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Buying Physical Metals

20 articles

What Does a Coin Population Report Really Tell You?

What Does a Coin Population Report Really Tell You?

A low population number can make a certified coin appear exceptionally rare, but population reports measure grading records rather than every surviving example. Learn how to interpret PCGS and NGC data, account for resubmissions and crossovers, recognize condition rarity, and determine what a low population actually means before drawing conclusions about a coin’s scarcity.

Costco Gold Bars vs. Online Bullion Dealers: Which Offers Better Value?

Costco Gold Bars vs. Online Bullion Dealers: Which Offers Better Value?

Costco has become an unexpected destination for buying gold, drawing attention with competitive pricing, familiar checkout, and high-demand product drops. But the better buying option depends on more than a single advertised premium. Compare Costco gold bars with dedicated online bullion dealers across pricing, inventory depth, purchase limits, payment options, rewards, shipping, and long-term flexibility to determine which buying experience offers stronger overall value.

Troy Ounce vs. AVDP Ounce: What Bullion Buyers Should Know

Troy Ounce vs. AVDP Ounce: What Bullion Buyers Should Know

A one-ounce gold coin and a one-ounce copper round may both say '1 oz,' but they aren't measured using the same weight system. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium rely on the internationally recognized troy ounce, while copper bullion is typically measured in avoirdupois (AVDP) ounces. Understanding the difference helps investors compare bullion products more accurately, evaluate premiums with confidence, and avoid common misconceptions when buying physical precious metals.

Silver Bar Sizes Explained: Choosing the Right Weight to Buy

Silver Bar Sizes Explained: Choosing the Right Weight to Buy

Silver bars are available in a wide range of sizes, from tiny 1-gram pieces to massive 100 oz and institutional 1,000 oz bars. As physical silver demand continues growing in 2026, investors are increasingly comparing bar sizes based on premiums, liquidity, storage, and resale flexibility. Understanding how different silver bar weights function within the bullion market can help buyers build a more efficient and strategic precious metals portfolio tailored to their investment goals.

U.S. $100 Bill Guide: History, Security & Collector Value

U.S. $100 Bill Guide: History, Security & Collector Value

The U.S. $100 bill is one of the most recognized and trusted forms of currency in the world, combining history, advanced security, and collectible appeal. From its origins in the Civil War era to today’s high-tech design, the $100 note has evolved into both a financial tool and a numismatic asset. Understanding its features, rarity, and authenticity can help collectors and everyday users alike better appreciate its true value.

Dollar-Cost Averaging Into Gold and Silver

Dollar-Cost Averaging Into Gold and Silver

In uncertain markets, investors often struggle with timing purchases of physical gold and silver. Dollar-cost averaging offers a disciplined alternative, allowing steady accumulation regardless of short-term fluctuations in the gold spot price and silver spot price. This strategy emphasizes consistency over prediction, helping investors manage volatility while building long-term precious metals exposure.

.900 vs .925 vs .999 Silver: A Historical Comparison

.900 vs .925 vs .999 Silver: A Historical Comparison

Silver has been used as money and a store of value for centuries, but not all silver is created equal. From historic .900 silver coinage like Morgan and Peace Dollars to modern .999 fine silver bullion priced off the silver spot price, purity standards have evolved alongside technology and investor priorities. Understanding the differences between .900, .925, and .999 silver provides valuable insight into how silver has been valued across eras—and why purity matters more than ever in today’s precious metals market.

Understanding “COPY” Marks on Coins: What Collectors Should Know

Understanding “COPY” Marks on Coins: What Collectors Should Know

In the world of coin collecting, few markings cause as much curiosity as the word “COPY.” This simple stamp carries significant legal and educational meaning, distinguishing genuine government-issued coins from lawful replicas. In this Bullion Hunters guide, we explore the purpose of COPY marks, their role under the Hobby Protection Act, and how collectors can identify, verify, and responsibly collect replica coins while preserving the integrity of the numismatic hobby.

Understanding Gold Density: Testing, Comparison, and Purity Explained

Understanding Gold Density: Testing, Comparison, and Purity Explained

Gold’s beauty and value are legendary, but its true distinction lies in a measurable trait — density . This essential property not only defines gold’s unmistakable weight and feel but also reveals its authenticity and purity. In this guide, you’ll learn how to test gold’s density at home, compare it with other precious metals, and understand how purity levels affect its overall weight and value.

How to Tell If Silver Is Real: A Complete Guide

How to Tell If Silver Is Real: A Complete Guide

Silver’s role as a trusted store of value has endured for centuries, but with spot prices climbing to new heights, verifying authenticity has never been more important. Counterfeit bars, coins, and jewelry are becoming increasingly sophisticated, putting both investors and collectors at risk. Knowing how to test your silver — whether through simple at-home methods or professional verification — is essential for safeguarding your wealth, ensuring future resale value, and maintaining confidence in every purchase.

Smart Ways to Hide Precious Metals at Home

Smart Ways to Hide Precious Metals at Home

From floorboards to false walls, history shows people have gone to great lengths to protect their gold and silver. With prices at record highs and risks of theft rising, the question of where to hide bullion is more relevant than ever. Discover the smartest interior and exterior hiding spots, famous historical hoards, and when it’s time to trust professional storage instead.

How to Spot Fake Gold Coins: A Bullion Hunters Guide for Investors

How to Spot Fake Gold Coins: A Bullion Hunters Guide for Investors

Counterfeit gold coins are on the rise as gold prices soar, posing real risks to investors and collectors. Spotting a fake requires more than a glance - it calls for smart detection methods, trusted sources, and the right tools. In this guide, Bullion Hunters walks you through the red flags, DIY tests, and best practices to ensure every gold coin in your collection is authentic and secure.