Premiums are the costs over the spot price, covering fabrication, distribution, and dealer profit.

Tips for Buying and Selling Bullion - American Numismatic Association

Avoid buying from unknown sources. Trusted dealers offer authentic products and competitive pricing.

Generally, invest in .999 or .9999 fine gold (24K). However, 22K (like American Gold Eagles) is also highly tradable because it is more durable. Silver: Standard purity is .999 fine silver. 6. Consider Storage and Insurance If you buy physical metal, you need a plan for it.

According to recent analyses, top choices include Costco for in-person retail, Walmart for online, and reputable specialized bullion dealers like JM Bullion or APMEX . 5. Check Purity (Karat and Fineness)

Gold and silver are generally not great for short-term speculation. They work best as long-term wealth preservation or portfolio diversification tools to balance traditional stocks and bonds. 8. Use the 80/50 Rule for Timing

Before buying, check the live "spot price" of gold and silver. The spot price is the current market value for one troy ounce of the metal. You should expect to pay this price, plus a small premium (dealer markup). If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. 3. Understand Premiums and Fees