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64 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 guideHow to test gold at home step by step: hallmark, magnet, density, ceramic streak and acid kit, what each proves, and why toothpaste and vinegar tests fail.
Read guideCostco 1 oz gold bars from PAMP and Rand Refinery: price versus spot today, the per-membership limit, Executive rewards, and what the bars are worth when you sell.
Read guideWhat Costco silver costs versus spot: Kirkland Signature 1 oz bars, 10 oz bars and coin tubes, membership limits, and what the bars are worth when you sell.
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.
Learn 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 guideLearn how gold and silver products are valued based on their spot price, minting premiums, and numismatic collectibility, and understand the difference between bullion and rare coins.
Read guidePlatinum Bars vs. Gold Bars: Understand the key differences in rarity, market drivers, and price volatility to determine which precious metal bar is the right investment for your portfolio.
Read guideExplore the official minting process, from the initial artistic design to the final high-pressure strike, and learn how mints create coins with stunning detail, precision, and security.
Read guideSilver tarnishing is a chemical change: silver reacts with sulfur to form silver sulfide. Why it happens, whether it hurts value, and how to store coins and bullion so it stops.
Read guideDiscover where gold is mined around the world, from top-producing countries like China and Australia to the major gold regions in the United States like Nevada, and learn about the different methods used to extract it.
Read guideDiscover the intricate art and science behind how gold coins are made, from the initial design and die creation to the high-pressure striking process that creates a beautiful and valuable investment.
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.
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