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Notes on Bullion and Numismatics

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Copyright © 2009 by Zack Smith.
All rights reserved.

What is bullion?

Bullion is a term for precious metal that has little or no numismatic value. The term numismatic derives from Latin numisma which means coin.

Bullion is a refined metal whose composition is known and that is not used as currency. It would be pointless to speak of a precious metal whose composition is unknown.

What metals are of interest?

Gold and silver primarily, but also platinum, paladium, and rhodium.

What are the major coins of interest?

There are a number of gold and silver coins that are commonly bought and sold. These include:
  • South African Krugerrand
  • Canadian Maple Leaf
  • American Eagle
  • Austrian Philharmonic
  • Australian Kangaroo
  • Chinese Panda
  • Mexican
And of course people buy and sell bullion bars.

Where does one buy these?

Your local coin shop probably has some, but be aware that some of them will try to scam people who are new to metals.

In addition, numerous websites sell coins and bullion and they ship your metals insured.

How do the Web-based sellers operate?

  • Typically you cannot pay by credit card.
  • Most accept money order, cashiers check, personal check, or wired from your bank.
  • They will let you lock in the current price before they receive your money.
  • Shipping plus insurance usually starts at $25.
  • Web-based sellers also buy bullion. However this is where things get tricky and some consumers have complained in forums that some websites engage in trickery to cheat their customers.

Why are gold and silver important?

Other than as an investment or as a hobby, it has been pointed out that because the US dollar is not backed by metal it is as risk of being dumped as the world's reserve currency. If that happens, hyperinflation may occur and only tangible assets like bullion will be of value.

My notes on the Recession are here.

What forums cover this topic?

There are several. Some are defunct and some do not accept new members.

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