Tulving

This write up of Tulving explains who Tulving really are and what they deal in and is well worth reading before you decide to buy gold from their website www.tulving.com.

Before you buy gold from any gold dealer, it is always a wise move to find out all about them.

Who are Tulving
Tulving is owned and run by Hannes Tulving, President. If you call, you will more than likely find him on the other end of the phone. The Tulving website has been operating since December 1996 so has been around for over 12 years.

Hannes Tulving, Jr. originally became a full time coin dealer in 1976. He began by selling coins at a local Swap Meet, and then started to attend local coin conventions. Early in his career he was fortunate enough to meet John Wayne, "The Duke". The Duke became one of Mr. Tulving's largest customers, buying gold bullion from him on a regular basis.

In 1979, Mr. Tulving moved the operation down to Newport Beach, California, where it has been ever since.

PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) is the largest independent grading service, as well as one of the two most reputable services. In late 1985, they wanted Hannes Tulving involved. In a letter from David Hall, founder of PCGS, to Hannes, it said "We invite your participation... as a member of the grading board. We want to be able to say, "seven of the world's top grading experts" instead of "six". You... can grade coins for us any time you want." Tulving has remained one of the graders for the PCGS ever since.

Tulving Customer Service
You can contact Tulving and make an inquiry or place an order 7 days a week 24 hours a day. Tulving accept international orders also.

Tulving offer free overnight shipping within 24 hours of getting a wire for gold. Also free shipping and insurance on any of the items of 20 ounces of gold and 500 ounces of silver minimum.

Tulving advise that your gold, silver or platinum bullion will be dispatched to arrive 3 days after they receive the funds.

Tulving also sell on eBay at their store called, " PCGS Coins Only". They are a power seller with a 100% positive feedback rating and have been a member since 1998. Here they sell only PCGS graded coins.

Tulving Products
Tulving specialize in US Eagles but do carry many other gold, silver and platinum coins.

Tulving make a charge over the spot price of gold, silver or platinum and their prices here are quite reasonable.

Here is a list of some of their very extensive and diverse range of gold, silver and platinum coins and bullion products.

Gold Bullion 1 Oz Coins And Bars
Australian Gold Kangaroo 1 Oz Nugget
Austrian Philharmonic .9999 Bullion 1 Oz Coins
2007 Canadian Maple Leaf .99999
American Buffalo .9999 24 K
Chinese Panda 1 Oz Gold Coins
South African Gold Krugerrand 1 Oz
Credit Suisse 1 Oz Gold .9999 Bar
Pamp Suisse Gold 24 Karat Bars
South African Gold Krugerrand 1 Oz Coins
Johnson Matthey Gold Bars JM Bullion Bar
Gold Krugerrand Coins For Sale
Pamp Suisse 10 Oz Gold Bars
Proof Gold Buffalo American .999 Gold Coins
Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Platinum Palladium 1 Oz Coins
Canadian Maple Leaf .9999 1 Oz
1 Oz .999 Gold Canadian Maple Leaf
Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Coin
Canadian Maple Leaf Bag Marked Coins
Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf 1 oz
Australian Lunar Series 1 Oz Gold Coins
Perth Mint Australian Lunar 1 Oz Rat 1996 Mouse
Gold Lunar Coins From Australia 1997 Year Of Ox
Australia Gold 1 Oz Chinese Lunar 1998 Tiger Coins
Chinese Lunar Coin From Australia 1999 Rabbit
Australian Lunar Dragon 2000 1 Oz Coins
Perth Mint Gold Australian Snake 2001 Serpent
Australian Lunar Series One 2002 Horse Coins
1 Oz Australian Gold 2003 Chinese Lunar Goat
Chinese Lunar 2006 Rooster From Australia
Australian Lunar Series One 2006 Dog
Australian Lunar Calendar Pig 2007 Boar

$20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagles Pre 1933
$20 Liberty Pre 1933 U S Double Eagles
PCGS MS62 US $20 Gold Liberty Double Eagle Coins
Double Eagle MS64 PCGS US Gold $20 Liberty Coins
US $20 Gold Liberty Double Eagle PCGS MS63 Coins
PCGS US Gold $20 Liberty Double Eagle MS65 Coins
PCGS US Gold $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle MS64 Coins
US $20 Gold Saint Gaudens Double Eagle PCGS MS62 Coins
$20 Gold Double Eagle Saint Gaudens PCGS MS63 US Coins
Saint Gaudens PCGS MS65 US $20 Gold Double Eagle Coins
Gold Double Eagle Saint Gaudens PCGS MS66 US $20 Coins

2008 Gold Silver Platinum American Eagles
2008 $50 American Eagle 1 Oz
2008 American Silver Eagles Dollar Coin Mint Box
2008 American Eagle 1 Oz Silver $1 Coins
2008 American Eagles Coin Rolls
2008 1 Oz Gold Coins
2008 Buffalo $50 Gold 1 Oz Coins
2008 Canadian Maple Leaf $50
2008 Chinese Panda 1 Oz Coin
2008 Australian Gold Lunar Mouse Rat
2008 Austrian Philharmonic 1 Oz Gold

Silver Bars Coins Bags Rolls Box
American Eagle 1 Oz Silver Dollar
90% Junk Silver Coin Bag
American Silver Eagles Dollar Coin Box
A-Mark 1 Oz Silver Rounds Rolls
Engelhard Silver Bars JM 100 Oz Johnson Matthey
American Silver Eagle Box of $1 Rolls
A-Mark Silver 10 Oz Bars
100 Oz Silver Bars .999 Bar
1 Oz Silver .999 Rounds
1 Oz American Silver Eagle Dollars
Johnson Matthey .999 Silver 50 Oz Silver Bar
Johnson Matthey .999 Silver 100 Oz Silver Bar
Johnson Matthey .999 Silver 1000 Oz Silver Bar
2006 American Silver Eagles Dollar Coin Mint Box
Credit Suisse .9999 Silver 100 Oz. Bar
2008 Canadian Silver Maple Leaf 1 Oz $5 Coins
Silver Canadian Maple Leaf 2008 Coin Rolls
Silver Chinese Panda Coin

American 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, 1 Oz Gold Silver Platinum Eagles
Platinum 1 Oz American Eagle
American Eagle $50 Gold 1 Oz Coin
Eagle Gold $25 Dollar American 1/2 Oz Coins
Proof 1 Oz American Eagle 50 Dollar
1/10 American Eagles $5 Gold Rolls
American Eagle Gold 10 Dollar 1/4 Oz Coins
1 Oz American Eagle Gold 50 Dollar Coin
Silver Eagle Proof Dollar Coins
Silver Platinum American Eagles Mintages
American Eagle Gold Coins
Proof Gold American Eagles U S Gold Coins

PCGS PR69DCAM MS70 MS69 PR70DCAM $1 $5 $10 $25 $50 Coins
PCGS MS70 1/10 Gold American Eagles
Proof Sacagawea PCGS PR69DCAM $1
Silver Eagle Dollar PCGS PR70DCAM
$100 American Platinum 1 Oz Eagle Proof Coins
Buffalo PCGS PR70DCAM $50
PCGS MS70 EAGLES $5 $10 $25 $50
Platinum American Eagle $50 PCGS PR69DCAM
Proof Silver Eagle PCGS PR69DCAM American $1
PCGS Certified Presidential Rolls

Swiss Helvetia 20 Franc Pre 1933 European Coins
British Sovereign ( King )
French Rooster World Coins
British Sovereign Queen Victoria Coins
World Gold French Angel 20 Franc
Italian Umberto 20 Lira
Belgium Leopold 20 Franc
Netherlands 10 Gulden Kings
Netherlands 10 Gulden Queen
Russian 15 Rubles
World Gold French Napoleon 50 Francs
European Pre 1933 Gold Danish 20 Kroner
Swedish 20 Kroner
German 20 Mark

Liberty Type 1 Double Eagles
Double Eagle Liberty Type 2
Type 3 Double Eagles
U S Silver Trade Dollars
Bust Small Eagle Silver Dollars
90% Silver Washington 25
Flowing Hair Liberty 1/2 Dollar
Draped Bust Liberty Heraldic Eagle 1/4 Dollar
American Buffalo Nickel
1/4 Eagle Liberty Capped Bust
$5 Indian Head 1/2 Eagle
Indian Head Quarter Eagles
90% Silver 1/4 Dollar
90% Silver 50 Franklin 1/2 Dollars
90% Silver Kennedy 1/2 Dollar
Seated Liberty No Motto Silver Dollar
$1 Eisenhower Silver Dollars
$1 Liberty Head Peace Silver Dollar
$1 Liberty Head Morgan Dollars
Pattern American Silver Dollars
Draped Bust Silver Eagle Dollar

Tulving Payment Options
Tulving only accepts bank wires as payment for their products. When you call and place your order you fix the price with them and they will give you a tracking number for gold, silver, platinum and palladium two days after they get the wired funds in their bank account.

You can get the bank details from their site but it is a good idea to confirm these and your order when you call them. It is also a good idea to write down the detail of the call with time, date, the name of the person you spoke to and what was agreed including amounts, quantities and prices.

The minimum bank wire Tulving accepts is 7500 US dollars.

Tulving Financing
If you are a business, you can finance buying gold with Tulving with their financial arrangement in conjunction with PCGS. This with the Collectors Finance Corporation. The interest rate is 4 percent plus whatever the prime rate is, which is a lot less than say, GE underwritten credit cards which many jewelers offer. They do not provide consumer loans.

The terms include that the coins are held by PCGS until the loan is totally paid out, the minimum loan is 10,000US dollars, the maximum term of the loan is to be one year and all coins purchased must be graded by the PCGS

For bullion you can borrow anywhere from 65 percent up to 80 percent of the value of the bullion. The PCGS website is http://www.pcgs.com and the finance service is www.pcgs.com/PCGS_CFC.pdf .

Naturally it is always better to pay cash for any precious metal coins or bullion.

Selling Gold to Tulving
You can sell pretty much any gold, silver or platinum coins to Tulving.com but the gold minimum is 10 Ounces, Silver Bars or Rounds Are 200 Ounces, Silver Eagles are 40 Ounces.

Tulving do not accept Colorized Silver Coins nor do they buy Odd Weight Silver. But there is no maximum on what they will buy.

They will pay directly when they receive the precious metal or coins but if you want them to acknowledge they have received your items you will need to ask them to do so before you send them.

Last Word on Tulving
Please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service and products of www.tulving.com including any online complaints and special attention or service given by www.tulving.com online if you have bought any gold coins or gold bullion from www.tulving.com.

A-Mark

This write up of A-Mark explains who A-Mark are and what they deal in and is well worth reading before you decide to buy gold from their website www.amark.com.

Before you buy gold from any gold dealer, it is always a wise move to find out all about them.

Who are A-Mark
Originally founded in 1965 by former chairman Steven Markoff, it was sold in 2005 to Greg Manning Auctions, Now the Escala Group Inc.

On June 11, 2008, the Board of Directors of Escala Group Inc appointed Thor Gjerdrum as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of the Company. Other officers are, Dennis Lautzenheiser Controller and Gregory N (Greg) Roberts, Chairman and CEO. Carol Meltzer is the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

A-Mark Precious Metals trades, markets, and finances rare coins, precious metals, and collectibles. A-Mark Precious Metals deals in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins, bars, wafers, and grain for central banks, manufacturers, jewelers, and individuals around the world. A-Mark Precious Metals distributes coins for government mints, including those of Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the US. Officers:

They are an official distributor for The Royal Canadian Mint, The South African Mint, The Australian Perth Mint and an Authorized Purchaser for the US Mint among others.

A-Mark are open Monday through Friday from 5:20 am to 5:00 pm, Pacific Time.

A-Mark Customer Service
To do any business with A-Mark one has to open an account with them. There is no form on site and you have to ring up on their phone number provided on site and provide verified identity information, similar to opening a bank account. This is all part of the :”Know Your Customer” policy.

Opening an account is free and tends to speed up future transactions.

A-Mark does not offer an online ordering service and you have to call each time you want to place an order.

Shipping takes place the day after the funds are verified received by A-Mark. They ship using the Post office and so it can take from three to seven days for your order to arrive.

A-Mark Products
A-Mark supply the usual gold, silver and platinum coin and bullion coins and bars:

Gold Coins and Bars
American Eagle Gold Coins
Australian Kangaroo Gold Coins
Austrian Corona Gold Coins
Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins
British Sovereign Gold Coins
Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins
Chinese Panda Gold Coin
French Rooster Gold Coins
Mexican Peso Gold Coins
South African Krugerrand Gold Coins
Johnson Matthey Gold Bars

Silver Coins and Bars
American Eagle Silver Coins
Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins
Canadian Maple Leaf Silver Coins
Chinese Panda Silver Coins
A-Mark Liberty Silver Rounds
Colorized Silver Eagle Coins
Colored Silver Canadian Maple Leaf Coins
90% Silver Bags [0.900 Fine Silver Coin Bag
40% Silver Coin Bags [0.400 Fine Silver Clad Bags]
Johnson Matthey Silver Bars
Engelhard Silver Bars

Platinum & Palladium Coins and Bars
American Eagle Platinum Coins
Australian Koala Platinum Coins
Canadian Maple Leaf Platinum Coins
Isle of Man Noble Platinum Coins
Johnson Matthey Platinum Bars
Engelhard Platinum Bars

There is a minimum order of 100 ounces of gold, 5000 ounces of silver and 50 ounces of platinum.

A-Mark Financing
A-Mark also offer financing through their subsidiary, Collateral Financing Corporation (CFC). This has been set up to enable precious metal financing for bullion investors.

According to Mike Lewis, President of CFC, “We’re now lending 75 percent of the value of PCGS-graded generic gold and vintage coins; 65 percent on certified modern coins; and 80 percent of metal value on certified bullion coins. "

The interest rate charged by CFC is the Prime Rate plus four percent, and loans can be made for a maximum term of one year.

Their web site is www.cfccoinloans.com which also contains the very extensive application form. They are based at the same address as A-Mark.

A-Mark Cost of Gold & Payment Options
A-Mark charge a commission for their sales.

A. Over $50,000 A. 0.25% (1/4%) of the transaction value
B. $25,001 - $50,000 B. 0.5% (1/2%) of the transaction value
C. $15,001 - $25,000 C. 1.0% of the transaction value
D. $1,000 - $15,000 D. 2.0% of the transaction value

When you ring up the silver and gold prices quoted over the phone are the prevailing prices at that moment. And may be different to the prices they have on their website due to changes in the market. The prices shown on our Web site may be a few minutes behind.

The Payment options include bank wire, cashiers or certified check, and cleared company or personal check, all considered good funds. For bank wire details you will have to call A-Mark directly but their bank is the Bank of America, 2049 Century Park East #300 Los Angeles, CA 90067

A-Mark Shipping
A-Mark charge for shipping and handling.

The basic charge is $25 handling plus:
A. Gold: $1 per ounce
B. Silver: $0.25 per ounce
C. Platinum: $1.25 per ounce

All precious metals are shipped by registered, insured mail through the U.S. Postal Service.

However, if any precious metals are lost or damaged in transit, it is considered by A-Mark that it is your responsibility to pursue any claim with the third party carrier. They state that you will only have recourse to the third party carrier and not to A-Mark.

It is worth while noting that if you ship gold or any other precious metal to A-Mark, you are responsible for any loss or damage in transit so you would be wise to ensure that you have sufficient insurance to cover that.

If you live in the Los Angeles, California area you can pick up your order from the A-Mark Los Angeles depository (Brinks Special Services, 550 S. Hill St., Suite #805, Los Angeles, CA 90013) provided you give them at least two business days' notice. You will still be charged a $25 handling fee however. A-Mark do not provide a pickup service at their Santa Monica office.

A-Mark Returns and Refunds
A-Mark do not provide for a refund of goods delivered due to the volatility of the gold price or other precious metals. You CAN, however, sell your precious metal back to A-Mark at the prevailing prices and you will also be charged a 25 dollar receiving fee for each package.

There is a heavier penalty if you wish to cancel an order and deposit paid prior to a locked in price. This is 50 dollars. Once the price has been locked in however, the order cannot be canceled but only offset at their then current price. Any deficit between the price at which A-Mark sold to you and the offsetting purchase price is considered your responsibility and is deducted from your deposit prior to our returning the deposit to you. This prevents people canceling when the price has dropped after they have committed to buy.

Last Word on A-Mark
Due to the minimum order levels, 100 ounces of gold is a lot of money in anyone’s terms, this is a market only for the very serious investor and more likely traders, dealers and companies.

Having said that. The prices are very reasonable and, provided one has somewhere to stash 100 ounces of gold, it is likely to be a very good long term investment.

Please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service and products of www.amark.com including any online complaints and special attention or service given by www.amark.com online if you have bought any gold coins or gold bullion from www.amark.com

Colorado Gold

It is a good idea to read this write up about Colorado Gold before you buy gold or buy silver from them. The more information you have about a company, especially when you have to buy online or by phone, before you buy, the better.

Also it is wise move to do some due diligence on any gold dealer before you buy gold from them.

Who are Colorado Gold
Colorado Gold are a gold coin dealer based in Montrose, CO, USA
Their website, www.coloradogold.com, has been online since December 2000. This is a small family business with Don Stott, and his son David Stott. Don Stott has been a precious metals broker since November 1977 and has written a number of books, articles and newspaper columns published in a number of magazines. He is also active in local community affairs according to his bio on site.

Colorado Gold Customer Service
They are open from 8AM to 4PM, Mountain Time, only and as a small family business do not run a 24 hour service with consultants on the phone 24 hours a day.

Colorado Gold state they are not a coin shop, but a broker, just like any other stock-broker but in gold and other precious metal bullion. They buy through A-Mark, a precious metals trading company, charge a 1.5 percent commission for their services include shipping. For orders over $35,000 they charge 1.5 percent, and on orders of $75,000 or more, three quarters percent.

The prices on the web site, are the prices they pay. So when you place an order they will issue a trade number and that purchase price is locked in at that time. This is not unusual for an activity such as this where the value of the gold can change so rapidly.

Colorado record all calls also and these calls are used in an potential disputes over price.

Colorado Gold do not take orders for less than 10 ounces of gold or 1000 ounces of silver in any one order.

Colorado Gold state they do not keep any records on computer and they do not call clients, clients have to call them if they want anything or have any queries or questions or issues.

Colorado Gold Products
Colorado Gold charge a small percentage over the spot price for all precious metals. They are one of the cheapest available. However bear in mind that the minimum order for gold is 10 ounces and for silver 1000 ounces. This then makes it worthwhile for Colorado Gold to stay in business.

Gold Coins and Bars
Buffalos.
Credit Suisse 1 oz bars
Krugerrands 1 oz.
Canadian Maple Leafs
Philharmonics, and
Pandas...
Mex 50's (1.2057 oz)

Silver Coins and Bars
Canadian Silver Maple Leafs
Mexican Libertads) "Bag" U.S
US Silver Eagles -
Johnson Matthey. 1,000 oz bars (none exactly 1,000 ounces.)

Platinum Coins and Bars
Platinum Eagles all sizes,
1 oz Credit Suisse Palladium bars
1 oz Canadian Maple Leaf palladium coins
10 oz Credit Suisse Palladium bars.

Colorado Gold Payment Options
Payments are accepted by wire transfer, personal check, or cashier's check. No credit cards or cash is accepted. All checks are given five working days to clear, including cashier's checks or money orders,

They only deal with US clients, no overseas or international.

Sell Gold to Colorado Gold
You can sell back to Colorado Gold also but only the products they sell. You will be responsible for the shipping however.

They state they will buy gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with acceptable hallmarks. At no charge if the items were originally bought from Colorado Gold, otherwise there is a one percent charge and you pay for the shipping.

Last Word on Colorado Gold
Colorado Gold also state, “We can place precious metals in your IRA account if you wish, and if you wish to turn your thousand ounce silver contract bars into smaller sizes for you to hold personally, we can do that as well, with no charge for this, other than the 1.5% for your purchase of smaller size items. We do not deal in stocks, paper currencies, or numismatics, which we consider a first rate rip-off. If you want a rare coin, don't call us. If you want a rare coin or coins, we think you should re-consider, but that's up to you.”

If you have bought gold or any other precious metal from www.coloradogold.com please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service and products including any www.coloradogold.com complaints, or special attention or service given by www.coloradogold.com.

Border Gold

This write up of Border Gold explains exactly who Border Gold are and what they deal in and is well worth reading before you decide to buy any gold from their website.

As always, it is prudent to always do one’s own due diligence before buying gold from any gold dealer.

Who are Border Gold
Border Gold Exchange is actually the Border Gold Corporation and a subsidiary of Border Currency Corp but was formerly the Surrey White Rock Exchange. They have been gold dealers for almost 40 years since 1969.

Michael Levy is the principle in the firm and has been in the gold dealer business for over 32 years.

Additional contacts with the business are Marie Alves, into her 28th year and Christine Morrison, into her 23st year with the company.

The www.bordergold.com website has been online since august 2000.

Border Gold Corporation is based in Surrey, British Colombia, Canada, just 6 miles from the Canada/U.S. Border (possibly hence the name), and principally services the Canadian and US market.

Border Gold Customer Service
Border Gold Exchange operates two outlets in Surrey British Columbia, Canada. They also have shipping, depository and banking facilities in Washington State, only 4 miles from their Canadian Head Office. The purpose of which is to facilitate both Canadian and American clients. All administrative offices and records are in Canada, and the privacy and security of their clients is considered by them a constant priority of their business.

Border Gold Exchange banks both with the Bank of Montreal in Canada and Bank of America in the U.S. Wire transfers are facilitated through Seafirst Bank and the Fed Wire System.

The company also has gold depositories at their disposal in Blaine, Washington, Los Angeles, California. and Wilmington, Delaware, so gold can be shipped directly to clients from these vaults allowing for minimum turnaround time on orders.

Border Gold is known as a gold market maker and will buy or sell any volume of Maple Leaf Coins, 1 ounce wafers and Kilo Bars. Border Gold also buys all world gold bullion coins and recognized wafers and bars.

Border Gold also has the facility to store all gold purchases for the Canadian and U.S. clients, in secured off premise locations.

Gold and Silver Products from Border Gold
Border Gold sells the following gold coins and gold bullion and other precious metals:

Gold Coins and Bars
American Eagle Gold Coins
Chinese Panda
Canadian Gold Maple Leafs
Austrian Gold Philharmonics
Australian Nugget Coins
1oz Gold Wafer
5oz Gold Bar
Kilo Gold Bar

Silver Coins and Bars
Silver Maple Leaf
US Silver Eagle
10oz Silver Bars
100oz Silver Bars
Palladium Coins and Bars
Palladium Bars
Platinum Maple Leafs
US Platinum Eagle

Border Gold Payment Options, Costs and Charges
To place an order you will need to call their Toll free number and discuss with them your requirements, prices, shipping etc. There is no ordering from the website.

Once you have established the order you will need to send payment within 24 hours from the time you lock in your order.

You will need to send a bank draft to their address as listed on the contacts page depending on where you are located.

If you are selling to Border Gold you would discuss and confirm a price for the gold you are selling them and then ship the gold through a secure medium. Border Gold will then issue payment as soon as they are in receipt of the gold.

The Last Word on Border Gold
Border Gold is simply a company based just over the border from the US and sells the basic gold, silver and platinum coins available from most coin dealers. It may be worthwhile consulting them for prices before you buy elsewhere as, for one thing, there is also no tax on gold bullion sold in Canada.

If you have bought any gold coins or gold bullion from www.bordergold.com, please feel free to leave feedback on the quality of service and products you found, including any www.bordergold.com online complaints and special attention or service given by www.bordergold.com online.

USA Gold

This write up of USA Gold explains who USA Gold actually are and what they deal in and is well worth reading before you decide to buy gold from their website www.usagold.com

Who Are USA Gold
USA GOLD Centennial Precious Metals are a Gold, Silver & Platinum Dealers based in Denver, Colorado USA. The original starting date is credited by the Better Business Bureau as being 1973.

The business went online as www.usagold.com in 1998 with a couple of pages and a very few gold coins and a order form. Since then it has steadily grown to be one of the biggest gold dealers in the US. The President, Michael Kosares is well known as a prolific author and gold commentator expounding the virtues of owning gold and other precious metals. They are also expanding into the European market with facilities and sales available to most European countries.

USA Gold Customer Service
You can place small orders online and there is a shopping cart that can be used.

You can also place a call 4:00am - 7:00pm (U.S. Mountain Time) Monday - Friday and maybe speak to either Michael Kosares, the President himself, or to four other consultants about what you would like to order. The consultants are generally very helpful and will guide you through to a purchase painlessly and with a minimum of fuss.

Usagold.com place a lot of emphasis on gold information and education and there is plenty on the usagold.com site to help a new person buying gold or buying silver.

They state on the site:

"… we are a Better Business Bureau accredited business with a flawless international record. During our 35 years in business, we have never failed to honor a price commitment or to deliver per the client's order."

"Our professional and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to friendly customer service.
You will benefit from a unique, personal consultation to develop an investment strategy tailored to your goals."

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates them as 'Satisfactory' and gives them one gold star. This is a very good ranking from the BBB

USA Gold Product Range
USAGold have a very extensive and prolific product range of gold coins, silver coins, gold and silver bars. The range includes all the usual American, Australian, Canadian, South African gold coins as well as China, Mexico, Argentina and many other countries.

Here is a list of the precious metal coins currently available.

American Buffalo gold bullion coins
Australia Kangaroo gold bullion coins
Austria Philharmonic gold bullion coins
Canada Maple Leaf gold bullion coins
South Africa Krugerrand gold bullion coins
United States Eagle gold bullion coins
Chinese Panda gold bullion coins
Mexico 50 pesos gold bullion coins
Argentina 5 pesos gold coin (Argentino)
Austria trade ducat gold coin
Belgium 20 francs gold coin (Leopold)
Brazil 10000 reis gold coin (Pedro II)
Brazil 20000 reis gold coin (Pedro II)
Chile gold coin (100 pesos)
Colombian 5 pesos gold coin (Simon Bolivar)
Denmark 20 kroner gold coin ('Mermaid')
Finland 20 markkaa gold coin
France 20 francs gold coin (Louis Philippe)
France 20 francs gold coin (Ceres)
France 20 francs gold coin (Napoleon III)
France 20 francs gold coin (Angel)
France 20 francs gold coin (Rooster)
Germany 20 marks gold coin (Wilhelm I)
Germany 20 marks gold coin (Wilhelm II)
Hungary 20 korona gold coin (Franz Joseph)
Great Britain Sovereign gold coin (Young Victoria)
Great Britain Sovereign gold coin (Jubilee)
Great Britain Sovereign gold coin (Veil Victoria)
Great Britain Sovereign gold coin (Edward, George)
Italy 20 lira gold coin (Vittorio Emanuele II)
Italy 20 lira gold coin (Umberto I)
Mexico 5 pesos gold coin
Mexico 10 pesos gold coin (Miguel Hidalgo)
Mexico 20 pesos gold coin
Mexico 50 pesos gold coin
the Netherlands trade ducat gold coin
the Netherlands 10 guilders gold coin (Willem)
the Netherlands 10 guilders gold coin (Young Wilhelmina)
the Netherlands 10 guilders gold coin (Wilhelmina)
the Netherlands 10 guilders gold coin (Elder Wilhelmina)
Peruvian One Libra gold coin
Russia 10 roubles gold coin (Nicholas II)
Sweden 20 kronor gold coin (Oscar II)
Switzerland 20 francs gold coin (Confederation Helvetica)
Switzerland 20 francs gold coin (Helvetia)
Tunisia 20 francs gold coin
Uruguay 5 pesos gold coin
United States $5 gold coin (Liberty)
United States $5 gold coin (Indian)
United States $10 gold coin (Liberty)
United States $10 gold coin (Indian)
United States $20 gold coin (Liberty)
United States $20 gold coin (St. Gaudens)
Graded U.S. $20 gold pieces, U.S. silver dollars
Graded U.S. Liberty $20 gold piece
Graded U.S. St. Gaudens $20 gold piece

In addition usagold.com carries a range of Gold Bullion Bars of various types and sizes including.

1 oz. Metalor and PAMP
10 oz. Metalor and PAMP (with cert)
KILO Bars (32.15 oz.) (w/o cert)
0.98 oz. Austrian/Hungarian 100 Corona
1.2056 oz. Mexican 50 Peso

The gold bars size range include: 1 troy ounce, 10 oz., 1 kilo, 100 oz., 400 oz., etc. Bars originate from such refineries as: PAMP, Credit Suisse, Johnson Matthey and the fineness of all gold bars ranges from .995 to .9999 pure gold

The gold prices of usagold.com gold coins and gold bars is quite reasonable compared to many other dealers. The bars are particularly well priced.

USAGold Payment Options
USAGold accepts the usual credit card, Visa, Amex, MasterCard and Discover. However there is, understandably a maximum that can be purchased with a credit card and that is $10,000 USD. And that is for US orders only.

For larger orders other payment arrangements would be made, including bank wires and bank to bank transfers.

All payments would need to clear before delivery of the gold is begun.

USAGold also pay shipping and insurance expenses for online coin orders larger than $2000. For coin orders totaling less than $2000, a $35 shipping and handling fee will be charged to the customer.

Gold bullion is available by phone only and is not eligible for free shipping.

Delivery is usually 15-20 business days by US Postal Service or FedEx, insured and with a signature required.

USAGold also offer discount pricing available on volume orders and on payment by check or bank wire. This has to be arranged by phone however.

There is no return policy, all sales are final.

USA Gold Security
www.usagold.com use a shopping cart which is fully secured by a 128bit Secure Server. They have a privacy statement also.

USA Gold Options and Features
USAGold offer U.S. gold depository accounts for clients who prefer secure, fully-insured storage in the United States. This mostly applies to overseas transactions and customers.

USAGold is expanding to serve clients in the following counties, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

The Last Word on USA Gold
Michael Kosares, Founder and President of USAGold, is the guiding force behind USAGold and takes the subject of gold very seriously. He spends a lot of time writing about and promoting the concepts of owning gold in these uncertain times, as well as running the business of www.usagold.com. It is evident that this is not just a business with Kosares, but a vocation as well.

If you have bought any gold coins or gold bullion from www.usagold.com, please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service and products including any www.usagold.com online complaints and special attention or service given by www.usagold.com online.

Perth Mint

You can find out who the Perth Mint are in this write up on the Perth mint. Find out what gold bullion they have and how safe they are.

In all transactions with gold or other precious metal with any gold dealer or mint, it is always a wise thing to do your own due diligence and find out as much about them as possible.

Who are the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint opened in 1899 and was Australia's third branch of Britain's Royal Mint - the others being the Sydney Mint and the Melbourne Mint at that time but since closed.

Sir John Forrest, The visionary leader and first Premier of Western Australia, is regarded as the founding father of The Perth Mint. 'Big John', as he was known, could foresee the importance of gold in the development of Western Australia's economy, and successfully lobbied the British Government to establish a branch in Perth, Western Australia.

Currently the Western Australia State Government owns the Western Australian Mint through the wholey owned Gold Corporation, (established under the Gold Corporation Act 1987) one of the Perth State Government enterprises who, in turn, own the Perth Mint 100 percent. They also have share ownership associations with AGR Matthey, Johnson Matthey and Newmont Australia who are concerned with the manufacture and refining of bullion bars and industrial products.

In 1988 the Government of Western Australia merged The Perth Mint (also known as Western Australian Mint) and Gold Corporation Australia under a new entity called Gold Corporation. Gold Corporation was formally created by the Gold Corporation Act 1987 on 30 June 1988 and it and all of its subsidiaries are wholly-owned by the Government of Western Australia. In Australia each state has its own government as well as Australia having a federal government. the Government Guarantee was included in the Gold Corporation Act 1987.

The mint, in effect then is not just a dealer in gold coins. The Perth Mint is also a manufacturer and, through its associations above, a refiner and caster of its own bullion and manufactures it’s own coins.

The current Chairman of the Perth mint is P J Unsworth Chairman. The executive officer is Ed Harbuz. Their Registered Office is the Perth Mint Building in Hay Street East Perth. Western Australia.

Perth Mint Customer Service
You can call the Perth Mint and talk to someone on the phone. Also email is available and they usually get back to you within 24 hours depending on when you call. Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is around 12 hours ahead of the US and so phone calls should be in Western Australia business hours.

Placing an order online is relatively simple. You will need to open a free account with the Perth Mint and provide your basic details but then you can easily choose gold or silver coins or any other of the many and varied products the Mint sells and add them to your shopping cart.

When you order a product, such as a gold coin or silver coin or bullion, from the perthmint.com then the process is very straight forward and clear. The shipping times are given depending on where you are and how you would like your purchase shipped.

With investment products one can call a specific phone number and to call for any trades such as buying and selling allocated and unallocated gold or silver. The service here is brisk and professional. The consultants are helpful without being chatty.

The Perth Mint has a formal complaints procedure where any complaints can be emailed and a response given notifying the complainant of what action is being taken and when it will be resolved.

Something should be said about the "Government Guarantee".

There is no other dealer, or mint for that matter, in the word that advertises they have a government guarantee.

Perth Mint's Government Guarantee
According to the Perth mint website, "The Perth Mint operates under a Government Guarantee, which is enshrined in Section 22 of the Gold Corporation Act 1987. Clause 22(1) of the Gold Corporation Act 1987 explicitly states that "The payment of the cash equivalent of gold due, payable and deliverable by Gold Corporation, the Mint or GoldCorp under this Act and all moneys due and payable by Gold Corporation ... is guaranteed by the Treasurer, in the name and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State."

This guarantee is particularly important when it comes to investments and pooled gold.

Although the guarantee is applied to gold it is also indicated on the perthmint.com site that it applies to other precious metals such as silver and platinum also.

Perth Mint Products Range
The perthmint.com product range is very extensive and diverse. Along with the usual gold and silver bullion there are commemorative issues, theme issues, peripheral products such as jewelry, gifts and watches.

To give a complete list of products would be beyond the scope of this review but here is a small list of examples of what you can find on site available to the public.

This list applies mostly to gold coins and silver coins. There are other sets in other precious metals available also.

Discover Australia Fauna
Australian Lunar series

Year of the Mouse
Year of the Pig
Year of the Dog
Year of the Dragon
Year of the Goat
Year of the Horse
Year of the Monkey
Year of the Ox
Year of the Rabbit
Year of the Rooster
Year of the Snake
Year of the Tiger

Chinese Astrological Series
Sovereigns
Themed Coins

Australia
Australian Treasures
Historic Replicas
People
Indigenous Culture
Lucky Symbols
Royalty
Sports
United Kingdom
War (Military)
Wildlife

The above is generally available in silver and platinum coins also. In addition there are such items as:

Chinese Astrological Series
Jewelery
Kailis Pearl Jewelery
Gold Jewelery Collection
Australian Lunar Coin Pendants
Coin Watches
Baby Gifts
Wedding Gifts
Executive Gifts
Gold Bars
Coin Watches

Interestingly, the Perth Mint are one of the few pleases where one can buy natural gold nuggets. Natural gold nuggets are almost always found on the surface and never underground. They can be found in river beads and buried in earth. Each often has a story to it which also includes the name of the finder. The size can range from fractions of an ounce up to many ounces although sizes are very rare. The premium on natural gold nuggets is very high however. Usually about two to four times the spot value of gold depending on the weight. For example, with gold at 900 dollars an ounce, a 1.23 ounce nugget will cost around 1855USD. A nugget just over two ounces would be 3060USD. They do not have a lot of investment value due to the high premium, but are a great, if expensive, curiosity.

Gold Services of the Perth Mint
Other services and products include allocated & un-allocated storage, certificate programs, depository services and private minting.

The Perth mint operates allocated and unallocated gold and silver bullion accounts. With the allocated accounts the account holder owns specific physical gold and or silver in coin or bar form and that is stored within the Perth Mint Vaults. If a person owns unallocated bullion then they are simply sharing in a pooled account and no one part of that shared bullion can be said to belong to any one particular individual.

So with unallocated (unsegregated) bullion you have title to unspecified precious metal deposited in a metal account. You pay the precious metal cost at the time of your purchase as well as a certificate fee. There is no storage fees on unallocated bullion. You pay NO storage fees on this option.

With allocated (segregated) Coins or Bars (Gold and Silver only), You own title to specific coins and/or bars, which are placed in a physical form in the PMCP storage facility. Here you must pay the quoted precious metal cost, fabrication charges and storage fees at the time of your purchase. The storage fee is based upon the value of the bullion at the time of purchase so does not rise even if the value of your purchase subsequently rises.

The above comes under the certificate program and when you buy gold or silver bullion under this program you will get a non transferable certificate to indicate your holding.

To do this, an account has to be opened to utilize all but the last of these services. In this case opening the account is similar to opening a bank account, substantiated proof of identity is required. Once this is done, one calls the mint and asks for a "trade". It can be done by email, phone call or fax. Once the gold price for that trade is established one then forwards the funds, usually by bank to bank transfer or bank wire, to the Mint and they will send a certificate outlining the trade.

A Depository service is also available for those wishing to deposit bullion in the Perth Mint. These naturally incur storage fees which will be dependent on the bullion, quantity and time of storage.

The Perth Mint Depository stores bullion in a high security environment which includes physical security (such as vaults and security staff), electronic security (such as surveillance and alarms), and an impressive level of procedural security for receiving, releasing and accounting for precious metal deposits. As a result, The Perth Mint offers one of the world's most secure locations for hard asset storage.
In addition a client can also hold funds in AUD and USD (interest is not paid).

Deposit and withdraw funds in currencies other than AUD or USD. Place market orders monitored 24 hours a day (100oz minimum for gold and platinum, 10,000oz minimum for silver) and even purchase European style put and call options over gold (in lots of 500oz) and silver (in lots of 250,000oz);

Private Minting is also available where an individual, company or other entity can have gold or silver coins and small bars fabricated to specific requirements.

Perth Mint Payment Options
All the usual payment options are available including credit cards, bank to bank transfer, bank wires and checks. Basically for consumer products such as gold bullion, gold and silver coins, credit card is the norm.

For larger ticket items and investment products then bank to bank transfer, or bank wires, are preferred. Credit cards cannot be used to purchase investment products

Perth Mint Guarantee Refund Policy
The Perth mint have a refund policy whereby, if you are unhappy with your purchase from the Perth Mint online shop, the Perth Mint will refund the full purchase price, not including shipping costs, within 30 days.

However this guarantee is applicable only to website and Mail Orders. The Perth mint must be contacted and approval obtained before returning the good.

Perth Mint Security
The Perth Mint has a secure shopping cart for credit card transactions. For investments, when you have an account all transactions require a password to be quoted and applied.

The Perth Mint has extensive terms and conditions and a strict privacy policy. In fact it is stated on site that "Under Section 74 of the Gold Corporation Act 1987 employees of the Mint face imprisonment of 1 year if they divulge any information concerning clients' transactions and 2 years imprisonment if they destroy or falsify the Mint's records."

Last Word on the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is not a dealer per se but is an actual Mint. You can go there and be taken on a tour of the mint and see coins being manufactured. A fascinating activity.

The Perth Mint is geared more towards a consumer and to some degree, a collectors frame of mind than the serious bullion investor. Most of the products are not particularly suitable as investment vehicles due to the high premium the Perth Mint sets, except perhaps allocated bullion.

Never the less it can be a fun experience buying and collecting "theme" gold coins provided one is not worried about increasing the value of ones collections in the short term.

If you have bought any gold coins or gold bullion from the Perth Mint, please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service and products including any perthmint.com online complaints and special attention or service given by perthmint.com online.

Ampex

It is a good idea to read this write up to find out who Apmex are and what they are like before you deal with them.

In all transactions with gold or any other precious metal with any gold dealer, it is always a wise thing to do your own due diligence and find out as much about them as possible.

Who are Apmex
Apmex is an acronym for “American Precious Metal Exchange” and principally deal in gold coins, silver coins, gold and silver bullion and other peripheral products. According to BBB (Better Business bureau) ampex.com has been in business since 11/01/1999 but their website, under the name of apmex.com, was started around May/June 2004.

Their President and CEO is Chris Thomas and he is approachable online through the various emails on the site. He also posts regularly on the goldismoney forum giving updates of apmex.com and answering questions.

Apmex have an address in Edmond, Oklahoma, USA and can be visited personally as well as dealt with online.

Apmex Customer Service
Apmex are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can be contacted anytime.

Apmex claim they only buy the highest quality precious metals available. Each gold and silver coin and bar is inspected to ensure it meets with Apmex’s standards.

Processing and shipping of orders is swift, provided the payment is confirmed then the bullion is usually shipped within 1-3 days. It is fully insured by Apmex but that insurance ceases the moment it is left with you or your representative.

A good point is that all products are wrapped so as not to give any indication of the contents. The return address is simply given as APMEX and the actual address. All deliveries require a signature also.

One point is that Apmex only ship to the US. There is no International or overseas shipping.

As far as ordering online is concerned, Apmex state their site is compatible with the standard Microsoft products and browser and Netscape browser.

However it appears this information may be out of date and Vista is not included and Firefox, not Netscape is the second most used browser after MSIE.

Apmex Products
Apmex have an extensive rang of products including gold coins of many types including the standard and also many unusual overseas gold coins. They also do a brisk trade in silver coins and rounds as well as a diverse range of foreign coins of various precious and other metals. Some examples are:

2008 & Prior Gold American Eagles & Gold Buffalo Coins
2007 First Spouse $10.00 Gold Coins
Gold Bars .999+ Fine 1 Gram - Kilo - 32.15 oz
Pre-1933 US Gold
2008 & Prior Gold Canadian Maple Leafs, South Africa Krugerrands and Gold European Coins
1996 - 2007 Australian Gold Lunar Series 1
2008 Australian Gold Lunar Series 2
2008 & Prior Gold Australian Kangaroos
Perth Mint Items 2008 & Prior Gold
Chinese Panda's
2007 & Prior Austrian Philharmonics
2007 & Prior Gold Mexican Coins
Many Chinese Gold Items
Many other Unique Gold Products
Also Pre-1933 US Gold
Dollars
Half Dollars
Quarters
Dimes
Half Dimes
Nickels
2, 3 and 20 Cents
Cents
1/2 & Large Cents
Proof & Mint Sets
Commemoratives
Civil War Tokens
Tokens & Medals
Foreign Coins
Coin Supplies

The price for each product listed includes all charges except shipping which is extra depending on the shipping method, the quantity of products and where shipped to. Apmex only ships to the USA and not overseas.

The prices are pretty much average and can be easily compared to other major gold coin and gold bullion dealers.

Apmex Payment Options
The minimum order you can place with Apmex is 50 USD regardless of payment method.

Payment options include, credit card, bank wire, certified checks, cashier checks, money orders and personal checks. Most option clear with a few days but personal checks and money orders are held for 10 banking days before any order is shipped.

Credit Card Orders over 5,000 US dollars are only accepted by phone and Apmex will carry out additional checks that can add additional delays to an order and Apmex recommend that such orders are paid for by such options as bank wires, certified check etc.

Once an order is confirmed you will get a confirmation number and it is important that you retain this number and quote it in all communication regarding your order. When you order a price is “fixed” and there can be penalties for subsequent returns or cancellations. See below.

Apmex are very strict on payments and have a set policy on the receipt of funds which must be adhered to so it is a good idea to send payment immediately you place the order.

If a payment is not received within an appropriate time then Apmex are liable to cancel the account and refuse to trade with you in the future.

Paying by any option other than credit card can give you discounts off the shipping and handling charges also.

Apmex Market Loss and Returns Policy
Apmex have what they call a Market Loss Policy. Many dealers in volatile precious metals have similar policies.

In their words, "When purchasing from APMEX, once we have issued a confirmation number, the price is locked in for you and the transaction may not be canceled, but only offset at our current ask price. Any deficit between the price at which we sold to you and the offsetting purchase price and/or prices, is your responsibility only if your item(s) is canceled or returned. That amount will be charged to you, plus a $35.00 cancellation fee. That is our Market Loss Policy. Any market gain on cancellations shall remain the property of APMEX."

In other words, if you order a gold coin shall we say. Get a fixed price and then a day later cancel and the price has gone down then you are up for the difference as that is what it has cost Apmex plus a possible 35 dollar penalty.

Apmex also offer customers a refund return or exchange on all products sold including all bullion and certified coins. They limit this refund/return/exchange to three (3) days from the date on which the customer receives their items and notifies them and, provided they are kept in their original packaging, will accept the product back. However, in keeping with the market loss policy above the customer may be charges for any market loss if the value of the product drops since purchase..

Note that a 5% restocking fee is charged for all credit card orders returned.

If you have purchased a gold or silver coin or coins from Apmex and want to return them you will have to call during business hours and get Return Authorization Number.

This is when the market loss, if any, will be calculated.

Selling to Apmex
Apmex will buy gold and silver bullion. Pretty much the same products as they sell. The gold price and silver price they pay will be less of course as they want to make a profit on the resale.

They have selling prices on the apmex.com site so you can compare this will other buyers of gold and silver bullion.

The minimum transaction when you sell to Apmex is 1000 dollars. To sell to Apmex you simply call their trading desk, tell them what you have to sell and get a confirmation number. Keep a note of the number, the time and date of the call and who you spoke to. Ship the product to Apmex, putting your details in the package including your name address, contact number and email and, most important, the confirmation number, and then call them with the Registered Mail number or UPS/Fed-Ex tracking number so they can locate your package.

You will usually get payment sent within 3 to 5 days.

Be warned that if you do not send the product you intend to sell or even if you do NOT call with the Registered Mail number or UPS/Fed-Ex tracking number then Apmex may cancel the transaction and even ban you from buying and selling with Apmex.

It will pay to fully read and understand all the details and terms of agreement with Apmex before you set about doing a transaction with them to be sure that you fully understand the terms under which they operate.

Security at Apmex
Apmex.com have a very detailed privacy policy and extensive user agreement and disclaimer. As there can be penalties for misusing the Apmex service it would be wise to read these and ensure one fully understands them. Also reading the Frequently Asked Questions is a good move.

Their shopping cart is standardly secure for credit card facilities provided the purchase adopts the usual standard security measures.

Apmex, the Last Word
Apmex are members of the Better Business Bureau. They are also active members of The American Numismatic Association and ICTA, The Industry Council on Tangible Assets. Both organizations help to protect the rights and serve the members of the numismatic profession and investing public for coins and tangible assets. Apmex are also a member dealer of PCGS & NGC Grading services.

If you have bought any gold coins or gold bullion from apmex.com online, please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service and products including any apmex.com on line complaints and special attention or service given by apmex.com online.