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Index

Whether you're new to gold and silver investment or you are an experienced investor, in our bullion index you will find all the information you will need to make an informed investment decision. We have assembled these articles to help beginner and experienced investors alike.

Simply click on the titles below to access the relevant information.

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Gold Investment

Sovereign Guide

Collectible Coins

Gold Price

Gold and Silver

Gold Market Commentary

£

£2 coin scarcity index

A £2 coin scarcity index is a rough guide that compares the relative availability of coins. It is not easy to index the rarity of one £2 coin compared to another; calculations of scarcity must consider subjective and indefinite factors. Finding accurate information regarding the availability of coins can be …

£50 coin

The £50 coin is rare in British currency, and technically speaking has never actually been in circulation. With common circulating coins generally going no higher than £2, it’s of little surprise that a £50 coin is not something you’ll find in everyday change. There are however three variations of £50 …

£5 commemorative coins

Since 1953, The Royal Mint has struck several commemorative £5 coins to mark special occasions. These take the form of a cupro-nickel £5 coin, similar to the circulating currency we carry in our pockets, or £5 commemorative coins struck in gold or silver. These coins commemorate historic events in British …

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10k Gold

10k gold is an abbreviation that commonly refers to 10 karat gold. Pure gold is a naturally soft and malleable metal, and therefore in virtually all practical applications gold must be mixed or alloyed with other harder metals. As a result, most items referred to as gold are not pure …

14 karat gold

14 karat gold refers to the American equivalent of 14 carat gold in the UK. Karat measures purity in parts of 24, so 14 karat gold is 14 parts of gold, to 10 parts of other metals. The other way to describe gold purity is fineness, which measures the gold …

1605 to 2005 2 pound coin

2005 marked the 400th anniversary of the infamous Gunpowder Plot on November 5th, 1605, and was commemorated with the release of a special two pound coin. The Gunpowder Plot saw Catholic rebels fail in their attempts to assassinate King James I. The conspirators included the well-known ‘Guy Fawkes’, and were …

1807 £2 coin

2007 marked the 200th anniversary of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, and this momentous anniversary was duly commemorated by The Royal Mint. They released a special £2 coin - one for circulation, the other a gold proof version. The 1807 Act made it illegal to trade slaves inside the …

18 karat gold

18 karat gold is a relatively high purity of gold (75% pure), used typically for jewellery purposes. Pure gold is naturally soft and for virtually all practical applications, gold must be mixed or alloyed with other harder metals. Therefore, most items referred to as gold are not pure but are …

1965 Churchill Coin

As one of the most famous figures in British history, Sir Winston Churchill was unsurprisingly commemorated with a British coin following his death in 1965. The Royal Mint issued a very special circulating Crown coin commemorating the life of the influential and often contentious Prime Minister, and the 1965 Churchill …

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22k Gold

22k gold is a popular purity for older/traditional coins and can sometimes be used in jewellery as well. The “k” refers to the American system of karats. In the UK, gold purity is often quoted in carats - a system of 24 parts. In America, carats are used for measuring …

24 carat gold

Carat is a unit of measurement to determine the purity of gold. Under this system, the composition of gold metal is divided into twenty four parts. If virtually all the parts of the metal are composed of pure gold, it is labelled 24 carat gold. The word carat is thought …

24k Gold

24k gold is considered the purest possible gold available. The “k” in 24k gold refers to the carat system of measurement; in which gold fineness is defined in parts of 24. America uses carat for gemstones (such as diamonds), and karat when referring to gold. If an item is referred …

2 pound coin 1945 to 1995

The Royal Mint struck two £2 coins in 1995; one to mark fifty years since the end of World War Two, and another marking the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. The 1945 to 1995 period is also linked to both 2 pound coins, further muddying the waters. The 1995 …

2 Shillings

A shilling is an old English denomination of coin. It was one twelfth of a pound, or twelve old pence. Two shillings therefore equalled twenty-four old pence, or a tenth of a pound. The 2 Shilling coin was more commonly known as a florin, and is generally regarded as the …

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375 Hallmark

A 375 hallmark is a reliable indication of the amount of gold in a piece of jewellery. Gold hallmarks are important because, depending on the gold content, two apparently identical rings can have significantly different values. Because pure gold is extremely malleable, manufacturers – such as jewellers – generally mix …

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50p scarcity index

The 50p scarcity index gives an approximate indication of the availability of one 50p coin compared to another. The scarcity index is used to try and work out if a 50p coin is rare, and thus potentially valuable. 50p rarity index It is not easy to index the rarity of …

585 Gold

585 gold refers to a gold alloy that is 58.5% pure. 585 may be quoted in product specifications, or stamped directly onto a gold item such as jewellery. Due to its relatively low purity, 585 gold would not be used in investment grade gold, but is a popular choice in …

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750 gold stamp

A 750 gold stamp will usually refer to gold with a 750 hallmark. The 750 gold stamp shows the metal is 75% gold, with 25% made up of another metal(s). A 750 gold marking is one of the internationally accepted fineness marks. Fineness is a numerical representation of the gold …

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800 silver

800 silver refers to a silver alloy that is 80% pure. Pure silver is very soft and easily damaged, so for most practical purposes silver is mixed (alloyed) with other metals in order to strengthen it. 800 silver is one of many different silver alloys, but is not commonly found …

875 Gold

875 gold is a gold alloy of 87.5%, and more commonly referred to as 21 carat gold. This is quite an unusual choice of purity, especially in the UK where the higher 22 carat gold is used. Pure gold is an extremely soft precious metal, and would be unsuitable for …

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916 Gold

916 gold is a marking sometimes found on jewellery and other items, and refers to gold that is 91.6% pure - better known as 22 carat gold. 916 gold was for a long time one of the most popular purities, used in gold coins for hundreds of years around the …

999 Gold

999 gold is considered the best purity of gold readily available, and is described as being 24 carat. This refers to purity in parts per 1,000 – known as fineness – meaning 999 parts are gold. Pure gold is soft and malleable, making it impractical for many applications. When used …

9 carat gold

9 carat gold is one of the lowest purities of gold to be used in mainstream applications, but is still found quite often, and is far from worthless. It is particularly used in the UK, where it is one of the lowest purities of accepted gold. What is 9 carat …

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A Golden Crown – How did Drogo melt gold?

Season 1, Episode 6 of Game of Thrones is all about the death of Viserys Targaryen. Viserys (Harry Lloyd) is gruesomely killed by Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) and his Dothraki horsemen. The aspiring king has molten gold poured on his head; a similar method of killing to pouring molten gold …

Allocated Gold

There are many ways you can pin your money on gold, however not all of them allow you the privilege of physically owning the gold in which you have invested. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), for example, effectively allow investors to bet on the movement of the gold price, without owning …

Allocated vs Unallocated Gold

Many investors in precious metals will find themselves asking the question - what is the difference between allocated and unallocated gold? Below we have compiled a list of some of the pros and cons of the two popular forms of bullion investment in order to allow you to make the …

Amount of silver in the world

Silver is much more commonly found on Earth than gold, platinum or palladium, which is one of the reasons its price is lower than these precious metals. It is estimated that 1.74 million metric tons of silver has been discovered to date, but the amount of silver in the world …

Are gold Sovereigns a good investment?

At just over 1/4 of an ounce of 22ct gold, and with a long place in British history, the gold Sovereign is one of the most popular investment coins in the UK. Being smaller than the Britannia, and a lower purity however, we are often asked whether gold Sovereigns are …

Argor

Argor was a Swiss company that specialised in precious metal refinery. Currently, it is part of the worldwide group, ‘Heraeus Precious Metals’ and trades as Argor-Heraeus. With eleven production, and four trading sites around the world, it combines many activities related to precious metals. This includes production, minting, recycling, trading …

Austrian Mint

The Austrian Mint – or Münze Österreich in its native language – is Austria’s national coin mint. The Austrian Mint has a long history dating back to 1194, and rivals the UK’s Royal Mint as one of the world’s most renowned and longest-running coin mints. Today the Austrian Mint produces …

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Bank of England gold vault

The Bank of England, Threadneedle Street. The Bank of England gold vault is one of the world's largest repositories of gold, second only to the New York Federal Reserve. In 2018, one-fifth of all the gold in the world was held in the Bank of England (BoE) vault. This includes …

Best long-term investments

Many of us are taking the time to think ahead when it comes to our finances, and long-term investments offer the best ways to both protect and nurture your future nest-egg. The best long-term investments are simple and safe. If you're committing your money to a long period you will …

Best ways to invest in gold

Be it an advert online, an article in a newspaper, or even the recommendation of a friend, investing in gold has become not just a popular investment asset, but a recommended one. What are the best ways to invest in gold though? If you search online for gold coins or …

Best ways to invest in silver coins

Having made the decision to invest in silver coins, you could find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available. Mints from across the globe produce a number of annual silver bullion coins, and the choice you make could affect how much you pay for your coin, and how …

Best way to invest 100k

For a large investment of £50,000 to £100,000, no investor should overlook the safe-haven asset of gold. Not only can gold help diversify and protect your portfolio, it has also historically outperformed many other investment vehicles. Buying gold online with BullionByPost is simple, secure and discreet. You will own a …

Best way to invest 10k

If you’re looking for the best way to invest 10k, then gold could be the ideal asset for you. Physical gold has outperformed many other investment vehicles over the years; with higher returns, lower trading difficulty, and full control for you, the investor. No one can say for certain what …

Best way to invest 20k

With a £20,000 nest egg, you could easily benefit from investing in gold. Gold is a safe-haven asset, but has also outperformed many other investment vehicles in recent years, making it one of the best ways to invest 20k. In terms of return on investment, gold is one of the …

Biggest gold coin

With gold coins no longer being used in circulating currency, instead serving as collectable items or investment assets, the competitive nature of humans has unsurprisingly spilled into the domain of mints and refiners. The pursuit of making the biggest gold coins is an expensive one, but a few mints have …

Biggest gold mine in the world

The Grasberg mine, located in Indonesia, is the biggest gold mine in the world. It is also the second largest copper mine in the world; the ore mined at Grasberg produces relatively high grades of both metals. Copper is the primary commodity, with 2.8 billion tonnes of provable copper deposits …

Bretton Woods agreement

The Bretton Woods agreement was a new monetary system created by world leaders after World War II. It changed the global economic outlook and financial system for much of the 20th century, shaping the modern world. Following the Second World War, the Bretton Woods Resort – more commonly referred to …

British silver coins

Silver has been used for coinage since the Roman denarius and was introduced into Britain during the coin reforms of Charlemagne. As a lower price alternative to gold, silver has remained a popular part of Britain’s coinage to this day, with silver bullion and proof coins still highly sought after. …

Brunel 2 pound coin

Issued in 2006, the Isambard Kingdom Brunel 2 pound coin was struck by The Royal Mint to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great mechanical and civil engineer. Unusually for these kind of releases, two coins were issued; one coin depicts the man, and the other his …

Bullion coin dealers

Whether you are a bullion investor, a coin collector, or a combination of the two, there is nowhere better to buy your gold, silver, or platinum bullion coins than at BullionByPost. We are experienced bullion coin dealers with a wide range of popular and famous bullion coins and bars from …

Bull market

The term bull market - as well as its opposite, bear market - can be used when referring to gold, and is simpler than the terms may make it sound. A bull market is a financial term that refers to any market that is rising over a period of time. …

Buy gold on eBay

As well as ordering through our website, you can now buy gold, silver and platinum bullion bars and coins via our shop on eBay. Purchasing gold bullion is an excellent way to secure your wealth by buying a trusted commodity that will maintain its high value when other markets are …

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California gold rush

The California gold rush took place between 1848, and the late 1850s. The discovery of easily accessible gold deposits saw huge numbers of people flock to California, in an attempt to strike it rich. It is estimated that, over the course of the gold rush, 300,000 people relocated to California …

Canadian Maple Leaf bullion coin

The Maple Leaf is the national symbol of Canada, appearing on its flag and it is only natural that it should feature on the official bullion coin issued by the Canadian government every year. The Canadian Maple Leaf coins are produced by the Royal Canadian Mint and issued annually by …

Canadian Mint

The Canadian Mint is officially known as the Royal Canadian Mint – in French the ‘Monnaie Royale Canadienne’ – and strikes all of Canada’s circulating currency. It also offers refinery services and mints bullion, foreign and numismatic coins. Before the establishment of the Canadian Mint, coins were imported to Canada …

Cash for gold

Looking to get cash for your gold? Look no further than BullionByPost. We buy back gold bars, gold coins, and scrap gold jewellery for competitive market prices, meaning you can get rid of any unwanted scrap gold for cash in a matter of minutes. Simply call us on 0121 634 …

Charles and Diana coin

The Charles and Diana coin was produced in 1981 to celebrate the wedding of then Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. More than 750 million worldwide TV viewers watched Charles, Prince of Wales, marry Lady Diana Spencer on Wednesday July 29th, 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral. A vast amount of …

China gold reserves

At the end of January 2020, China's official gold reserves (as reported to the IMF) stood at 62.64 million ounces - just under 1,950 tonnes. Following a couple of years without any reported purchases China has reported two large gold reserve purchases in November and December. This takes China's gold …

Cleaning old coins

Cleaning old coins might seem like a good way to revitalise the appearance of a treasured item, but could in fact reduce a coin's value significantly, and should be avoided. Particularly in the case of old precious metal coins, cleaning them is most definitely not recommended! Many British coins, especially …

Coin alignment

Coin alignment, also known as die axis or coin rotation, is a specification of coin orientation: whether both sides of a coin are upright if the coin spins on its axis. The graphic below explains how numismatists and other coin collectors can determine the coin orientation and the degree of …

Coin box

Many investors or coin collectors decide to store and display their bullion in presentation boxes. Coins are often produced to high artistic standards, with the reverse side in particular struck with beautiful designs. It is no surprise then that owners of these coins might want to show them off, and …

Coin collecting

Coin collecting, or numismatics, has been popular for as long as coins have existed. Once known as the ‘hobby of kings’, it is now far more accessible to the wider public, with millions of people worldwide devoting their time and money to expanding their collections of rare, famous, and beautiful …

Coin collector name

A coin collector is more formally called a 'numismatic' or 'numismatist'. The word numismatic means the study or collection of currency. This covers tokens, paper money, coins and medals. It also means a person who studies or collects currencies. As such, there is no name for a coin collector specifically, …

Coin dealers near me

A coin dealer is someone that trades in collectible or numismatic coins; buying and selling rare or precious metal coins. They might be a small pawnbroker, antique dealer, or a specialised, professional coin and bullion dealer like BullionByPost. Thanks to BullionByPost's experience in trading gold through the post, customers no …

Coin grading

Coin grading is the process undertaken to ascertain the ‘grade’ of a coin - its condition. This is generally a formal process, carried out by professional, recognised individuals and companies to ensure an impartial and accurate decision has been made. It can be more informally applied however, and the term …

Coin rounds

Coin rounds as a term is technically a misnomer, as coins and rounds are actually separate entities, though the two do sometimes get confused. Rounds are one of the many product options available to investors in precious metals. Gold and silver rounds are almost identical physically to gold and silver …

Coin values

It will come as no surprise that there are a vast number of coins in existence, and finding their value is likely beyond any single place or database. The precious metal coins sold by a company such as ourselves even change in value every two minutes, making it even more …

Commemorative £2 coins

The history of commemorative £2 coins in the UK can be complex and confusing. Confusion occurs because, in addition to common circulating currency coins issued in 1998, there have also been numerous other commemorative £2 coins over the years. This includes various celebratory £2 coins, plus collectible bullion Double Sovereigns. …

Commemorative 50p coin

The 50p coin has been a popular choice for commemorative currency to mark major British events and anniversaries over the years. One of the latest fifty pence coins even commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the first 50p being minted. These commemorative 50p coins are usually minted in their millions; therefore …

Commemorative coins

There is growing demand from collectors for commemorative coins, a demand that mints around the world are only too pleased to satisfy. Commemorative coins come in many forms; they range from bullion tokens that celebrate events, through to limited edition precious metal coins struck by national mints. In the UK …

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Decimalisation UK

Decimalisation in the UK took place in 1971, and represented a major shift in the national currency for millions of British consumers. Decimalisation, when referring to coins, is when a country changes its currency to a decimal system. This means coins and denominations are in a metric system of tens, …

Dei Gratia

Dei Gratia is Latin for 'By the Grace of God', and can be found on many coins around the world, and on UK coins in particular. Dei Gratia Regina – often abbreviated to 'D. G. Regina' – translates from Latin to 'By the grace of God, Queen'. The Regina variation …

Density of gold

With a density of 19.32 grams per cubic centimetre, gold is one of the densest metals on Earth. This is just one of the reasons gold is so desirable to humans is its high density. The density of gold is sensational to experience. Anyone that has held physical gold in …

Density of platinum

The density of platinum is 21.45 grams per cubic centimetre. As a comparison, the density of gold is 19.3 grams per cubic centimetre. Platinum is therefore one of the densest precious metals, followed by gold, palladium, and silver. Like gold then, the intrinsic density of platinum is part of what …

Density of silver

The density of silver is most commonly stated as 10.49 grams per cubic centimetre. This makes it less dense than Gold, which is one of the densest elements at 19.32 grams per cubic centimetre. The density difference means that an ounce of gold would be almost half the size of …

Dieu et mon droit

'Dieu et mon droit ’ is a French phrase used as the motto of the UK monarchy (outside of Scotland). 'Dieu et mon droit ’ translates directly as 'God and my right ’. Similar to 'honi soit qui mal y pense ', the phrase 'Dieu et mon droit ’ is …

Does gold rust?

We're often asked if gold rusts or tarnishes. Discolouration or spots can sometimes cause concerns over the authenticity of gold bullion or old jewellery. Pure gold is a noble precious metal, and the least reactive of all metals. Simply put, pure gold does not rust, nor will it tarnish. However, …

Does platinum tarnish?

Platinum - the chemical symbol PT - is classed as a ‘noble’ metal. This means it is unreactive, and pure Platinum will not tarnish, corrode, rust, or change colour over time. Platinum alloys of course could change this, depending on the metal(s) used, and the purity of the alloy. Generally …

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eBay Gold Sovereigns

For many investors in gold, the hardest part is knowing where to start. We are all understandably cautious when it comes to parting with our money and for some it can be a major step to put our trust in the idea that buying physical gold on the internet is …

Edward VIII Sovereign Coins

Edward VIII gold Sovereign coins are arguably the rarest British coins in existence. The Edward VIII Sovereign is even described as “the coinage that never was” by its creators, The Royal Mint. They are so rare that only six of these coins exist. Unsurprisingly, being one of the United Kingdom's …

Egyptian coins

Egyptian coins cover one of the oldest civilisations in history; a part of human culture dating back to 10,000 BC. Despite this, Egyptian coins didn’t appear until relatively late in its history, as we’ll discuss further below. As a fulcrum point between Europe, Asia and Africa, leadership of Egypt has …

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Face Value

An object’s face value is the legally recognised value printed or engraved, and permanently displayed on it. The face value however is not necessarily the market value - it is not the same as its true worth or even the price when buying it. Colloquially to take something ‘at face …

Facts about gold

Gold has been a part of human history for centuries. From jewellery to coins, Egyptians to the modern day - gold has been a highly sought precious metal. There are many reasons why gold has been so treasured over the years, and below you'll find 20 interesting facts about gold …

Fake Gold

With gold being such a highly sought-after metal for much of human history, it is no surprise that unscrupulous people have long tried to find a way to produce a convincing fake. Fake gold does exist, but fortunately the unique properties of gold makes it quite difficult to create convincing …

Fiat currency

A fiat currency is a monetary system in which the value of a nations currency is fixed purely to its exchange rate against other currencies. The term fiat is derived from the Latin 'fieri ', meaning an arbitrary act or government decree. Fiat currency is better known as ‘paper money’, …

Fifty Pence coin

The fifty pence coin is one of the most recognisable British currency coins thanks to its unique shape. For collectors, they have become a popular choice too, attracting a large number of commemorative 50p pieces over the years. At BullionByPost we offer a range of collectible gold fifty pence pieces. …

Five mistakes people make when buying gold

When buying gold for the first time it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice, confused by certain terms, or to make simple mistakes through inexperience. For new customers we have our in-depth gold investment guide to help you with every step of the process, and our customer support team are …

Fool's gold

Iron Pyrite, also known as fool’s gold, is a sulphide mineral that has gained infamy throughout history for its resemblance to gold. With a brass-yellow hue, Pyrite has fooled many a prospector into believing they had found their fortune, only to later realise their mistake. The deceptive appearance garnered the …

Fort Knox gold

Fort Knox, officially titled “The United States Bullion Depository”, stores much of the United States’ gold reserves. It is part of the US Mint, and thought to hold 2.3% of all the gold ever refined in the world. US Mint figures for January 2018 put the total gold held in …

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GOFO

The GOFO refers to the Gold Forward Offered Rate, which is classed as an exchange rate of gold to the US Dollar. What is the GOFO? A simple way to understand the GOFO is that effectively you are securing a loan of US Dollars. Your collateral for this loan is …

Gold alloys

Gold is an extremely soft and malleable noble metal when pure. Utilised for its beauty and corrosion resistance, gold is too soft in its pure form for many practical applications. It is therefore hardened by the addition of other metals, such as copper, silver, nickel, palladium and zinc. This combination …

Gold and recession

The prices of gold, silver and precious metal bullion are uncorrelated to other investments. The yellow metal has historically held its value throughout the ages. So when other investments fall in value, gold is seen as a safe-haven investment. It is fair to say that in times of recession and …

Gold as an investment

We're all familiar with gold. Be it a piece of jewellery, the medals awarded in sport, or treasure; the word gold is synonymous with wealth and luxury. Using gold as an investment however may be a new proposition for many. Gold has been used for thousands of years as currency …

Gold assay machine

There are numerous machines that are used to test and assay gold. Gold assay machines generally fall under the broader term of spectrometers, as explained below. Spectrometers work on the principle of X - r ay F luorescence Spectroscopy – and in the case of gold assay machines are more …

Gold bar facts

Gold bars are one of the most popular ways to invest in the precious metal. They offer a straightforward, cost-effective way to buy pure gold. Below are a number of gold bar facts potential investors can consider before buying. Which gold bar to buy? - Ounce for ounce, the cheapest …

Gold certificate

A gold certificate could have two meanings where investors are concerned. The first, and official, meaning is an old document used to prove ownership of gold. They often look very similar to a US banknote. Gold certificates were issued by banks and financial institutions as proof of ownership for gold …

Gold coin prices

Relatively affordable and easy to store, coins offer an excellent, flexible way to invest in gold. Gold coin prices can vary greatly however depending on the maker, the quality of the finish, and of course the amount of gold found in the coin itself. First and foremost, the price of …

Gold currency

A gold currency is defined as a legal tender coin or token that holds value based on the gold exchange rate. Gold currencies originate from times when coins were made from precious metals. The value of gold coins in historic currencies was based directly on the metals they contained and …

Gold dealers near me

Buying and selling gold can seem a daunting prospect, and finding a reputable gold dealer near to where you live can give peace of mind. BullionByPost offer a great way to buy gold in person, but also operate a national system using the postal service for the buying and selling …

Gold demand

Being the key driver of gold prices, many investors take a keen interest in gold demand trends. As a physical commodity, gold is ultimately priced by supply and demand, so understanding gold demand can be a good way to spot buying or selling opportunities. If there is high supply and …

Gold doré

Gold doré refers to a bar composed of a mixture of precious metals, though these bars generally contain gold and silver. A doré bar is usually produced as part of the mining and refining process, but can also be created from scrap gold. It is a very imprecise term that …

Gold element

Gold is a noble, precious metal, element. Its atomic number is 79 on the periodic table, with a chemical symbol of "Au". This is derived from the Latin word 'aurum', meaning 'shining dawn' or 'glow of sunrise.' Metals, including gold, are typically defined as malleable or ductile. This means they …

Gold ETF

A gold ETF is a way of trading gold on the stock exchange. Buying physical gold is, in our opinion, the best way to invest in gold. It is not the only way, however – some investors choose unallocated gold, or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). An ETF is a type of …

Gold finance

When buying gold as an investment we would not recommend doing so on any finance or loan-based system. It is suggested that gold forms around 5 - 10% of your wealth, and money should not be borrowed to fund any physical gold purchases. While the value can rise, and rise …

Gold fund

A gold fund is a form of gold investment, usually combining several different investment vehicles, and is generally intended as speculative way of trading gold. This can involve buying bullion, ETFs, investing in gold mining companies, or a combination of the three. They are offered and operated by specialised investment …

Gold futures

Gold Futures Contracts – or simply gold futures – are standardised, binding contracts to buy and sell gold at an agreed price on an agreed date. Gold futures are a key driver for the gold price today when trading physical bullion, whilst also operating as a speculative vehicle for other …

Gold grade

The term gold grade is commonly confused with gold purity, with the two meaning something quite different. Gold grade is a term used in gold mining, and should be used as a measure of the quality of gold ore – that is the raw material obtained from mining. Gold purity …

Gold hallmarks

Gold hallmarks are an essential part of the market, ensuring buyers have an independent, accurate indicator of how much gold can be found in an item. Understanding gold hallmarks can appear daunting at first glance, but they are generally quite simple, with the key information easily worked out. Please note …

Gold lease rate

The gold lease rate (GLR) is a financial term that refers to the cost or interest rate on a gold-backed loan/swap. Although generally considered a physical safe haven asset, gold is still often traded in the same way as other currencies or assets by large-scale companies. This means that gold …

Gold markings on jewellery

The gold markings on jewellery are almost certainly, gold hallmarks. These are legal stamps, applied by an independent tester working at an official assay office, and give key information about any metal pieces of jewellery. Any markings on gold jewellery could be unofficial however, and technically therefore would not be …

Gold measurement

Gold measurement could refer to two different aspects of an item; purity and weight. Both are vital measurements in working out what a gold item is worth, with the physical size being less accurate as an indicator. The weight of gold is most commonly measured in a unit known as …

Gold mines in Australia

With a rich and diverse mining history, Australia was ranked third in the world among gold producing nations as of 2022 falling slightly behind Russia and China. Australia mines just over 300 tonnes annually, and is believed to have massive reserves of 9,500 tonnes of gold still underground. Australia's iron …

Gold mining in the UK

Over the centuries, gold and other precious metals have been found all across the UK. Rich mineral resources, such as copper, gold, iron, lead, salt, silver and tin, were a major attraction that brought the ancient Romans to Britain. Gold mining has been taking place in Britain for over two …

Gold mining stocks vs physical gold

Physical bullion is not the only way to gain exposure to the gold price, and invest in gold as a general asset. As well as unallocated accounts, ETFs, and paper gold, investment in the stocks of gold mining companies is another huge industry that depends on demand for the precious …

Gold price and interest rate relationship

Gold and interest rates traditionally have a negative correlation in the relationship between the two. It is not guaranteed but usually the gold price goes up when interest rates go down, and down when rates go up. This is because rising interest rates make stocks, government bonds and other investments …

Gold purity

Understanding gold purity is essential for getting an accurate valuation of an item. In most cases the purity of a gold item should be hallmarked or indicated in some other way, but below we discuss how gold purity is denoted, and some of the common figures you should see. Pure …

Gold quotes

Because of its beauty and extreme rarity, gold has had a significant place throughout human history. It has shaped civilisations, and changed world powers, and many quotes have been made about gold over the ages. Today, in the form of jewellery, it remains the most popular form human adornment. By …

Gold rush Australia

The gold rushes of Australia began officially in 1851, and would continue for decades as more gold deposits were discovered. Unlike the California gold rush or Klondike gold rush, the gold rushes in Australia covered a huge amount of land across the entire country, though specific locations like Victoria and …

Gold shop

A gold shop can offer a range of services; from the buying and selling of precious metals in the form of bars and coins, to the purchase of scrap gold intended for refinement. A gold shop could be anything from a small pawnbroker, jeweller or antique dealer, to a large, …

Gold smelting

Many people confuse gold smelting with melting. Gold melting is simply the process of heating gold to turn it into a liquid, in order to form gold bars, coins or other shapes. Gold smelting is a more complex method used to purify gold. The gold smelting process removes impurities from …

Gold Sovereign dimensions

One of the world’s most famous bullion coins, the gold Sovereign comes in a variety of denominations, sizes and weights, namely the Quintuple Sovereign, Double Sovereign, Sovereign, Half Sovereign, and Quarter Sovereign. A typical Sovereign has a face value of £1, and by that logic the Double Sovereign is £2 …

Gold standard

The “Gold Standard” (or Gold Exchange Standard), was an international monetary system used by the US, UK and others, for many years. The gold standard was the de facto monetary system for much of the world's economy throughout history. In this system the value of a currency – coins and …

Gold to real-estate ratio

The gold to real-estate ratio shows the relative value between gold and real-estate, and can be used by some as a quick way of visualising which of the two is currently under or overpriced. The gold to real-estate ratio indicates the number of ounces of gold needed to buy the …

Gold traders

A gold trader is someone that deals in gold; be it selling, buying, or both. They might be a small pawnbroker, or a specialised, professional bullion dealer like BullionByPost. When buying or selling gold, it’s important to use a reputable gold trader. This ensures that you not only get the …

Gold vs stocks

Stocks have long been seen as a popular investment method, offering high potential returns, but with high risks attached. Investment Gold, however, can offer a long-term, safer alternative. As a mixed portfolio especially, no investor should overlook the opportunities of gold versus stocks. One of the key differences to consider …

Good investments for beginners

If you’re a beginner, looking to make your first investment, it can be a daunting prospect. Deciding what to invest in is difficult enough, but many investments can be complicated to set up and understand. At BullionByPost we believe precious metals, such as gold and silver, are a good investment …

Groat meaning

A groat could mean one of two things typically. The first would be a kernel of grain such as a wheat. More related to this page however, a Groat is the name for a number of different coins used over the years. The word Groat is often a broad term …

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Half Sovereign Value

The Half Sovereign is a 22 carat coin containing 3.66g of fine gold, with a face value of half a pound. This value is based on the fact that, like all denominations of Sovereign, they are legal tender. However, as an uncirculated bullion coin, the Half Sovereign’s gold content makes …

Hallmark date letters

Precious metals, such as gold and silver, are generally too soft and malleable for practical use. They are therefore mixed or alloyed with other harder metals. Hallmarks provide proof of an article's precious metal content, and older items should feature a date letter to denote the year it was hallmarked. …

Hammered coins identification

The identification of hammered coins can be a difficult and laborious process if you don’t know what to look for. The way they were made, and the age of the coin, can make it near impossible to discern the features necessary to identify the coin you have. But with a …

History of the Sovereign coin

This history of the Sovereign coin spans several centuries, and this classic coin has played a large part in British coinage over the years. The gold Sovereign coin has existed in different forms for hundreds of years, but the current version has effectively been in production by The Royal Mint …

Honi soit qui mal y pense

Collectors of some of our older products might be surprised to find that a number of English coins have the French phase ‘honi soit qui mal y pense’ stamped on the reverse side. ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’ is a French term that has been adopted as the motto …

How are gold coins made?

Coins are made by mints, and the whole coin manufacturing process is called minting. Gold and silver bullion coins will generally be just a small part of a range of coins that a mint manufactures. The largest part of the mint's production will be base metal coins for monetary circulation. …

How does gold investment work?

For a new investor, a question we are often asked is how does gold investment actually work? Many investors are used to more in-depth investments with annual yields, or actively managing stocks etc. While there are several different ways to invest in gold, some of which can be more complicated, …

How is gold formed?

Gold, like everything else on Earth, is believed to have been formed billions of years ago during the Big Bang. In the earliest years, stars formed of hydrogen and helium slowly burned through their fuel sources, creating heavier elements like oxygen and iron. This process - called nucleosynthesis - does …

How is the price of silver set?

The Silver Spot Price is the ever changing market price for silver bought or sold on the Silver Commodity Exchanges for immediate payment and delivery. It is determined by the price of Silver Futures Contracts, and is also used as a guideline for what price to set on physical silver …

How many grams in an ounce of gold?

When it comes to comparing prices, sizes, or calculating the premium, it is important for investors to understand exactly how much gold they have. A common cause of confusion in this regard takes place with gold coins, which are most commonly minted and quoted in ounces. How many grams are …

How much are old pennies worth?

Pennies have been part of British history since Anglo-Saxon times. They come in many metals, shapes and sizes, culminating in the current copper-plated penny worth one-hundredth of a pound. Despite being such a commonly used coin, there are plenty of unique, old pennies that are worth significantly more money than …

How much gold has been mined?

The most recent estimate for how much gold has been mined was in 2019, and put the figure at 197,576 tonnes. Gold is almost impossible to destroy, but it can be reprocessed, reshaped, melted down and alloyed with other harder metals. Therefore, the total supply of gold available on this …

How much gold is there in the world?

Until we have mined all the gold underground, collected everyone’s jewellery, every gold tooth, coin, bar and more we won’t be sure exactly how much gold there is in the world. Even then, we wouldn’t have accounted for all the gold in the sea, or inside our very own bodies. …

How much is 1 ton of gold worth?

It is difficult to give an exact value for a ton of pure gold, but a current, and very approximate, figure would be £41,517,000. An exact price is difficult to give because the price of the yellow metal, usually quoted in troy ounces, is constantly changing. Plus, to further complicate …

How much is a gold coin worth?

Like gold bars and ingots, the price of a gold bullion coin is not fixed and depends on a number of variables. At it's simplest, working out how much a gold coin is worth will be based on its weight, gold purity and the gold spot price. Although many gold …

How much is a Guinea worth?

A Guinea was worth a pound, which at the time was the equivalent of 20 Shillings. In many ways it was the precursor to the Sovereign, and holds a key place in British coinage history. Today of course a Guinea is worth far more thanks to it's gold content. What …

How much is a Halfpenny worth?

With a history spanning over 800 years, there are many rare and collectible Halfpenny coins. Even some of the most recent United Kingdom decimal coins are sought-after by numismatics or coin collectors, and can now sell for around £100. More historical Halfpenny coins have sold for well over £300. Despite …

How much is a silver Dollar worth?

Between 1794 and 1935, the US Dollar coin was minted in silver. Although this coin has a nominal face value of one dollar, a silver dollar is worth much more than that due to the value of its pure silver content. Like all precious metal bullion products, the price of …

How much is gold worth?

Working out how much gold is worth can depend on a number of factors. The constantly changing gold price, the amount of gold, and the form the gold is all in call have an impact on how much gold is worth. Below then we look at some of the things …

How rare is my coin?

Demand from an increasing number of collectors and numismatists is leading to ever-increasing prices for rare coins. This makes them attractive products for both collectors and financial investors. Many of us have old coins, passed down through generations, that we might want to sell. Many are left asking ‘how rare …

How to clean tarnished silver

You may be surprised, and possibly amazed, at the effects of cleaning tarnished silver pieces. What may appear to be pure scrap can instead be transformed into a prized possession. It should be noted however that cleaning old collectable coins could negatively affect the value of your item. We'd recommend …

How to invest in gold for beginners

Beginners to gold investment can be assured they are embarking on a well-trodden path. Because of its great scarcity, gold has always been a medium of exchange and a store of wealth. Unlike most paper assets, gold can never fall to zero value. Gold investment can seem like a daunting …

How to invest in platinum

Gold and silver are often the two precious metals most often chosen by investors for various reasons, but platinum is another choice that has grown in popularity over the past few years. With less information out there, and fewer investors to ask, it can be confusing to a beginner on …

How to invest in silver

Silver is the second-most popular precious metal to invest in, and 2021 saw a lot of new interest in this alternative asset. Many new investors will be asking themselves how to invest in silver though. There a few different ways to invest in silver, but BullionByPost we believe physical silver …

How to make money with gold

The aim of any investment is twofold: to protect and diversify your savings, and to make money. Gold is one of the best assets to own to achieve the first, and if you’d like to read more on this then check out our page on why you should buy gold. …

How to refine scrap gold

Recycling old gold products can be a great way to turn unwanted or damaged jewellery into profit. There are two main methods of refining scrap gold; melting or chemicals. Traditional methods used centuries ago can still be used today, but the process of refining gold is difficult and can be …

How to tell if gold is real

For as long as gold has been part of human culture it has been valuable and highly sought after, and as such there have always been those who have tried to make it themselves through counterfeiting. To avoid the risk of spending your money on something that is not real, …

How to tell if something is silver

There are numerous manufacturing methods that give a silver or mirror-like appearance to an object without the use of any real silver. Silver has a relatively high value, and as such many people might come across items and wonder how to tell if it is silver. This is particularly important …

HUI Index

The HUI index is officially known as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Arca Gold BUGS Index. The long-winded name could be longer however, as the BUGS index is itself an acronym for ‘Basket of Unhedged Gold Stock'. The HUI index tracks the performance of a number of companies involved …

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Ich Dien

Ich Dien is German for ‘I serve’, and is found on the heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales, most commonly referred to as the Prince of Wales’ feathers. The motto is usually located in a ribbon on either side of the crown and feathers that make up the badge. …

Investing for grandchildren

Many grandparents wish to give their grandchildren financial assistance, by investing money now to help them in the future. Although there are a number of options out there, few investments have the pure memorability and fun factor of gold and other precious metals, and few offer the same tax-free returns. …

Investing in precious metals

Investing in precious metals has grown in popularity significantly in the past decade or so. Many investors invest in precious metals like gold or silver as a way to further diversify their portfolios, using them as an asset that is considered a safe haven, long-term, low-risk investment vehicle. For those …

Is buying gold a safe investment?

A major concern for anyone with money is how to keep hold of it. Investors will often look to maximise the safety of their wealth but with so many options available to us today it can be difficult to know how to do this effectively. Bullion is a popular asset …

Is gold a commodity or a currency?

Is gold a commodity or a currency? The answer – technically speaking – is that it is both. Gold is definitely a commodity, but it can be used in some similar ways to a currency. To understand how gold can be technically considered a currency, it is important to first …

Is gold magnetic?

At it's simplest, gold is not magnetic. As if often the case however, the answer is somewhat more complicated than it may first appear. Scientifically, gold is classed as diamagnetic, or magnetically inert. This means that it will not be attracted by a magnet, and cannot be turned into a …

Is it a good time to sell gold?

The ultimate goal of any investment is to eventually sell and, hopefully, make some money. Gold and silver can differ slightly from this, insofar as they are typically used as a hedge or insurance against other markets crashing (check out the reasons to buy gold). Some investors do however buy …

Is it illegal to own gold?

The first thing to make clear is that, no, owning gold is not illegal, and in the UK it never has been! Customers can rest assured that the products we sell at BullionByPost are entirely legal. Is it legal to own gold? In the UK, investors have always been free …

Is it safe to buy gold online?

Buying gold online for the first time can be quite a daunting prospect. Sending money to somebody you don’t know in good faith that they will send you your gold or silver in return sounds risky on the face of it. That is why we make transparency and customer service …

Is platinum better than gold?

While gold is certainly considered the most popular precious metal to invest in, the growth of platinum in recent years has left some wondering if it better than gold. Like silver, platinum reacts differently to economic conditions than gold, so at certain periods it can certainly be better than gold. …

Is the World Cup solid gold?

The current Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup trophy is commonly referred to simply as the 'World Cup'. As an iconic sporting trophy, rewarded for being the absolute best in the world, many people wonder whether the Football World Cup is made from solid gold. Produced in 1971 …

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Jewellers who buy second hand jewellery

Finding a jeweller who buys second hand jewellery can be difficult; buying second hand jewellery can be a complicated and labour-intensive process, and for many smaller jewellers this can be off-putting. Valuing items can be a difficult job, and many choose to buy only from suppliers they know who do …

Junk silver

Junk silver is an expression used by coin collectors to describe a silver coin that has limited value as an investment coin, and no value as a numismatic piece. Junk silver coins are ultimately more valuable as scrap metal than as collectable items. They will often have 90% (900 fineness) …

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Karat gold

When looking to buy any item made of gold, be it bullion or jewellery, you may hear/see its purity quoted as something like 24 karat gold. The number may vary, but karat gold will mean you are dealing with purity, and therefore is a key piece of information to look …

Klondike gold rush

The Klondike gold rush (also known as the Yukon gold rush) was a period of huge migration as prospectors flooded into the Klondike region of Yukon, Canada, between 1896 and 1899. It is estimated that 100,000 people set out for the Klondike region in the hope of finding their fortunes; …

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Largest consumer of gold in the world

Working out the largest consumer of gold in the world is not a simple task. It can be measured in different ways, each of which produce different results. The general ranking for gold consumption has remained relatively stable in recent years, with only a few countries increasing or decreasing their …

Largest gold mining companies

Which are the largest gold mining companies in the world? This may appear a straightforward enquiry, but there isn’t a definitive answer. This is because there is more than one way to measure the size of a mining company. Figures can also be hard to find sometimes as companies wish …

Largest silver mine in Australia

The largest silver mine in Australia is the Cannington underground mine in north-west Queensland. It is Australia's largest dedicated silver producer. As well as producing silver, Cannington also excavates lead and zinc. It is owned by South32, which is a newly formed division of previous owners BHP Billiton. A feasibility …

Latin Monetary Union

The Latin Monetary Union was established in a treaty between France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy (including the Papal States) in 1865. The aim of the Latin Monetary Union was to enhance trade between the various countries by standardising the weight and dimensions of their coinage. It came into effect on …

London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)

The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) was founded in 1987 by the, the Bank of England as an independent body to assist with the maintenance of the Good Delivery List and the London Gold Market and London Silver Market. It is the trade association for the ‘over the counter’ gold …

London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) prices

The London Bullion Market is administered by The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) . It is by far the largest global centre for over the counter wholesale transactions of gold and silver, followed by New York, Zurich and Tokyo. Most of the members of the administering LBMA are major international …

Low premium gold bullion

Buying low premium gold bullion is one of the best ways to get the most out of your investments. BullionByPost sell quality gold, silver and precious metal investment coins and bars - all at low premiums. Like all bullion dealers, we trade at a premium, selling slightly over the market …

Low-risk investments

In a world of growing economic uncertainty, investors are clamouring for low-risk investments to protect their wealth, and precious metals like gold and silver could be the answer. Low-risk investment typically offer lower returns than assets like stocks or cryptos, but have less volatile prices, and a better history of …

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Melting point of gold

The melting point of gold - 1,064 degrees Celsius - is one of the many properties that make it a unique, desirable, and versatile metal. Below we discuss the various key numbers related to the melting point of gold, as well as the implications of them. What is the melting …

Melting point of silver

The melting point of pure silver is 961.8 degrees Celsius (Centigrade) and 1,763.24 degrees Fahrenheit. Though silver has nowhere near the highest melting point on the periodic table, it is still relatively high. This resistance to heat is key to a number of silver’s uses in the electrical and mechanical …

Milk spots on silver coins

We are often asked about milk spots on silver coins: What are they? Do they affect a coin's value? Can they be removed? Milk spots are marks that appear on the surface of a silver coin. The white or off-white colouring bears a resemblance to milk – hence the name. …

Minimum amount to invest in gold?

It can be easy for investors on a budget to be put off by the idea of buying gold, thinking the minimum amount to buy gold must be in the thousands. Fortunately, this isn't the case. You really don’t need to be wealthy to start investing in gold. When you …

Mintage figures

Mintage figures record the type and number of coins that a mint has struck. Mintage figures should not be confused with ‘issue limits’; which are the number of coins that a mint proposes to strike. The mintage figure is the actual number of coins produced, it could therefore be less …

Monetary Base

Monetary base is a term used in financial markets to measure the amount of money a country has. The monetary base is used as an indicator when setting reserve requirements, interest rates, or applying quantitative easing. It can also be applied more specifically; to a single business, institution, or even …

Most popular bullion coins in the world

Since the introduction of the Krugerrand in 1967, a number of countries around the world have adopted their own national precious metal coins, but which are the most popular bullion coins in the world? Here at BullionByPost we recommend that UK customers take advantage of coins produced by The Royal …

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New coins

New coins are issued every year by mints across the globe. In the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Treasury is responsible for directing The Royal Mint to strike new coins. The quantities and denominations of new common currency coins to be released are determined by demand. In its calculations, the Treasury …

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Obverse

The meaning of obverse is generally the opposite of something, but it is most commonly used when referring to coins. Obverse and reverse, when referring to coins, is a way to denote which side of the coin you are looking at and is more commonly known as ‘heads and tails’. …

Old coins

Old coins hold a fascination for many of us. As something used by the common man for thousands of years, coins offer a chance to peer back into history, with an item that has exchanged many hands. An old coin could have been handled by a King or Queen, or …

Old coins names

Coins have been a part of our lives for millennia, with commerce and trading centred around coins since the 6th Century BC. Each culture had their own currency or variation, and as such there are a huge number of old coin names that have been lost to time. Fortunately, the …

One hundred pounds

There was a time when one hundred pounds was a considerable sum of money. Taking inflation into account, £100 in 1980 would be the equivalent of £482 today, and would have equalled a huge £12,000 based on the pound's value in 1900! The value and spending power of £100 today …

Owning gold bullion

Owning gold bullion is a popular way to invest and protect your wealth. It has long been recognised as a means of hedging against inflation, while making long-term, low-risk gains. At BullionByPost we believe owning physical gold bullion is the best way to invest in this precious metal. In contrast …

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Palladium coins

Few palladium coins have been minted. Investors looking to invest in palladium have limited options when compared to gold and silver. There is however a large range of bars in palladium, and coins are slowly expanding following the soaring price of the metal. Sierra Leone and Tonga issued the first …

Palladium hallmark

Palladium hallmarks are a relatively new addition to the precious metal hallmark group. Palladium has experienced a surge in demand in the past decade, with prices rising accordingly. While platinum is still the primary metal of choice for jewellery, palladium is growing in use as well, so a palladium hallmark …

Palladium uses

Compared to gold, silver or platinum; palladium is a relatively fledgling metal in the investment market, and yet despite this, it is currently the most valuable of the four precious metals overtaking even gold. The driving force behind this impressive price climb is a combination of the uses palladium has, …

Palladium vs gold investment

Gold and silver are often the primary choice for investors looking to buy precious metals, but palladium has become a major rival to gold in recent years. Despite being a relative unknown compared to gold, palladium actually overtook gold as the most expensive precious metal in January 2019 - the …

Paper gold investment

Paper gold investments are an alternative way to gain exposure to the movements and performance of the gold price, but without actually buying any of the physical metal itself. Paper gold investment is usually done by retail investors and traders, looking for quick turnarounds, rather than individuals and private investors …

PD Element

The element PD refers to palladium, a noble precious metal discovered in the early 1800s. PD has become a new contended for metal investors as an alternative (and more expensive metal) than gold. Palladium element Palladium is a noble precious metal element. PD is its chemical symbol and its atomic …

Pink gold

Pink gold is an alloy of gold, copper and silver, and is popular for jewellery. Pure gold is extremely malleable and impractical for most purposes. To strengthen the metal, manufacturers such as jewellers, generally mix or alloy pure gold with harder metals. Most items described as gold are then, strictly …

Platinum group metals

Platinum group metals, or PGMs, is a name for collection of six elements. The platinum group metals consist of six noble metals - meaning they are resistant to corrosion. The platinum group metals are: iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium and ruthenium. All metals in the platinum group are 'silvery' coloured, …

Platinum hallmarks

Pure platinum, like other precious metals, is considered too soft and malleable for practical applications. It is therefore generally mixed or alloyed with other metals before being used in manufacturing. Platinum hallmarks are therefore used to clearly show the purity of the platinum in any item, allowing a true value …

Platinum investment

While the use of gold and silver as stores of wealth can be traced back to ancient civilisations, investment in platinum bullion is a much newer phenomenon. However, since the 18th Century, investment demand for platinum bars and coins has grown exponentially. The past 30 years in particular has seen …

Platinum melting point

Pure platinum has an incredibly high melting point of 1,768 °C (3,214 °F). This puts it much higher than gold or silver, which both have melting points around 1000 degrees Celsius. This high resistance to heat is just one of the reasons it is suitable for use in catalytic converters …

Platinum mining

Platinum is one of the rarest metals on Earth, and although pure lodes have been found, this is not the norm. As such platinum mining usually takes place alongside a range of of other metals. Typically, platinum is usually found alongside other platinum group metals (PGMs), within nickel and copper …

Platinum uses

Platinum has a range of uses, including electronics, automotive industry, dentistry equipment, jewellery, and bullion. The biggest use of platinum however is as a catalyst. Catalysts are materials that speed up chemical reactions and reduce the energy needed to convert a substance. Today, mention catalyst and we are likely to …

Platinum vs Gold

Having fascinated mankind for thousands of years, many would argue that gold is the definitive precious metal. However, while such a statement would not necessarily be false, gold bars and coins are not the only option you should consider for your investment portfolio. All precious metals share certain qualities. By …

Portfolio diversification

Portfolio diversification is the practice in which an investor spreads their investments across a range of assets or investment vehicles. The approach isn't intended to maximise returns; it is undertaken to try and reduce risk, and limit the impact of volatility. By having a diverse portfolio, investors help protect their …

Precious metal investment coins

Precious metal coins are currently being minted as investment coins rather than circulation currency. The last gold circulation currency in the UK was issued in 1930's with silver coins lasting until the 1940's. Current legal tender investment coins have a face value far below that of their worth as metal. …

Precious metals

There are 8 elements currently designated as precious metals. These are; gold, silver, platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium and ruthenium. A precious metal is typically a rare, metallic element, with a high economic value. Though not synonymous, precious metals are often ‘noble’ metals, meaning that they are less reactive than …

Pre-decimal currency

For the majority of English (and eventually British) history, a pre-decimal monetary system based on pounds, shillings and pence was used. In this pre-decimal currency, one pound sterling was divided into twenty shillings, and one shilling into 12 pence. This meant there were 240 pennies to the pound. Pre-decimal currency …

Properties of gold

One of the reasons for gold’s high value is the properties that are unique to it, and desirable for a range of uses. It’s colour, lustre and rarity all make gold attractive to people, but the physical and chemical properties help elevate it to something more than just a shiny …

PT Element

The PT element will refer to platinum. PT is the chemical symbol for platinum on the period table, with the atomic number 78. Platinum element Platinum is a noble precious metal element. PT is its chemical symbol and its atomic number is 78 on the periodic table. Due to having …

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Rare £2 coins

The history of rare £2 coins can be confusing. In addition to common currency coins issued since 1998, there have also been numerous commemorative £2 coins which are also considered rare. This includes various celebratory £2 coin designs, plus collectible bullion coins. All of these have a legal tender face …

Rare 50p coins

Considering it is one of the most prolific coins in the UK, there are still a number of rare 50p coins that can be found. The reverse of the 50p coin is commonly used to mark major national events or anniversaries. Events such as royal births and weddings, sporting events …

Rare British coins

British bullion coins are recognised internationally, and make a popular choice for investors in precious metals both domestically and across the globe. Bullion coins such as the gold and silver Britannia and the Sovereign make excellent, trusted and flexible investments. With thousands of years of numismatic history however, it should …

Rare coins

Collecting rare coins is a popular hobby and can be a valuable method of investment. The study and collection of coins and other forms of currency is known as numismatics, and the demand from collectors for rare coins can often lead to the inflation of their prices beyond their initial …

Rare gold Sovereign coins

Gold Sovereigns are one of the world's most famous gold coins, and are a popular choice for investors looking for an asset with a proven ability to maintain a high value. A part of British coinage history for over 200 years, these coins were seen all over the world as …

Reverse side of a coin

The reverse side of a coin is the ‘back’ side, and would commonly be referred to as the ‘tails’ side of the coin. The reverse side of the coin usually features a symbol, artistic design and the denomination or face value. The obverse usually has the portrait or image of …

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Second hand gold

Second hand gold can be a great way for investors to buy gold closer to spot price, reducing their spread and increasing their profits. When someone chooses to buy second hand gold there is a surprising variety of items they can consider. A pure investor may want to consider second …

Selling gold jewellery

Selling gold jewellery can be a quick, simple way to release surprising amounts of money from unwanted or unused items. Your unwanted jewellery, damaged or scrap gold jewellery items may be valuable. Just a few grams of precious metal could pay for a night out. One ounce of pure gold …

Silver facts

With its greater abundance and lower value, silver can often get overlooked in comparison to gold. Silver has a huge number of uses across a wide range of industries however, and is fascinating in its own right. Many of the silver facts below are why silver is so useful, and …

Silver Fix

The term ‘Silver Fix’, refers to the old benchmark used for the trading of silver bars, silver coins, and other silver assets across the world. For more than a hundred years, major players in the silver industry would hold a conference every day, at 12 noon GMT, in which they …

Silver futures

Silver futures contracts, more simply referred to as silver futures, are binding contracts to buy and sell silver at an agreed price on an agreed date. Silver futures are traded in large-scale, high volume amounts of silver, and are used for hedging by manufacturers, or for speculating by traders. Someone …

Silver hallmark date letters

If you own old silver jewellery or antiques, then silver hallmark date letters offer the best way to work out when your item was assayed, and a rough guide to when it was made. While not needed as part of the valuation process for scrap silver, the date letter hallmark …

Silver hallmarks

For anyone looking to sell scrap jewellery and antiques, silver hallmarks are a vital way to know exactly what they have, and how much it might be worth. A British hallmark is a legal mark that is punched or moulded into items manufactured using precious metals. The precious metal indicated …

Silver Jubilee Crown

The Silver Jubilee Crown is a coin we see much confusion over from customers. Generally speaking when people talk about this coin, they are referring to the coin released in 1977 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The confusion arrives over the coins metal, its value, and …

Silver mining

Silver mining is a huge business, producing tonnes of ore to be refined, and sold to the multiple industries that use this precious metal. Silver mining is rarely the sole goal of any single company or mine however, as discussed below. Silver ore rarely exists as pure nuggets. It is …

Silver price during recession

Recessions mark the start of financial uncertainty, and can lead to long-term economic depression. As a safe haven asset, silver's price during a recession can move significantly and quickly. It is fair to say that generally the silver price goes up during a recession, but past trends also don’t necessarily …

Silver Price Forecast 2020

Will silver be a good investment in 2020? Read our silver price forecast for 2020 below to find out. A useful place to start for the 2020 silver forecast is to look at how silver performed in 2019. The silver price started 2019 at £12.11 per ounce, reached a low …

Silver Prices Forecast

Although silver is far cheaper than gold, the buying and selling of the precious metal can still be profitable. As with any asset, selling at a higher price than you paid is the aim. For silver this is best achieved by making a long-term investment in the metal, but with …

Silver Sovereign

We often get asked about the silver Sovereign. Customers often believe they possess such a coin, or enquire about purchasing one, but in truth there is no such thing as a silver Sovereign, or at the very least not one issued by the UK. The only official UK Sovereign coins …

Silver standard

The silver standard was a monetary system, based on the precious metal silver. As one of the oldest and most commonly used metals in currency, silver was an obvious choice for the standard, but disadvantages meant that many countries soon turned to the gold standard instead. It is because of …

Silver Thursday

‘Silver Thursday’ is the most infamous day in modern history for silver investors. The day in question refers specifically to Thursday 27th March, 1980. The Hunt brothers – Nelson Bunker Hunt, William Herbert Hunt, and Lamar Hunt - had purchased enough physical and paper silver to effectively corner the market. …

Small investments

When thinking of investing, many people believe you need huge sums of money to get started. The reality is quite different; you don’t need to be rich to begin investing, and gold and silver can be a great way to start making small investments. Small investments in precious metals are …

Smart investment

A smart investment may mean different things to different people. One investor may consider an investment to have been smart if it is safe and protects your wealth, hedging against inflation without risking your saving. For others a smart investment may mean spotting a high risk, high reward opportunity and …

Solid silver

A commonly asked question is “What is Solid silver?” When talking about bullion and coins, the terms purity, quality, fineness, and solid silver sometimes get interchanged. It's also a common phrase to hear when talking about jewellery and antiquities, and can occasionally be misused or misunderstood. Technically speaking, for something …

Special coins

Special coins can become treasured heirlooms, something passed down many generations with a story, or a valuable piece to sell on when the time is right. Many things can make a coin special; they will be special to different people, for different reasons. A coin could be special to a …

Spot price definition

The spot price is defined as the price paid to buy or sell a security, commodity, or currency for immediate payment and delivery. The spot price is determined by supply and demand on the market at that time, and is in a constant state of flux. Spot price is sometimes …

Sterling Silver

Anyone dealing in antiquities, jewellery, and older British coins, will almost certainly have heard the term Sterling Silver at one time or another. Here in the UK, Sterling Silver has become ubiquitous with many silver products, and as the name would suggest, it's history is firmly routed in Britain. What …

Sterling Silver vs Silver

Silver and Sterling Silver are sometimes confused and used interchangeably, but they are different; with a different purity, varying uses, and most importantly for investors – are not worth the same. What are the differences however of silver vs Sterling Silver? Pure silver is too soft and malleable for most …

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The biggest gold nuggets

The discovery of one of the world’s biggest gold nuggets always sends shockwaves of excitement throughout the mining world, but it entices the general public too. The idea of finding a lump of the dense precious metal is the dream of many prospectors. The weight, the unique shine and – …

The first gold coin

It is generally accepted that gold coins were first produced more than 2000 years ago - during the 6th Century BC in Lydia; an iron-age kingdom of western Asia Minor that is now part of Western Turkey. Gold in other forms had been previously used in trade as a method …

The First World War £2 coin 2014

The First World War £2 coin from 2014 was the first in a five-year series of coins issued by The Royal Mint to mark the centenary of World War 1. Termed the 'Outbreak' coin, it very appropriately carries the famous depiction of Lord Kitchener, as used on recruitment posters at …

The most expensive metal

Many investors ask which is the most expensive metal in the world. Making a list of the most expensive metals is difficult however, and is always subject to change due to the constant fluctuations in each metal's price. The most expensive metals are generally classed as precious metals and/or noble …

Types of gold

When buying gold or gold jewellery, the different types of gold can be confusing to new customers. People often ask: which type of gold is best? At its simplest the different types of gold are all gold, but will be different purities of gold, or different gold alloys to be …

Types of silver

There are many different types of silver. This is because pure 100% silver is soft and malleable. For most practical applications silver is mixed or alloyed with other harder metals, typically copper. Different types of silver are therefore defined by the type and amount of other metal used in the …

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UK coins

Over the many centuries of British coinage there have been a huge number of UK coins produced. Different denominations, metals, changing names for the same coin. Today, UK coins are of a comparatively small number and range compared to pre-decimal coinage. There are many commemorative and bullion coins, not used …

UK gold reserves

Despite having the fifth largest economy in the world, the UK is 16th globally for gold reserves. The big question is though: how much gold reserves does the UK have? As of 2023, the Bank of England holds approximately 310 tonnes of gold for the UK. The Bank's vault, as …

Uncirculated coins

When someone talks about uncirculated coins they could mean one of two things. These difference could have a distinct impact on value when referring to bullion coins, so it's important to understand clearly what they mean. Uncirculated coins could refer to a particular quality of finish in the production process, …

Understanding the gold market

Understanding the gold market can be a useful tool in picking the right time to buy or to sell. The 'gold market’ is an international digital network of gold trading. There are two types of trading: physical and ETFs - Exchange Traded Funds. Physical Gold In the case of physical …

Uses of gold

Gold’s historical allure is well known. Throughout the ages, civilisations have venerated the precious yellow metal, coveting its lustre and value. The idea of gold jewellery or coins is well established, but gold is also used in other ways - some that might surprise you! Owing to five distinctive properties, …

Uses of silver

Silver is not just a popular metal for bullion investment, it is also one of the most useful metals in human history and in the world today. It is the numerous uses of silver that keep its demand high, and with electronics only becoming more integral to everyday life silver …

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Valuable coins

A valuable coin can be many different things to different people. There are many examples of circulating currency carried around in our pockets that become known as a valuable coin. Despite their regular use in a person’s daily life, coins can be incredibly valuable; a rare coin, or an error …

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Wedding Sixpence

A Sixpence coin has a rich tradition with weddings in Britain. 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ', is a very well-known wedding rhyme. Even today, many brides follow these instructions as a nod to tradition. Few, however, quote the last line, and the full rhyme is as …

What causes the gold price to fluctuate?

Predicting the gold price is not easy, but one of the key things that can help is understanding what causes the gold price to fluctuate. With that knowledge you can look for events or trends in the wider financial world, and begin to make predictions on how they might impact …

What does carat mean?

Given its numerous uses and meanings it is perhaps little surprise that we are often asked what carat actually means. There are a few different meanings for the term, that will depend on whether you are talking about gold or gemstones. Below then is a comprehensive guide to exactly what …

What is a die number?

A die number is an identifier for the die (similar to a mould) use to produce a coin. Coins are made by pressing or striking blank metal discs, known as a planchet, between two dies. The dies carry an inverted coin pattern (incuse), and give each coin it’s unique appearance. …

What is a gold ingot?

We often see confusion around the various words used to describe gold bars, and in particular are asked just what a gold ingot actually is. Although the word is often used much more loosely, a gold ingot is technically a specific type of bar. The word refers to the specific …

What is a troy ounce?

When looking to invest in precious metals you may well have noticed the common use of the term ‘troy ounce’, to weigh gold coins or bars, and as a unit of reference for the gold spot price. Somewhat confusingly many dealers will tend to simply state ounces - for example, …

What is gold bullion?

We sometimes see the term gold bullion being used exclusively for gold bars, but this is in fact incorrect. Gold bullion is both coins and bars, even rounds or tokens could be classed as gold bullion. It is essentially any gold of a high purity in a form suitable for …

What is the cheapest way to buy silver?

If you have decided to invest in Silver - read more on why buying silver is a good idea - then one of the next questions you’re likely to ask yourself is what is the cheapest way to buy silver? Buying cheap silver means making the most money when you …

What is the chemical symbol for gold?

The chemical symbol for gold is Au, taken from the Latin word for gold- Aurum. Its atomic number is 79, meaning that an atom of gold contains 79 protons. Despite being very dense, gold is more malleable than all other metals and it’s possible to beat a single ounce of …

What is the chemical symbol for palladium?

The chemical symbol for palladium is Pd, and its atomic number is 46, meaning the nucleus in an atom of palladium contain 46 protons. It was discovered by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803, who named it after the asteroid Pallas . It is considered a sister metal of platinum and …

What is the chemical symbol for platinum?

The chemical symbol for platinum is Pt. The metal takes its name from the Spanish word for silver - platina . This is due to their aesthetic similarities and the fact that it was named by the Spanish upon finding it in what is now Colombia. Like gold, platinum - …

What is the chemical symbol for silver?

The chemical symbol for silver is Ag, coming from the Latin word for silver – Argentum . Interestingly, it is the same root word for the French word argent , which means both silver and money, telling us a lot about the historical affinity between wealth and precious metals. The …

What is the COMEX?

The COMEX is the principal market in which precious metals contracts are traded. The COMEX is administered by the CME Group, which oversees around 3 billion options and future, making it the largest derivatives market in the world. The COMEX was formerly known as the Commodity Exchange Inc. but changed …

What is the face value of a Sovereign?

Gold Sovereign coins have a face value of £1, this means it's legal tender value is technically £1. The true value of a Sovereign however is calculated by multiplying its gold content - 7.3224 grams - by the gold spot price. The British gold Sovereign is one of, if not …

What is the gold standard?

A gold standard, or a gold standard currency, is a monetary system in which the monetary unit is supported by the value of physical gold bullion. While the money in circulation is not necessarily made out of precious metal, the idea is that the unit of currency can be exchanged …

What is the London Gold Price?

The London Gold Price is one of the three main ways the gold price is set, and is officially called the LBMA Gold Price. Rather than a constantly changing price, such as the gold spot price, the LBMA Gold Price is set just twice a day, and is used by …

What is the meaning of bullion market?

In the world of gold investment, a term you will often come across is ‘bullion market’, but what does this actually mean? The bullion market refers to the ‘place’ where the over-the-counter trade of gold and silver bullion takes place. The bullion market is open 23 hours per day, Monday …

What is the weight of a gold Sovereign?

The weight of a gold Sovereign is 7.98805 grams, usually rounded to 7.98g in most cases, with a pure gold content of 7.3224 grams. The remaining weight is copper, which gives Sovereign coins their distinctive reddish hue - similar to Krugerrands. All Sovereigns have a fineness of 916.7, meaning out …

What is white gold?

White gold is the result of mixing pure gold with white metals to improve durability, or to create a unique appearance. These metals are typically silver, nickel, platinum, or palladium. This means that white gold is an alloy, rather than the pure metal, which is famously yellow in its natural …

What's inside a catalytic converter?

For investors in platinum or palladium, it is vital to know what is being used inside a catalytic converter. As we go on to explain, the price of both metals is almost solely driven by catalytic converters, and any changes to this market could have far-reaching implications for either metal. …

When did the Pound coin come out?

The current UK bi-metallic, dodecagonal – or 12 sided – one Pound coin came out on March 28th, 2017. The outer ring is made of a nickel-brass alloy, while the inner planchet is made of a nickel-plated alloy. The one Pound coin has featured the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II …

Where does gold come from?

Gold has become one of the most famous metals in the world. It's high value, and yellow lustre are known and treasured by people all around the world. Where does gold come from though? What are its origins, and what countries can gold be found in? Origins of gold There’s …

Where is gold found?

Gold is found all over the world, and in places many may find surprising. It is typically found deep in the ground in quartz veins, or in river and stream beds where it has been eroded and settled over hundreds and thousands of years. Despite being found in many places, …

Where is platinum found?

Most platinum is found just a few countries, of which South Africa is the most prolific, with Russia in second a large way behind. Archaeologists believe platinum was first found and used by the ancient pre-Columbian Indians of South America for producing danglers, face studs, nose ornaments, figurines and miniature …

Where is silver found?

Silver can be found all over the world, but is generally concentrated around volcanic and hydrothermal activity. Silver is rarely found in pure form – be it nuggets, lodes or placer deposits – but as alloys, mineral deposits, or in trace amounts of other ores. As such, silver mining is …

Where to find gold in the UK

Gold has been found in the UK for millennia, and was a key factor in the Roman Empire’s expansion into Britain. Although large-scale gold mining has all but ceased, gold can still be found across Great Britain, and hobbyists across the country regularly hunt for gold in the hopes of …

Who is Britannia?

Everyone knows that she 'rules the waves', she is on the 50p and £2 coins we use every day, and there was a time in the 1990s when she really was cool, but who is Britannia? Armed with a trident and shield, and wearing a Corinthian helmet, Britannia is the …

Who sets the price of gold?

Before asking who sets the price of gold, it is important to understand which price you mean. Prices to buy and sell gold are set in one of three ways: The Spot Price: Typically, when you buy and sell gold bullion the price is agreed on the gold commodity spot …

Why are silver premiums so high?

One of the most common questions for investors looking at silver is why the premiums are so high compared to other precious metals. If we take a look at an ounce of each metal at the time of writing, the premium above spot price for a 1oz bar of each …

Why buy silver instead of gold?

Investing in precious metals is a big commitment, and it can sometimes be hard to know which out of gold and silver is the best metal to invest in. Ideally, we would all have a diverse portfolio containing both among other investments to cover all eventualities. However, we’re aware that …

Why is gold valuable?

If you're considering investing in gold, then you may ask yourself why is gold valuable? Understanding why gold is valuable is of course important to forecasting how much it could be worth in the future. Ultimately, gold is valuable because throughout human existence people have been willing to accept it …

Will the value of gold increase?

Before committing to an investment, the key question most of us ask is will the value of this asset increase in the future? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is as unclear as the future itself. Nothing in life is certain. So many different factors are at play that our …

Will the value of silver increase?

The main concern of any investor before parting with their hard-earned money is whether or not their investment will offer a good return. Of course the difficulty is that all assets are prone to rise and fall in value as external forces make them more or less desirable. Many investors …

World Gold Council

For any investors researching the gold bullion market, the World Gold Council is likely to be name you see. The World Gold Council are a collection of industry experts who work on behalf of the gold market to help increase transparency and information surrounding the gold market, and help promote …