Walmart offering Precious Metals, but with higher prices and premiums than buying direct

While this helps to make precious metals more accessible to more people, consumers should be wary about purchasing their precious metals through Walmart as the premiums are often higher than buying direct from the dealer, even taking into account the higher premiums that come with using a credit or debit card for purchase.

Understanding Silver Eagle Premiums

The US Mint is one of the oldest continually operating minting operations in the world and all other mints use variants of the Mint’s processes. The Mint remains one of the world’s largest producer of coins today. Issues related to the production of bullion coins have led to huge increases in Silver Eagle premiums in recent years.

Many investors are looking to buy sovereign bullion coins from other mints. While many are still buying 1 oz silver eagles, some are concerned that the Mint suppliers are also making huge profits from the record high premiums caused by the shortages.

Demand for Silver Eagles Spikes, Along with Premiums

The US Mint continues to be slow and unable to meet investor demand.
The failures of the Mint and their planchet suppliers have led directly to significant increases in dealer premiums in recent weeks. This week, the lowest dealer premium for silver eagles is more than 60% over spot price.
Some dealers, such as APMEX and JM Bullion are currently selling silver eagles with premiums at over 88% above spot price.

Several Dealers Increase Order Minimums and Shipping Times

APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion and Money Metals Exchange have announced temporary changes to order and shipping policies upon an increase in order volume in recent weeks amidst the ongoing banking crisis. While premiums on silver eagles have recently risen back above 50% per coin. Lower premiums are available for other sovereign bullion coins such as Britannia, Kangaroo and Philharmonic.

US Mint Authorized Wholesale Purchasers

2018 American 1 oz Silver Eagle

Unlike other world mints, the United States Mint does not sell its bullion coins directly to the public. Instead, the coins are distributed through a network of official distributors called Authorized Purchasers. The Authorized Purchasers then create a two-way market by buying and selling to precious metal wholesalers and private investors. In the United States, … Read moreUS Mint Authorized Wholesale Purchasers