Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about buying and selling precious metals, shipping, payment methods, IRAs, and more.
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Getting Started with Precious Metals
What precious metals are good investments?
If you are interested in buying precious metals for the first time, you may think the only options are gold or silver. While those are both valuable options, it is important to be aware of the fact that you have other options. Understanding all of the available options, their potential growth, and their current market value helps you make the right investment decision for your personal portfolio.
To that end, Presidential Metals Exchange offers the most common selections for precious metals investing. We ensure that we offer both common and uncommon metals to our clients. These products include:
Gold
Gold is the number one metal that comes to mind when people think of investing into precious metals. Gold has been treasured throughout history. Virtually all cultures have always recognized both its beauty and its scarcity, elevating it to the top of precious metals. Furthermore, unlike other metals gold does not rust or corrode over time. It is also extremely malleable and acts well as a conductor which gives it use in many industries. With the combination of these characteristics gold is predicted to always be in demand and therefore make for a wise investment.
Silver
Alongside gold, silver is the other precious metal that comes to mind when people think of investing in precious metals. Just like gold, silver has been valued by almost every culture worldwide since the beginning of recorded history. But as an investment item, it differs from gold in a few key respects.
Platinum
Platinum is the most scarce precious metal available to investors. Which usually makes platinum more expensive, but right now it is currently at a major discount to gold. Platinum is heavily associated in industrial uses. For example, the auto industry uses a lot of platinum as it is a key material in parts like catalytic converters and spark plugs. Platinum is projected to be a great metal to invest in since there is a constant demand for it within the global industrial market.
Palladium
Palladium is a lesser-known metal than its counterparts. But it has gained momentum in recent years with precious metal investors. The metal can be found in relative abundance in certain countries, but it is valuable since it is similar chemically to platinum. Since platinum is in scarce supply, palladium has been gaining value. Furthermore, it is one of the only metals that can be combined with gold to make white gold.
Are precious metals a smart investment?
Precious metals are one of the safest investment choices you can make. If the stock market takes a downturn, then the value of precious metals normally increases. Thus, precious metals are a great way to protect your assets in case of an economic downturn.
Precious metals are also a tangible investment. You are investing into a physical product, unlike stocks. Precious metals are hard forms of currency and can be moved, bought, and sold wherever and whenever you like.
How do I invest in precious metals?
There are a number of different ways to invest into precious metals, but the easiest way is to go through a company like Presidential Metals Exchange. We take pride in the fact that we can help you get your hands on the best products for the most competitive prices. There is no need to try and navigate the precious metals market alone. We save you time by finding the best prices on the metals you are interested in. Furthermore, we ensure our clients are receiving authenticated products.
How much money do I need to start investing in precious metals?
You can start with as little as a few hundred dollars. We offer products in various weights and denominations to fit different budgets. Our specialists can help you find products that match your investment goals.
What is the difference between bullion and numismatic coins?
Bullion refers to precious metal products valued primarily for their metal content. Examples include gold bars, silver rounds, and government coins like American Eagles.
Numismatic coins are collectible coins valued for their rarity, condition, historical significance, and metal content. These coins often carry higher premiums but can appreciate beyond metal value.
Ordering & Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept the following payment methods:
- Wire Transfer (Best pricing)
- ACH (Bank Transfer)
- Personal or Business Check
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
Wire transfers and ACH typically receive the best pricing. Credit card purchases may include a small processing fee.
How do I place an order?
You can place an order in three ways:
- Online – Browse our website, add items to cart, and checkout securely
- By Phone – Call (888) 763-8257 to speak with a specialist
- In Person – Visit our Palm Beach Gardens, FL office
Is my payment information secure?
Yes. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment processing to protect your financial information. We never store your full credit card details on our servers.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes. Many of our products offer tiered pricing based on quantity. The more you buy, the lower the per-unit price. Contact our team for bulk order pricing.
Can I lock in pricing?
Precious metals prices fluctuate based on market conditions. Once you complete your purchase, your price is locked. For large orders, speak with a specialist about pricing options.
What if I change my mind after ordering?
Please review our return and cancellation policy or contact us directly. Policies may vary based on product type and market conditions.
Shipping & Delivery
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship within 5-7 business days after payment clears. Shipping time varies by location but is usually 2-3 business days via insured carrier.
Is shipping insured?
Yes. All shipments are fully insured at no additional cost to you. We use discreet packaging for privacy and security.
Do I need to sign for my delivery?
Yes. A signature is required upon delivery to ensure your order is safely placed in the right hands.
Can I pick up my order in person?
Yes. If you’re in the Palm Beach Gardens, FL area, you can schedule a time to pick up your order at our office. Orders are typically ready for pickup in 5-7 business days.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we primarily serve customers within the United States. Contact us for specific international shipping inquiries.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor your shipment’s progress.
Products
Are your products authentic?
Yes. All precious metals are verified and sourced from reputable mints and refiners. We are an authorized dealer for NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Company) and members of PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service).
What is spot price?
Spot price is the current market price for immediate delivery of a precious metal. It fluctuates throughout the trading day based on supply and demand.
What is premium over spot?
Premium is the amount above spot price that covers minting, distribution, and dealer costs. Different products carry different premiums based on demand, scarcity, and production costs.
What does "fine" mean in precious metals?
“Fine” refers to purity. For example:
- .999 fine silver = 99.9% pure silver
- .9999 fine gold = 99.99% pure gold
- .9995 fine platinum = 99.95% pure platinum
What are the most popular products for new investors?
Popular starter products include:
- 1 oz American Gold Eagles
- 1 oz American Silver Eagles
- 1 oz Canadian Maple Leafs (gold or silver)
- 10 oz silver bars
- Fractional gold coins (1/10 oz, 1/4 oz)
Can I see products in person before buying?
Yes. Visit our Palm Beach Gardens office to view select inventory. We recommend calling ahead to ensure the products you’re interested in are available.
IRA & Retirement
What is a precious metals IRA?
A precious metals IRA (also called a Gold IRA) is a self-directed Individual Retirement Account that holds physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of traditional assets like stocks and bonds.
Can I roll over my 401k into a precious metals IRA?
Yes. You can roll over funds from a 401k, 403b, TSP, or existing IRA into a precious metals IRA. The transfer is tax-free and penalty-free when done correctly.
What precious metals are IRA-approved?
The IRS approves certain precious metals for IRAs based on purity requirements:
- Gold: .995+ purity (e.g., American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs)
- Silver: .999+ purity (e.g., American Silver Eagles, Austrian Philharmonics)
- Platinum: .9995+ purity (e.g., American Platinum Eagles)
- Palladium: .9995+ purity (e.g., American Palladium Eagles)
Where are IRA metals stored?
IRA-held precious metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. You cannot take physical possession until you take a distribution at retirement age. Storage is fully insured.
How much does a precious metals IRA cost?
Costs vary by custodian and typically include:
- Setup fee (one-time)
- Annual maintenance fee
- Storage fee (annual)
Our IRA specialists provide full transparency on all costs.
Can I hold rare coins in my IRA?
Generally, only bullion coins meeting IRS purity standards are allowed. Rare numismatic coins typically do not qualify. Consult with an IRA specialist for specific guidance.
Buying & Selling
Do you buy precious metals?
Yes. We provide competitive buy prices for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins, bars, jewelry, and scrap. Visit our office or contact us for a quote.
How do you determine buy prices?
Our buy prices are based on current spot market prices, product type, condition, and purity. We provide transparent evaluations.
What do I need to bring when selling?
Bring a valid government-issued ID and the items you wish to sell. We’ll evaluate your items and provide a quote on the spot.
How quickly can I get paid when selling?
Payment is typically immediate for in-person transactions via check or cash (for qualifying amounts). Wire transfers may take 1-2 business days.
Do you buy gold jewelry?
Yes. We buy gold jewelry of all karats (10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, 24k). We test for purity and pay based on gold content.
Do you buy scrap silver or gold?
Yes. We buy scrap precious metals including broken jewelry, dental gold, sterling silver items, and more.
Account & Security
Do I need to create an account to buy?
You can purchase as a guest or create an account. An account allows you to track orders, save payment methods, and receive personalized recommendations.
How is my personal information protected?
We use SSL encryption and secure servers to protect your data. We never sell or share your information with third parties.
Why do you need my ID when I sell?
Federal regulations require precious metals dealers to verify the identity of sellers to prevent money laundering and theft.
How can I verify you're a legitimate dealer?
We are:
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
- BBB A+ rated and accredited
- Trust Pilot Excellent-rated
- NGC Authorized Dealer
- PCGS and CAC members
- NCBA members