We Buy Bullion, But What Is Bullion?
Bullion is the content of precious metal in a bar, coin, round, or some other form. Bullion typically refers to raw metal, but it can also be metal that has been processed into an object, as in the case of a gold, silver, or platinum coin.
The bullion content of an object is measured by multiplying the weight of the object in troy ounces by the purity of the metal in that object. For instance, a 1-ounce gold bar with a .9999 purity rating would contain one troy ounce of 99.99 percent pure gold bullion (Troy ounce is a special unit of weight measurement used predominantly for precious metals.)
Below you will find common terms associated with bullion and precious metals.
(Glossary provided by Nationwide Coin & Bullion Reserve)
AT COST
Buying coins or bars at cost means you are paying exactly what they’re worth, without markup from the seller. This is a great way to start your bullion investment journey.
BEARISH
A term used to describe the market price of a precious metal or stock, with the belief that it will lose value based on the current market.
BULLION
Coins and bars made of precious metals that can be used as an investment or currency in the case of economic crisis. The metal retains its inherent value.
BULLISH
A term used to describe the market price of a precious metal or stock, with the belief that it will be worth more in the future, making it a good investment.
CAST BARS
Precious metals bars that are created by pouring melted metal into molds. Tends to have rough edges and inconsistencies between bars. The simple process and minor cosmetic flaws make this type of bar cost less than minted bars.
DENOMINATION
In reference to coins, the monetary value of the coin, not how much the coin is worth in terms of metal content. For example, the Gold American Eagle coin has a denomination of $5, but the coin itself is worth around $150 due to the gold content. Also called face value.
DESIGNER
The designer of a coin created the image that appears on either the obverse or the reverse of a coin. Also referred to as a medalist.
DIAMETER
The length of a coin straight across from edge to edge.
EDGE
The edge of a coin, sometimes referred to as the third side, is the space that goes around the coin between the obverse and reverse sides. Edges are often either plain or reeded.
FACE VALUE
In reference to coins, the monetary value of the coin, not how much the coin is worth in terms of metal content. For example, the Gold American Eagle coin has a face value of $5, but the coin itself is worth around $150 due to the gold content. Also called denomination.
GOLD
A valuable precious metal with a metallic yellowish color. Used in electronics, jewelry, and coins.
INGOT
Another term for a bar of precious metals, often in a more unrefined state.
MINT
To mold or create a coin. Also, the physical place where coins are minted (i.e., The United States Mint). Also, used to describe a coin in near perfect condition.
MINTED BARS
Precious metals bars that appear nearly perfect, with smooth, straight edges and a shiny surface. Because of the higher quality and more extensive process, minted bars cost more than cast bars.
NUMISMATIC
Collecting and studying coins.
OBVERSE
The front of a coin. Often the side that features a depiction of a person or their head.
PALLADIUM
A silver-colored precious metal that is most commonly known for its use in catalytic converters in cars. Can also be used in manufacturing, jewelry, and medicine.
PLAIN EDGE
A plain-edged coin has no pattern or texture on the edge, but is rather smooth and even.
PLATINUM
A rare, silvery precious metal used in catalytic converters, electronics, manufacturing, and jewelry.
PORTFOLIO
A collection of precious metals and other investments, such as stocks and bonds, that serve as an investment for retirement or savings.
PRE-33 GOLD
Gold coins minted in the United States before 1933. These coins are especially rare because of the Gold Confiscation Act of 1933, which halted gold coin production and required many Americans to turn in their gold coins to the government to boost the suffering economy. The rarity of the coins plus their historic value makes them especially valuable investments.
PRECIOUS METAL
Naturally occurring metals that have inherent value due to their utility, beauty, and rarity. Often used for investment purposes. The three most commonly invested in precious metals are gold, silver, and platinum.
PRECIOUS METALS IRA
A specialized retirement account that holds your precious metals investment. This account is the only official way to have your gold, silver, or platinum recognized as a retirement investment. The account must be managed by a custodian, and precious metals must meet specific purity standards to be included.
PROOF COINS
Coins that have been struck in a certain way so that they have a polished finish. These coins are usually encased in some kind of protective covering to preserve their flawless appearance.
PURITY
How much of the amount is the precious metal. Precious metals must meet certain purity standards to be included in IRAs. Most must be at least 99.95% pure.
REEDED EDGE
A reeded edge has vertical grooves on the edge of the coin. This helps prevent counterfeiting.
REFINERY
Where precious metals are purified and prepared for being made into coins and bars.
REVERSE
The back of a coin. Often features the denomination (if applicable) and additional drawings, though not typically of a person’s head like the obverse.
SILVER
A precious metal with a white-silver color. Primarily used in currency, electronics, jewelry, and silverware.
SPOT GOLD PRICE
The price that gold can be sold at in the current moment, not what it could be sold for in the future.
THICKNESS
The height of the coin’s edge.
TROY OUNCE
How precious metals are measured. One troy ounce is equal to 28.35 grams, whereas one regular ounce is equal to 31.1 grams.