What is bullion?
Bullion is precious metal made into identified formats such as coins, bars and rounds, with a stated weight and fineness. Gold, silver, platinum and palladium are different metals. A sovereign coin adds an issuing authority and denomination, while a private bar or round is principally identified by its maker, metal content and design. Bullion and numismatic collecting can overlap, especially when a historic coin also has a measurable fine metal content.
From circulating money to modern bullion
The United States first struck silver dollars in 1794 and gold half eagles and eagles in 1795. Classic circulating gold production ended in 1933 during a major change in American monetary policy. Modern American Eagle gold and silver coins arrived in 1986, while the American Buffalo gold program began in 2006. A modern coin can revive a historic design without being an original issue from the earlier period.
NGC, PCGS and certified coins
NGC stands for Numismatic Guaranty Company; PCGS stands for Professional Coin Grading Service. PCGS began operating in 1986 and NGC in 1987. They authenticate and grade coins rather than manufacture the original issues. A labeled protective holder is commonly called a slab. Its numeric grade describes assessed condition, not the percentage of precious metal or a guaranteed future value.
Troy ounces, grams and fineness
One troy ounce equals 31.1034768 grams. Fineness describes the proportion of precious metal in an alloy, while fine weight measures the amount of that metal. A historic gold coin’s denomination, gross weight and fine gold content are separate specifications.
Coins, bars and rounds
Government issued coins, privately manufactured rounds and bullion bars have different identifying features. Read the mint or refiner, fine metal content and package quantity on each listing. Historic coins can contain an alloy, so gross weight and fine metal weight are separate measurements. A package of several pieces should be compared using the total offering.
Graded and ungraded products
A named grading service and an explicit numeric grade distinguish a certified offering from ordinary packaging. Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof describe different aspects of a product. Neither wording alone guarantees a numeric grade. Compare the service, grade, finish and holder details where they are stated.
Find a category that fits your search
Browse silver bullion, gold bullion or graded and slabbed coins. The collection directory also organizes products by mint, weight, year and condition. Selection and prices can change, so use the current product page for the actual offering and review the available categories before ordering.
