Consumer Awareness

The market (spot) prices of gold, silver, platinum and palladium fluctuate daily. Research and become familiar with the current market prices of whichever precious metal you’re thinking of buying.

• In addition to the market price, have an understanding of the current market premiums associated with the silver, gold, platinum, or palladium coin being considered.
• These prices are reported in many newspapers and online news organizations. Many reputable bullion dealers report these prices online as well.
• If you are offered a bullion coin at a price below the current market price, extra scrutiny should be exercised.

Know your bullion coin vendor, retailer, or dealer.

• The United States Mint sells its bullion coins to the public through a network of Authorized Purchasers (APs/primary distributors).
• A list of the currently approved Authorized Purchasers can be found on the United States Mint Website.
• Authorized Purchasers are required by the United States Mint to maintain a two-way market for buying and selling United States Mint bullion coins among the public, bullion dealers, wholesalers, and retailers.
• Research (know and understand) the reputation of your bullion dealer or retailer prior to completing a purchase.
• Use caution when responding to advertisements in classified pages, online forums, and other sources.
• Does the coin meet each of the coin's published specifications as to weight and diameter? See Official United States Mint specifications.
• Are all of the Key Features present?
• Is the coin certified by a third party or guaranteed by the seller as to weight and precious metal content?

Familiarize yourself with the common features found on the United States Mint's bullion coins.