your dollar by avoiding markups commonly found with retail prices. Depending on the dealer and markup on comparable products, this can amount to a 5% to 10% discount on your first purchase.
Making Wise Investment Choices
Starting your investment journey in precious metals doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive. You can make savvy investment choices without overspending by taking advantage of these silver at spot price deals. Whether you are interested in coins, rounds, or bars, these offers provide a gateway into gold and silver investing.
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.