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Beginner’s Guide to Precious Metals
Secure Your Financial Future with Precious Metals
Discover why gold and silver have been trusted for centuries to safeguard wealth and offer peace of mind during economic uncertainty. Whether you’re new to investing or exploring ways to diversify your portfolio, the Beginner’s Guide to Precious Metals from Coins Online simplifies the process and empowers you to make informed decisions.
Download the guide to learn how to:
- Protect your wealth against inflation and currency devaluation.
- Understand the unique benefits of gold and silver investments.
- Choose the right precious metals investment for your goals.
- Store your assets securely for long-term value.
Beginner’s Guide to Precious Metals
This Beginner’s Guide is a simple way to understand coins and bullion before you buy. In a few short sections you will learn the basics of formats, purity, premiums, recognition, and storage so you can make clear, confident choices without pressure.
What this guide covers
- Coins vs bars: recognition, designs, and how to read specs
- Metal purity and weight: what .999 and troy ounce really mean
- Spot price and premium: how final prices are formed
- Authenticity basics: what an assay card confirms and simple checks at home
- Storage and documentation: protecting surfaces and keeping good records
If you are new to the topic, start here and then explore our Education hub for deeper articles.
Who this guide is for
- New collectors choosing a first piece of gold, silver, or platinum
- Families organizing an existing set of coins or bars
- Anyone who wants plain-language answers without sales tactics
How to use this guide
- Skim the table of contents and read the short overviews.
- Compare formats with the examples inside, then browse categories to see real products: Gold bullion, Silver bullion, Platinum bullion.
- Use the checklists to review specs, packaging, and documentation.
- When you are ready, see Discover Our Process for how we verify and ship.
Quick primer: the terms you will see most
Troy ounce
The standard precious-metals weight (31.1035 g). One ounce coins and bars are popular because they are easy to compare and store.
Fineness (purity)
Typical markings include .999 or .9999. That is the proportion of pure metal in the piece.
Spot price
The real-time market price for raw metal. Products sell above spot because they include minting, packaging, distribution, and demand.
Premium
The amount over spot that reflects those costs. See Gold Premiums Explained for why premiums move during the year.
Assay card
A sealed card from the mint or refiner that lists weight, purity, and a serial number. It is simple, helpful documentation. Learn more in What Is an Assay Certificate and Why It Matters.
Choosing your first pieces
Start small and recognized. One-ounce sovereign coins such as Britannia, Eagle, and Maple Leaf are known worldwide. Mint-marked bars with sealed assay cards are compact and easy to document. Read product pages closely for metal content, weight, obverse and reverse designs, and condition.
Compare side by side here:
Gold bullion • Silver bullion • Platinum bullion
Authenticity at a glance
Before an item is listed, we confirm weight and dimensions and review edges, fields, and mint marks under magnification. If a bar arrives with a mint assay card, we confirm the serial number and note it on the listing. For at-home basics, see Spot Fake Gold.
Storage and simple record keeping
Capsules and tubes protect surfaces from friction. Keep items dry and avoid unnecessary handling. A one-page inventory that notes item, weight, mint, and serial (when present) helps you and your family stay organized. For printable tools, visit Downloadables.
Common questions
How do I compare coins and bars?
Look for clear metal content, recognized mints, and straightforward documentation. Review premiums across similar formats using our Gold Premiums Explained article.
What confirms authenticity?
Matching weight and dimensions, consistent details, and—when present—an assay card with a serial that matches the bar. Learn more in our assay guide.
Where should I start if I am brand new?
Read this guide, then browse Gold bullion and Silver bullion for widely recognized options.
Freedom and Authenticity Guarantees
We teach before we sell, and we do not use pressure tactics. Every item we offer is confirmed for weight, purity, and identity, and ships discreetly with insured delivery. For a closer look at how we work, visit Discover Our Process and Our Difference.
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