Copyright © PeerMetals 2026
58 guides on precious metals and numismatics — how they're priced, how they're made, what makes a coin worth more than its metal, and how to buy without overpaying.
What is a troy ounce? Learn the crucial difference between a troy ounce and a standard ounce, and why this universal unit of measurement is the foundation of trust in the global gold, silver, and platinum markets.
Read guideLearn about bullion coins, rounds, and bars made from precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, and understand why their value is tied directly to their weight and purity.
Read guideTrace the history of gold prices from the fixed rate of the Gold Standard to the free-floating market of today, and understand why events like the Nixon Shock made gold a premier safe-haven asset.
Read guideEvery 1892-1964 quarter holds 0.1808 oz of silver, about $11.83 at today's spot. Values by grade, key dates like the 1932-D, and what dealers really pay.
Read guideThere are 40 quarters in a roll ($10). See roll counts and weights for every U.S. coin, box and bag sizes, what to hunt for, and what a silver roll is worth.
Read guideA war nickel holds 0.05626 oz of silver, about $3.68 at $65.39 spot. Values by date and grade for all 11 issues, the key varieties, and what dealers pay.
Read guideGrade-by-grade price estimates for 174 classic US key dates, each sourced from a named numismatic reference — up to $1,714,917 for the finest known example.
Discover where platinum is mined around the world, from the dominant Bushveld Complex in South Africa to significant operations in Russia and North America, and understand why its supply is so concentrated.
Read guideExplore the science behind precious metals; learn why the unique chemical properties and cosmic rarity of gold, silver, and platinum make them intrinsically valuable.
Read guideLearn how to test for real platinum at home using simple, non-destructive methods like the magnet test and checking for official hallmarks, helping you distinguish it from look-alike metals.
Read guideDiscover why platinum, one of the noblest metals, does not tarnish and learn the difference between corrosion and the natural patina that develops on platinum over time.
Read guideExplore how coins have served as more than just money throughout history, acting as tools for propaganda, historical records, and expressions of art and culture.
Read guideUnderstand the crucial difference between sovereign mints and private mints, and learn how their respective roles, products, and legal tender status impact the precious metals market.
Read guideLearn about Sunshine Minting, Inc. (SMI), a leading private mint known for producing high-quality precious metal products and innovative security features for both sovereign mints and private investors.
Read guideExplore the history and function of the United States Mint, from its founding in 1792 to its modern role in producing the nation's currency, bullion coins, and commemorative medals.
Read guideShould you clean ancient coins? Learn why cleaning is generally discouraged by collectors, how the "patina" adds value, and what methods professionals use for essential conservation.
Read guideWhy do Americans call the one-cent coin a "penny"? Learn the difference between the official U.S. term "cent" and the colloquial slang "penny," and the history behind the terminology.
Read guideLearn the anatomy of a coin by exploring its key parts, from the obverse and reverse to the mint mark, field, and rim, to better understand and appreciate your coin collection. A Coin's Anatomy: Understanding Its Essential Features
Read guideLearn simple, effective methods to tell if your gold is real or just gold-plated, including the magnet test, checking for hallmarks, and looking for signs of wear and discoloration.
Read guidePut the guides into practice -- melt values, ratios, and allocations against live spot prices.
Face value in pre-1965 dimes, quarters, or half dollars -> melt value at the live silver spot price.
Weight and purity, or a common coin preset, -> live melt value at the current gold spot price.
Weight and purity, or a common coin preset, -> live melt value at the current silver spot price.
Jewelry weight and karat -> melt value of the actual gold content. For gold that isn't bullion.
Today's ratio, what's historically normal, and what it suggests for your next purchase.
The age-in-ounces rule and the 10-15% metals envelope, run against your own numbers.
Specs and live melt value for common bullion coins, plus historic pre-1965 U.S. silver coinage.
What a past gold or silver purchase would be worth today, from our own recorded price history.
Ready to invest?
Browse authenticated gold, silver, platinum and copper from vetted sellers — with live spot pricing and built-in buyer protection on every order.
