How to get started?

[mgugs46]

Anyone have a link to something that will give me a clue as to how to start cool collecting/investing in precious metals/coins?

Or just some general info they can post for beginners?

[Texans81]

this depends a TON on your personal taste, preferences, goals, etc.

first ask yourself this question. why do you want to do this?

collecting?
long term investment?
alternative way to save money?
protect against inflation?
all of the above to one extent or another?

your answer to that question would greatly influence the advice I'd give you on how to proceed.

[Wickedroller]

I have a little bit of everything now. Generics, Graded, World coins, Proofs, and Low mintage Perth Mint stuff, and alot more. One bit of advice I got when I was starting out was buy the cheapest silver I can. I loaded up on 10 oz NTR bars and silvertowne bars to get the most silver for my money before I started buying the higher premium stuff. Glad I took that advice.

[mgugs46]

this depends a TON on your personal taste, preferences, goals, etc.

first ask yourself this question. why do you want to do this?

collecting?
long term investment?
alternative way to save money?
protect against inflation?
all of the above to one extent or another?

your answer to that question would greatly influence the advice I'd give you on how to proceed.

I would say part collecting, part saving money and part long term investment.

[blake03svtf]

Apmex actually has a very good section that will go per and answer a lot of your questions.

APMEX | APMEX - New Investors | APMEX.com (http://www.apmex.com/newinvestors)

find out why you want to start stacking. Set a budget. There is a lot of silver options out there and easy to over pay for stuff that carries a premium. I'd suggest visit a few of the online dealers or eBay and see what your budget can buy. I picked up some generic bars and just didn't care for them. So I spend the extra few bucks on eagles or kooks.

[Texans81]

I would say part collecting, part saving money and part long term investment.

in that case I'd say go for a little of everything. graded coins and proofs, premium bars like PAMP along with special release type stuff appeals to collectors. and then for the others, I'd suggest generic rounds, generic 10 oz bars as close to spot as you can and cheaper bullion coins like eagles and maples.

just my $0.02

[mgugs46]

Is it safe to buy on eBay?

[Texans81]

Is it safe to buy on eBay?

it honestly wouldn't be my first choice...I'd personally rather buy from a trusted reputable source even if it costs a little more. peace of mind has to be worth something ;)

[Anderdale]

Is it safe to buy on eBay?

As long as you buy from a reputable source such as apmex. I wouldn't ever touch random sellers.

[Texans81]

another piece of advice I'd give you...don't buy stuff piece meal if you can help it. most online metals sites such as APMEX and Provident to name a couple sell items cheaper the more you buy. typically you'll get a price break at 20+ another at 100+ and then one at 500+ for individual 1 oz rounds. It's also better to buy larger orders all at once vs smaller ones more frequently to save on shipping charges.

atleast that's my opinion

[03supto]

Thank you OP!

[justbored]

Is it safe to buy on eBay?

There's no reason to buy on ebay. You don't get rewards for precious metals anymore, lots of Chinese fakes on there and for some reason metals go for an insane premium. Buy from APMEX or someone similar.

[CP3toOKC]

There's no reason to buy on ebay. You don't get rewards for precious metals anymore, lots of Chinese fakes on there and for some reason metals go for an insane premium. Buy from APMEX or someone similar.

If you are buying coins in individually or small lots then ebay is the way to go since free shipping is available with most BIN purchases. Yes the premium would be higher than buying tubes or monster cases but it is what it is. I know APMEX is the featured bullion seller on ebay so they are legit, but I think mcm is good too. Chime in if you guys know any other major bullion sellers that do volume sales on ebay like these guys

[mgugs46]

Thanks guys - keep the advice coming :)!

When I was talking about eBay, I meant buying things like old silver coins, not necessarily bars, etc.

[twoten01]

Don't buy on ebay. it used to be great with ebay bucks(I would get the max $500 every quarter, by just buying and then reselling the silver/gold the day I got it, basically got $2000 in ebay bucks every year for free) But know it is used by "newbies" in the PM community. The premiums being paid on ebay are ridiculous.

You can buy right here on BO from Smackvay and Eskimokissers for way cheaper and safer than ebay auctions. Or check out, providentmetals.com, apmex.com Scottsdalesilver.com, goldmart.com, silvertowne.com, Prospectorsgoldandgems.com, monarchpreciousmetals.com, those are all legit sites.

[twoten01]

Thanks guys - keep the advice coming :)!

When I was talking about eBay, I meant buying things like old silver coins, not necessarily bars, etc.

the premiums on 90% silver coins on ebay has gotten out of hand. Smackvay has great deals(way better than ebay) or checkout Realcent.org

[jlzinck]

You should look into these when he gets around to selling them :-).

http://www.blowoutcards.com/forums/coins-currency/571011-some-my-father-laws-coins.html

[smackvay]

the premiums on 90% silver coins on ebay has gotten out of hand. Smackvay has great deals(way better than ebay) or checkout Realcent.org

Thank you for the kind words^^^^
I was at a show the other day and i picked up a ton of
Stuff so if you guys are wanting anything in my thread
Shoot me a pm as i got a good deal on the stuff so im selling
It pretty cheap. Im not spamming but if you guys are wanting
Morgans or peace dollars for pretty cheap let me know.

I buy stuff from ebay 7 days a week you have to be super careful and i would
Not reccomend buying from ebay if your new to metals be certain who your buying from as their is alot of crooks in this world

[mgugs46]

Thanks. I'm very new - as in have not bought any ... Ever.

Just getting familiar with the different types of coins/bars now.

[mgugs46]

Can someone explain why the PAMP bars are more sought after?

[justbored]

Can someone explain why the PAMP bars are more sought after?

Pamp Suisse, Johnson Matthey and Engelhard are kind of the BMW's of the metal world

[Texans81]

Pamp Suisse, Johnson Matthey and Engelhard are kind of the BMW's of the metal world

I'll give you the JM's and Engelhards...PAMP Suisse are more like Maseratis (sp?) ;)

[twoten01]

I'll give you the JM's and Engelhards...PAMP Suisse are more like Maseratis (sp?) ;)

There are alot more expensive Jm and Engelhards, than PAMP's.But you are right for the average bar, yeah Pamp carries the highest premium, but I have seen some extremely rare Jm pieces go for over $1,000 an oz. Remember Pamp is still making bars today, JM and Engelhard stopped production in the 80's(the new 1 oz Jm bars are made by Sunshine Mint, not JM)

All 3 should have a place in any stacker/collector's home.

For those of you that buy PAMP, and own a 10 oz bar, I highly recommend picking up a 500g or even the Kilo bars. They don't come in the plastic case like the 10 oz's, but they are some of he nicest 500g and kilo bars I own.

[Texans81]

I was actually looking at a kilo pamp bar the other day but by the premium on those is craziness. At current spot prices it's around $700 worth of silver and costs about $1025. That's nearly 50% over spot :eek:

[Wickedroller]

If you are buying coins in individually or small lots then ebay is the way to go since free shipping is available with most BIN purchases. Yes the premium would be higher than buying tubes or monster cases but it is what it is. I know APMEX is the featured bullion seller on ebay so they are legit, but I think mcm is good too. Chime in if you guys know any other major bullion sellers that do volume sales on ebay like these guys

Scottsdale and silvertowne both sell on ebay.

[Anderdale]

I like DBS coins on eBay. Bought my first couple eagles from them and they came in far better condition than anything I have bought from apmex. They also do their stuff auction style so if you bid low on all of it I find I can snipe a few without a huge premium.

After my recent purchase from apmex I am not sure I will be buying from them anymore. Coins had a ton of scratches and milking.

[mgugs46]

Why are the eagle coins so popular? The design?

[Wickedroller]

I was actually looking at a kilo pamp bar the other day but by the premium on those is craziness. At current spot prices it's around $700 worth of silver and costs about $1025. That's nearly 50% over spot :eek:

Yeah thats crazy. You can get a OPM kilo bar on JMbullion for $730.

[justbored]

Why are the eagle coins so popular? The design?

because they are govn issued and they also appeal to coin collectors, who are usually not interested in generic bullion

[dustyb1987]

i collect. but not crazy into it. i dont buy or trade or anything. i like the excitement of finding silver coins in circulation.

[mgugs46]

i collect. but not crazy into it. i dont buy or trade or anything. i like the excitement of finding silver coins in circulation.

You have to find pre-1964 quarters, right?

[blake03svtf]

United States Circulated Silver Coinage Intrinsic Value Table
These coins were in standard circulation until silver was removed from all coinage in 1965 and 1970 (40% silver half-dollars). I recognize that the silver Eisenhower dollar was issued as a collectible only, but I'm still categorizing it with this group. This table illustrates how far the metal value has progressed compared to the denomination's purchasing power after the debasement.

*** Check out our easy-to-print guide on silver coin values including Canadian silver coins.

Table based on November 06, 2013 live precious metal prices:
Silver $21.85/oz 0.15

Description Denomination Silver Value Silver % of Denomination
1942-1945 Nickel **
1916-1945 Mercury Dime
1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime
1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter
1932-1964 Quarter
1916-1947 Half Dollar
1948-1963 Half Dollar
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
1965-1970 Half Dollar (40%)
1878-1921 Morgan Dollar
1921-1935 Peace Dollar
1971-1976 Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver) **
1986-2013 Silver Eagle (.999 Silver)

** The U.S. Mint issued two compositions of the nickel in 1942. The standard copper-nickel composition used today and the 35% silver composition listed here. Also, 40% silver Eisenhower dollars were issued as collectibles only, they are generally not found in circulation.


Coin Values for US Coins (http://www.coinflation.com/unitedstates/)

[twoten01]

You have to find pre-1964 quarters, right?

yup pre 65(64's are silver) dimes and quarters and half dollars. and 1942-45 nickels if they have a P,D,S mintmark on the reverse above the dome.

Quarters are the hardest to find in circulation. With dimes and nickels the easiest(unless you roll search, then it is halves). I just got back two war nickels anda dime, yesterday from lunch at my local Chinese food place. Always great to get a "free" lunch:D

In 2012 I got $11.35 back in silver change( I only pay cash for everything, and never use change, so I can get it back on every purchase)

[mgugs46]

I actually got a 1939 nickel back a few weeks ago, and I was like oooh, I wonder if this is rare. Its not haha.

Also on a side note, were nickels mass produced in 1964? Seems like every older nickel sitting in my giant change bucket is from 1964.

Also, anyone know how to tell if your 'state' quarters with an S are the silver proofs or not?

[blake03svtf]

Newer silver quarters were only found in the proof sets from the mint. Someone would have had to break them out of their case if you have some loose. Check the rims, if you see copper, it's not silver.

[twoten01]

I actually got a 1939 nickel back a few weeks ago, and I was like oooh, I wonder if this is rare. Its not haha.

Also on a side note, were nickels mass produced in 1964? Seems like every older nickel sitting in my giant change bucket is from 1964.

Also, anyone know how to tell if your 'state' quarters with an S are the silver proofs or not?

Yes the 1964 nickels were produced in the Billions, due to the fact, of people taking the dimes, quarters and halves out of circulation, since they knew in 65 they would be clad coins.

And for S quarters, check the edges of the coin, is it all silver, or half silver and brown, like a modern circualting quarter. The latter is just a copper clad proof, not worth much, unless flawless. and the other would be 90% silver.

[mgugs46]

Yes the 1964 nickels were produced in the Billions, due to the fact, of people taking the dimes, quarters and halves out of circulation, since they knew in 65 they would be clad coins.

And for S quarters, check the edges of the coin, is it all silver, or half silver and brown, like a modern circualting quarter. The latter is just a copper clad proof, not worth much, unless flawless. and the other would be 90% silver.

Well that explains why I have so many '64 nickels :)!

And yes, it was just a useless quarter - it was the first non P or D I had seen though.

[blake03svtf]

The S would befor the San Francisco mint

[nomadsports]

1 oz American Flag Design Silver Bar 999 Fine | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-oz-American-Flag-Design-Silver-Bar-999-Fine-/321241474201?pt=US_Bullion_Bars_Rounds&hash=item4acb7be499)

I think this piece is cool. How much is it really worth?

[twoten01]

How much you/somone else are/is willing to pay for it.

me personally I wouldn't buy it unless it sold for under spot, very cheap quality for a generic bar, but since it is on ebay, it will sell for alot more than it should.

[tommyVoltage]

1 oz American Flag Design Silver Bar 999 Fine | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-oz-American-Flag-Design-Silver-Bar-999-Fine-/321241474201?pt=US_Bullion_Bars_Rounds&hash=item4acb7be499)

I think this piece is cool. How much is it really worth?

That's awful.

[nomadsports]

That's awful.

why is it awful??

[mgugs46]

Got one of these back as change - this is silver, correct?

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/10807045593_e995b7c0e4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/10807045593/)

The back has an S, which I guess is the SF mint?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/10806929876_94c19712f2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/10806929876/)

[smackvay]

Got one of these back as change - this is silver, correct?

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/10807045593_e995b7c0e4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/10807045593/)

The back has an S, which I guess is the mint?

anything 42-45 with a mint mark on the back is 35% silver:)!
nice find

[mgugs46]

anything 42-45 with a mint mark on the back is 35% silver:)!
nice find

Updated with a pic of the back in the original post - I assume that S is the mint mark?

[blake03svtf]

Correct. San Francisco

[nomadsports]

United States Circulated Silver Coinage Intrinsic Value Table
These coins were in standard circulation until silver was removed from all coinage in 1965 and 1970 (40% silver half-dollars). I recognize that the silver Eisenhower dollar was issued as a collectible only, but I'm still categorizing it with this group. This table illustrates how far the metal value has progressed compared to the denomination's purchasing power after the debasement.

*** Check out our easy-to-print guide on silver coin values including Canadian silver coins.

Table based on November 06, 2013 live precious metal prices:
Silver $21.85/oz 0.15

Description Denomination Silver Value Silver % of Denomination
1942-1945 Nickel **
1916-1945 Mercury Dime
1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime
1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter
1932-1964 Quarter
1916-1947 Half Dollar
1948-1963 Half Dollar
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
1965-1970 Half Dollar (40%)
1878-1921 Morgan Dollar
1921-1935 Peace Dollar
1971-1976 Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver) **
1986-2013 Silver Eagle (.999 Silver)

** The U.S. Mint issued two compositions of the nickel in 1942. The standard copper-nickel composition used today and the 35% silver composition listed here. Also, 40% silver Eisenhower dollars were issued as collectibles only, they are generally not found in circulation.


Coin Values for US Coins (http://www.coinflation.com/unitedstates/)



so 1964 nickels... any silver in them? Should I be keeping them or rather setting them aside

[blake03svtf]

nope, only 42-45 nickels are silver...35%

[smackvay]

nope, only 42-45 nickels are silver...35%

Only 42-45 WITH a mintmark on the back

[mgugs46]

Hey its my first Silver mail day :)!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/10840267373_9ebdc17f48_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/10840267373/)


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/10840098364_b5119dd984_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/10840098364/)

I didn't realize the silver eagles were that big

[mgugs46]

Question - why are some of the older Panda coins, and others so much more expensive than the newer ones?

What is a good price to be buying current year coins of say Kookaburra and Panda's?

$27 dlvd?

[blake03svtf]

Older Pandas have a low mintage of 600k until 2010 and carry a much higher premium.

In 2011 that number rocketed to 6 million coins and 8 million in 2012. 2013 should see a similar mintage number. 2013 Pandas could be found for the $30 /coin range.
China Silver Panda Coins (http://www.pandaamerica.com/silver_pandas.asp?page=2088&keyword=shawnee&sortby=)


Kooks usually have a low mintage as well but are not as popular (in china anyway) and can be purchased for around $5 over spot. ($26-27 today for 2014)
http://www.perthmint.com.au//documents/The_Australian_Kookaburra_Silver_Bullion_Coin_Series_1990_-_2013.pdf

[Texans81]

Older Pandas have a low mintage of 600k until 2010 and carry a much higher premium.

In 2011 that number rocketed to 6 million coins and 8 million in 2012. 2013 should see a similar mintage number. 2013 Pandas could be found for the $30 /coin range.
China Silver Panda Coins (http://www.pandaamerica.com/silver_pandas.asp?page=2088&keyword=shawnee&sortby=)


Kooks usually have a low mintage as well but are not as popular (in china anyway) and can be purchased for around $5 over spot. ($26-27 today for 2014)
http://www.perthmint.com.au//documents/The_Australian_Kookaburra_Silver_Bullion_Coin_Series_1990_-_2013.pdf

I think it was actually 500k but I could be wrong. Another coin that isn't as popular but has quite low mintage numbers prior to 2013 is the Brittannia.

Kooks are nice and have been pretty consistently limited to a mintage of 500k for several years including current ones.

Your best bet for stacking...get a little bit of everything :)

[mgugs46]

Thanks. How about the JM bars - 1oz - $27ish as well?

[blake03svtf]

New JM bars are not as sought after as older ones. JM doesn't make their new bars anymore, sunshine mint does. I wouldn't pay more than a buck or 2 over spot honestly.

[mgugs46]

New JM bars are not as sought after as older ones. JM doesn't make their new bars anymore, sunshine mint does. I wouldn't pay more than a buck or 2 over spot honestly.

Thank you. Did not realize this.

[mgugs46]

Can someone tell me what this is?

Someone gave it to me, but I do not know what it is as its not the regular silver eagle type coin that I normally see. Sorry for the too large scan

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/11015410184_b0060ebe1f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/11015410184)

[blake03svtf]

Look like a generic round based off standing liberty design.

Silver Bullion Rounds Standing Liberty Design | Silver Bullion | Westminster Mint | Coin-Rare.com (http://www.coin-rare.com/silver-bullion-rounds-1-1.aspx)

[mgugs46]

Those don't appear to be dated though? This one has a 1987 date on it.

[CP3toOKC]

Scan of the back?

[mgugs46]

I'll have to scan it, but is a flying eagle with ONE TROY OUNCE printed at bottom, and united States of America at top with .999 fine silver between the wings.

[blake03svtf]

I saw some dated on eBay. Searched standing liberty silver round

[mgugs46]

Got one of these today - gorgeous in person

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/11110008826_3b2b8ec215_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/11110008826)
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/11110007854_640e83c872_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/99901010@N00/11110007854)

[itsinusall]

Very nice looking, thanks for sharing. I think Kooks are the coin for me along with Pandas. As I don't plan on getting into precious metals until next year. But really look forward to it more then cards lately.

[blake03svtf]

I like the kooks since the design changes every year.

[IronMonkey415]

Love the Kooks, Koala and Libertads

[CP3toOKC]

Love the Kooks, Koala and Libertads

For some reason the Kooks never got onto me, I like the Pandas, Philharmonics, Lunars, Privys, Year of the _____ generic bars, Valcambi bars, Fiji Takus, Canadian Wildlife series, and the red card PAMPs.

[Coug46n2]

How am I doing so far:

Spot (the going rate for 1 oz of silver)
Over Spot (the premium a coin/bar carries over the price of the underlying 1 oz of silver)
Bullion (silver - or other metal)
Round (is this a specific kind of coin or all coins are considered rounds?)
What is a generic round?
1 oz Bars (looks like a domino, comes in different sizes)

There are many different styles of coins (and probably bars) and different mint companies and countries. The price that each goes for is dependent on the collectability and print run of each. The underlying silver price of each is the same (right?), but the price is then determined by supply and demand?

So far I've been buying rolls (20) of Silver Eagles, 1 Gold Eagle, a roll of Buffalo Silvers, and 1 Buffalo Gold coin. At this point I'm really only interested in the metal content, not the collectability of the coin. So I'm trying to stay as close to spot as I can when I purchase.

Eventually I may try to collect more desirable coins, but for now I really am only interested in the current day and long term value of the metal content. Putting it in card collecting terms, so far I'm buying base chrome autos. Maybe at some point down the road I'll start collecting the coin equivalent of blue/gold/orange refractor chrome autos.

I've been using (3 purchases) goldeneaglecoin.com. Very happy with them so far, but is this a reputable site in your opinions?

Graded coins interest me, but since my main focus is the silver content, I can't see paying 3 times the price for a graded coin. Maybe at some point down the road I'll change my mind.

Pennies, nickles, half dollars from the past don't interest me. I want that .999 fine stamp assurance. I don't want a bunch of 35% and 40% silver content coins.

How am I doing? I would really appreciate it if the experts here would weight in. What am I doing wrong? What suggestions do you have? What am I mistaken about? Thanks for the help!

[smackvay]

depending on shipping that isn't to bad of a price on eagles. if shipping is more than 5 bucks they are high
an example their gold 1 ounce ms 69 buffalo is 1369.(which isn't in stock)
I can get the same ms69 coin for 1270 dlvd which is available
the big boys ALWAYS have a variety, but you will pay a premium, is it worth it? You seem happy so if it works id stick with it.
Also depends on if they take weeks to ship as well.
I didn't know that place existed but they do have some nice prices on AGE's I might check those out a little better when I get a chance

[Coug46n2]

Apmex actually has a very good section that will go per and answer a lot of your questions.

APMEX | APMEX - New Investors | APMEX.com (http://www.apmex.com/newinvestors)



This was fantastic, set me straight on a few details I had incorrect.