Money Metals Exchange has special pricing on fractional 24k gold bars. With dealer premiums low now is a great time to buy gold bars, both for yourself or as a holiday gift for the people in your life.
Their gold bars are currently priced at some of the lowest premiums over gold spot price.
1 Gram Gold Bars – From Random Manufacturers, Sealed in Mint Assay Packaging for around $48.
2.5 Gram Gold Bars – In Mint Sealed Assay Card, Random Manufacturers, less than $110
5 Gram Gold Bars – Pure 24k .999 Fine Gold, Random Mints in Sealed Assay Cards for around $215
10 Gram Gold Bars – Sealed in Mint Assay Cards from Random Manufacturers based on availability, priced around $419, under $42 a gram
These low premiums on fractional gold bars are not going to last long. When you buy gold bars you are investing in an asset that is meant to preserve wealth.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a small commission. More information about our affiliate programs can be found here.
The Promotion starts at 5:00AM PT on December 5, 2018 and ends at 11:59PM PT on December 6, 2018 (the “Promotion Period”). The Promotion applies to any qualifying items purchased during the Promotion Period that meet the minimum purchase requirement. You must activate the offer to qualify.
Gold:
Napolean III 20 Francs for below melt
Random 1/2 oz Canada Gold Proof Coins below melt
Random 1/2 oz First Wives Gold coins below melt
$20 Liberty Double Eagle (cleaned) below melt
Random US Mint Commemorative 1 oz gold coins below melt
Mexican 50 peso gold coins below melt
Silver:
MCM has 2018 Silver Eagle Tubes of 20 that net for around $16.25 per coin
Bullion Exchanges has lot of 5 RMC silver rounds
2018 5 oz Proof Libertad
5 oz Englehard Australia Cast Bars
Bullion Exchanges 10 oz Silver Bars (Various listings)
A few lots of 10 1 oz silver rounds
Here’s a list of more eBay Bucks eligible bullion items:
Money Metals Exchange has been around since 2010. Many people have avoided buying from them because they charge shipping for orders under $1,000 or because it often seems like they are just “silver pumpers” pushing metals because of the coming economic apocalypse.
In any event, they have decent pricing on a lot of things but due to the shipping cost. For smaller orders a $9.99 shipping charge means an extra $1.00 per ounce premium for 10 ounces.
A precision digital scale for silver & gold is one of the most basic tools available that can be used by both investors and precious metals coin collectors to help verify the authenticity of a particular item by comparing to the expected weight. Measuring the weight is one of the easiest and quickest tests to help verify the authenticity of your gold and silver coins. The measured weight is easy to compare with one of the many reference charts online, in an app or even coin reference books that are available online and at local coin stores. A simple scale for measuring gold and silver is a practical tool for all investors.
Digital scales have become ubiquitous in recent years and are sold at nearly every gas stations and corner store. The quality and accuracy of these scales can range from fickle and variable to surprisingly accurate. If in doubt, consult with a reputable coin dealer or expert that owns a Sigma Precious Metals Verifier.
It is even more important when purchasing via social media, online marketplaces, eBay or individuals and other untrusted sources.
Modern gold coin should be very close to its stated weight (e.g., 1 oz, 1/2 oz, etc.), though minor deviations can occur due to wear or manufacturing tolerances. Also keep in mind, that when measuring circulated gold coins such as old 20 francs, sovereigns and Pre-1933 US gold coins, wear and tear from circulation can slightly reduce the weight.
The weights and dimensions of older gold bullion coins such as British Gold Sovereigns, French Gold Francs, or Mexican Gold Pesos are well known and easy to verify with an accurate scale and simple calipers.
The same is true for 90% silver coins such as Morgan and Peace dollars, silver pesos or junk silver coins.
The scale should be able to accommodate the weight of the items you’ll be measuring. For most precious metals, a scale with a weight capacity of up to 500 grams or a half kilo is generally sufficient. Choose a scale that is easy to calibrate and offers consistent accuracy over time. Some scales come with calibration weights, which are helpful for ensuring accuracy.
When dealing with precious metals, the most important feature is that the scale is able to switch between various measurement systems, including grams, imperial and troy ounces. Some scales may only have grams and imperial and may not include troy ounces. A tare function allows you to subtract the weight of a container or tray from the total weight, essentially zeroing out the scale to allow for accurate measurements.
Some scales for Silver & Gold will come with a set of calibration weights that can be used to verify that the scale is working correctly. By comparing the reading to those of known samples, the scale can often be adjusted back to accuracy. Be sure to place the scale on a level, stable surface and ensure the area is free from magnetic or electronic interference.
Another, often overlooked feature, particularly when dealing with fractional gold coins and bars, is precision to at least two decimal places. When checking the weight of circulated and fractional gold coins and bars, having a scale that can accurately measure to the hundredth of a gram is very important.
Consider that a genuine 1/10 oz gold coin is the equivalent of 3.11 grams. A counterfeit or plated coin will have a weight that is different due to the density of the metal. If only measured to the tenth of a gram, the variance may be slight enough that the scale is unable to determine an accurate weight due to rounding function. This becomes even more critical when dealing with smaller fractional gold coins and bars, such as gram sizes and those weighing 1/20 oz.
It’s common to find scales at the gas station that measure to only tenths of a gram. For a more definitive measurement, be sure that the scale can measure to at least the hundredth decimal place. High-end laboratory scales and those used by professional miners can be accurate to thousandth of a gram!
While it’s important to invest in a reliable scale, you don’t necessarily need to go for the most expensive option. There are accurate scales available across various price points.
The scales for silver & gold below all have the basic capabilities of providing accurate measurements in both troy ounces and grams and are also reasonably inexpensive and readily available.
The Weigh Gram scale from Amazon is a basic device capable of measuring in grams (g), troy ounces (ozt), avoirdupois ounces (oz) and pennyweights weights (dwt). It has a maximum measurement capacity of 600 grams and will measure fractions of a gram down to the hundredths.
This scale is small enough to fit in your pocket and is a good choice for measuring the weights of smaller bullion items. For the price, this is the best scale for weighing gold and silver.
The KitchenTour EG5001 from Amazon has a higher capacity, capable of measuring up to 500 grams, or a half of a kilogram. This scale is a good choice for measuring larger silver bullion items such as 10 oz silver bars. The scale has precision to hundredths of a gram and has six different measurement types, including grams, troy ounces, avoidupois ounces, dime weights and others.
The RESHY High Precision Lab Scale from Amazon is a precision analytical balance scale. It has a capacity of up to 5000 grams or 5 kilograms with a precision resolution down to the hundredths of a gram. This is a great scale for measuring larger silver bullion items, including silver kilos and 100 ounce silver bars.
The Euro currency was not the first attempt in Europe to create a unified currency and trade structure.
In the mid-19th century there was an attempt to unify several different European currencies under a structure called
the Latin Monetary Union (LMU). During this time most European countries were still using coinage and currency made from gold and silver. The LMU was established in 1865 and officially disbanded in 1927.
A treaty in 1865 between France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy formed the Latin Monetary Union (LMU). The purpose of the treaty was the provide a way to facilitate trade between the countries in a standard way.
They agreed to a combined gold and silver bimetalism standard with a fixed gold-to-silver ratio of 15.5 to 1. A single LMU Franc represented 4.5 grams of fine silver or .290322 grams of fine gold.
The treated was signed in December of 1865.
The LMU standards were based on the gold French Franc. The gold Franc had been introduced by Napoleon I in 1803. It was struck in .900 fine gold with denominations of 5, 10, 20, 40, 50 and 100 Francs.
Smaller denominations where struck in silver with denominations of 20 centimes, 50 centimes, 1 franc, 2 francs and 5 francs. The largest of the silver coins, the 5 franc was struck in .900 fine silver. Overall, the coin was minted to weigh 25 grams and contained 0.723391258218528 troy ounces of pure silver.
The 20 Franc gold coin was struck on a 21mm planchet made of an alloy containing 90% gold and 10% copper. Each 20 Franc gold coin weighted a total of 6.45 grams, containing 5.806 grams of pure gold. The remaining .644 grams being copper provided additional strength and durability for the coins in circulation.
The treaty established the following coinage & currency standards:
Silver (fineness 0.835): 20 centimes, 50 centimes, 1 franc, 2 francs
Silver (fineness 0.900): 5 francs
Gold (fineness 0.900): 5 francs, 10 francs, 20 francs, 50 francs, 100 francs
In 1867, the original 4 countries in the Latin Monetary Union (LMU) were joined by Greece. Spain and Romania considered joining and both made attempts to conform their currencies to the LMU standard.
Austria-Hungary rejected bimetallism but agreed to a separate treaty with France in 1867 based on the gold-standard and began minting some of it’s gold coins on the LMU standard. Austria-Hungary began to mint it’s 4 and 8 gulden (florin) coins to the same specifications as the French 10 and 20 francs.
Other countries later began adopting the system without formally joining the treaty.
In 1873, the LMU dropped bimetallism and moved entirely to a gold standard of 1 franc = 0.290322581 grams of gold.
Countries that adopted the standards developed by the LMU included:
French Colonies: Including Algeria
Peru: Adopted the franc system in 1863.
Colombia & Venezuela: Adopted the franc system in 1871.
Finland: Adopted the franc system in 1877.
Serbia: Adopted the franc system in 1878.
Bulgaria: Adopted the franc system in 1880.
The Danish West Indies were placed on the LMU franc standard in 1904 but did not join the Union itself.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a small commission. More information about our affiliate programs can be found here.
eBay launched another eBay Bucks Bonus promotion this morning. This time around the eBay Bucks Bonus amount is raised to 10% on purchases over $100.
Even though gold and silver prices are down dealer premiums have remained steady or increased slightly. The usual net cost gold coins below spot price deals that can often be found during eBay Bucks promotions on Gold Francs and Gold Sovereigns don’t seem to be available this time around.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a small commission. More information about our affiliate programs can be found here.
eBay Bucks and Bullion Frequently Asked Questions
What is eBay Bucks?
eBay Bucks is a rewards loyalty cash-back type program run by eBay that gives a 1% credit on eligible purchases that can be used towards future purchases.
eBay Bucks credits are earned throughout the financial quarter up to a maximum of $500 in eBay Bucks per quarter. eBay Bucks are available to spend on eBay at the beginning of the quarter after they are earned. Earned eBay Bucks must be spent during the first month of the quarter after they are earned.
Periodically throughout the year eBay runs promotions that increase the earnings amounts of eBay Bucks. Typical promotions have increased the eBay Bucks earnings to 8%, 10% or 15% above the base amount of 1%.
Items listed in certain categories, including the Bullion category and subcategories are ineligible for earning eBay Bucks. However, many of the trusted and reputable dealers that sell bullion products on eBay will list bullion products for sale in alternate categories that do earn eBay Bucks.
How can I earn eBay Bucks when buying Bullion?
The base 1% reward can be earned by buying bullion that is listed outside the Bullion category, including those listed as Silver Bullion or Gold Bullion. Items in those categories are not eligible for earning eBay Bucks.
That being the case, there are lots of bullion products that are listed in alternate eBay categories including other subcategories in Coins & Paper Money.
Not all items are eligible. Sometimes items that are cross-listed in multiple categories that includes the Bullion categories.
The best way to determine if an item is eligible for earning eBay Bucks is to look at the item page. In most cases, an eligible item will display the amount of eBay Bucks that you can earn, similar to this:
Notice at the bottom of the image you can see the green “Bucks” logo with the earning amount.
How often are eBay Bucks promotions run?
Historically, eBay Bucks promotions are run several times throughout each financial quarter. They are sometimes run several times each month. There’s no set schedule for when an eBay Bucks promotion is run. Nor is there any schedule for how much of a bonus will be offered on top of regular earnings. The promotions are offered at the sole discretion of eBay.
How do I sign up for eBay Bucks?
If you already have an eBay Account you can sign up for eBay Bucks by visiting the eBay Bucks signup page. If you do not already have an eBay account, you must first create an eBay account then signup separately for eBay Bucks.
How can I find bullion items that are eligible for eBay Bucks?
Sometimes sellers will change an item’s category after the listing has posted. Be sure to look for the eBay Bucks earning amount on the listing to be sure an item is eligible.
Can I spend my eBay Bucks on bullion?
Yes. eBay Bucks can be spent on any bullion listings on eBay.
How can I avoid counterfeit bullion on eBay?
Always buy bullion on eBay from trusted and reputable dealers. There are certain things to look for that are red flags that an item could be counterfeit. Don’t risk it and stick with known sellers with high feedback and recent activity.
When considering gold coins as a store of wealth, it’s important to recognize that certain gold coins have gained international reputation and are widely recognized as reliable stores of wealth.
For anyone looking to hold gold as a store of wealth or even as a way of bartering in the event of economic collapse, the best gold coins to buy are the most popular and highly recognizable gold coins such as the Gold Eagle, Maple Leaf, and Krugerrand. These gold coins are widely recognized by gold buyers and are very liquid when it is time to sell.
You can sell or exchange these gold coins at almost any coin shop anywhere in the world. Bulk gold bullion, including small bars in assay cards on the other hand, may need to be weighed, assayed and verified by experts before being traded.
Premiums on gold coins increase when demand from investors is high. In the early days of the last financial crisis that started back in 2008, premiums on gold bullion coins rose from 4% to over 10% while the price of gold dropped. At various times since then, we have seen gold premiums rise and fall because of inflation, supply chain issues, global political instability and other issues.
One of the most important factors when you buy gold coins is the premium you pay over spot price. Even though gold prices have been toying with record highs in recent years, the demand for gold and silver bullion continues to be strong with investors due to record amounts of inflation. When demand is low dealer premiums typically drop, which can help lower your dollar-cost average.
Currently, dealer premiums on Random Year American Gold Eagle Coins have been as low as 2% over spot. There have been some dealers that have had premiums even lower. FindBullionPrices.comtracks premiums on gold coin prices across trusted and reputable bullion dealers.
With dealer premiums at record lows, it is a great time to buy gold coins.
Buy Gold Coins for Financial Stability
Gold coins have been used as a store of wealth, as a means of exchange and currency for thousands of years. Some coins have numismatic value in addition to their gold content. This can enhance their value and provide another avenue to find gold buyers in the numismatic market.
A tube of American Gold Eagle coins is roughly the size of an average pill bottle. There are twenty American Gold Eagles in a mint tube. At current gold spot prices the melt value of a tube of Gold Eagles is roughly $25,000.
An American Gold Eagle Monster Box holds 25 tubes with 20 coins in each tube. A Monster Box of Gold Eagles is roughly the size of a shoe box and holds 500 gold coins.
Long before the Euro was established as a common currency amongst European Nations, there was a similar currency union that standardized gold coins used for trade throughout Europe. It was called the Latin Monetary Union (LMU).
The Latin Monetary Union was developed in the 19th century between France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland as a way to create a standard currency. They agreed to a combined gold and silver standard with a fixed gold-to-silver ratio of 15.5 to 1 as established in the French Franc. One LMU Franc represented 4.5 grams of fine silver or 0.290322 gram of fine gold.
Gold coins from the Latin Monetary Union are highly sought after by investors for their gold content. The most common of these include the French Gold Rooster, the Swiss Helvetia, and the Austrian Gold Florin. Many of the coins carry a dual currency designation that includes the local currency name as well as that representing it’s value in Gold Francs.
Some online dealers offer free shipping on bullion when your purchase is over a certain amount. Is the shipping really free? Or is it somehow hidden in the higher premiums.
The myth of free shipping on bullion when buying online
When looking at the prices and premiums of online bullion one of the first things that many people notice is that the price of the same items can vary greatly from dealer to dealer. Sometimes it’s just that dealers may be charging a higher premium on some items.
More often than not the dealers that charge higher premiums per ounce offer a free shipping option with a low purchase price of around $100. This is because the dealer has to fit the shipping cost into their business model somewhere. Free shipping isn’t really free, you’re just paying for it somewhere else.
This is no different than when dealers charge a 4% additional fee for paying for bullion with a credit card or Paypal. The additional cost gets added into the product margin somehow.
When you look at our quick glance silver bullion price comparison chart one of the first thing you notice is that the lowest prices per ounce are most often from dealers that charge a nominal shipping charge.
Of the dealers that charge shipping, most shipping charges are in the $5 to $10 per order range depending on the class of service and the weight of the order. When looking for the best silver prices online it is important to take into consideration the shipping charges. The cost of shipping should be spread out over each ounce in your order.
The RESHY High Precision Lab Scale from Amazon is a precision analytical balance scale. It has a capacity of up to 5000 grams or 5 kilograms with a precision resolution down to the hundredths of a gram. This is a great scale for measuring larger silver bullion items, including silver kilos and 100 ounce silver bars.
