Bullion or Numismatic Coins: Which is the Best Buy?

If you're not familiar with the precious metals market, you might not be aware that there are important distinctions between bullion coins and numismatic coins.

Those who are somewhat new to precious metals ownership may be confused as to the fundamental difference between bullion coins and numismatic coins. Both are highly prized by collectors and investors—should buyers consider purchasing both?

Not unless they understand precisely what they're getting. Here are the basic differences:

Bullion Coins

Bullion coins are either gold, silver, platinum, or palladium coins that are purchased either for investment purposes, or as an inflation hedge. With some exceptions, they are manufactured yearly by government mints. Their weight is carefully calibrated into specific increments. For example, you will often find gold coins that are available as a single ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, 1/10 ounce, or grams. If you purchase bullion coins from a reputable dealer, you are getting a particular weight of a refined precious metal.

Types of bullion coins include:

United States Eagles (Gold, Silver, or Platinum)
Canadian Maple Leafs (Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium)
South African Krugerrands (Gold)

Although these coins are purchased specifically for their precious metal content, many collectors enjoy owning beautifully and intricately stamped minted coins.

Numismatic Coins

Unlike bullion, numismatic coins are not just valued due to their precious metals content, but also because they are no longer being produced and are therefore quite rare. They are also valued based on their condition. Such coins might include:

St. Gaudens Double Eagles
Indian Head Eagles
Peace Silver Dollars

The study of historic currency is certainly fascinating and fun—it's definitely rewarding to find a rare penny in your change purse! However, if you're looking to purchase precious metals, it is important to consider the difference in how bullion and numismatic coins are valued so that you can select the products that are best suited for your needs. please contact the experts at Birch Gold Group for a comprehensive consultation today. Visit Facebook page for more information.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Gold and Silver: Rare Commodities Made More Accessible To Small Buyers

A balanced mix of assets prevents a significant reduction in net worth due to unforeseen circumstances. Stocks, bonds, and real estate comprise most investment portfolios. Over the past few decades, however, there has been a sudden surge in demand for physical precious metals. The most popular ones are, of course, gold and silver. Known for their high market values and rarity, gold and silver are used in numerous ways.

Image source: wikia.com

Gold

Gold has always been the universal symbol of wealth. From the ancient times to present, it has consistently been used as a gauge for monetary values. Physical gold includes bars and coins and are available in small amounts, which makes it accessible even to small private buyers. Similarly, physical gold can be in forms of jewelry, which are relatively easy to buy and sell and tend to have stable market prices. Non-physical gold can also be bought in the form of stocks (mining companies, jewelry manufacturers, etc.), but they could be more vulnerable to market fluctuations.

Image source: indiatimes.com

Silver

Although not as precious as gold in terms of value, silver is a top choice for industrial and medical manufacturers. Buyers are driven by its huge demand and its superior accessibility. Although the silver market is much smaller, it doesn’t take as much money to invest in silver. With the level of demand and over 3,000 industrial uses, it is not difficult to move up the market. Just like gold, silver is available in various forms: unallocated silver pool investments, silver mining stocks, silver futures contracts, and physical silver.

For a safe and secure purchase of physical precious metals, get assistance from Birch Gold Group. Visit this website for more information on the benefits of owning physical metals.