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Easy and affordable ways to buy American Silver and Gold Coins From The Mint
Collectors and investors like buying silver, gold bullion and proof coins for their portfolios.
This choice is done because American Eagle coins are very desirable in the secondary market and they hold their value over time.
This is also an easy way to buy the underlying metals, if you’re betting the price will go up in the future or just want to diversify.
Some collectors love the American Eagle coins for their historical significance and beautiful artistic finishes.
Buying directly from the US Mint is generally cheaper than going thru coin dealers, which is another option.
There are legitimate dealers you can buy the Eagle coins from, but expect to pay a higher premium.
You can buy the newer silver and gold bullion coins from the Mint, as well as older editions and collectibles if in inventory.
The American Eagle coins have face values of $5, $10, $25 and $50. However, their market values are much larger than those.
Eagle Bullions Coins vs Eagle Proof Coins
Bullion Eagle coins are made from precious metals. They are used to store value rather than to be used as currency.
So, bullion coins are used as investments. In the US, these must be 99.9% precious metal and be minted as US legal tender.
Proof Eagle coins are created with fine details and are highly polished. This is done to appeal to collectors, who are more interested in the aesthetics of the coins.
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Who Buys American Eagles Coins?
Collectors buy the Eagles for their numismatic appeal and generally they buy the proof version.
Investors buy the bullion coins to invest in gold or silver and sometimes for retirement accounts.
Also, people buy the Eagle coins (usually proof)to gift them to coin enthusiasts.
What Price Should you Pay for the US Eagle Coins?
If you have decided on a coin, the Mint is a place where the prices are pretty much fair when compared to market prices. However, if you’re looking for the best price on a particular coin (circulated), you can do some homework.
Start by finding out the spot price of the metal (silver or gold). Generally, the coins sell for a premium above the spot price. This premium is different depending where you buy.
The Mint usually offers the best premiums above spot, but not always.
Coin Dealers, Coin Shows, Apmex, JM Bullion, Kitco, Modern Coin Mart and sellers on eBay are places where you can check to find out if you can get a better deal for the Eagle coins.
The American Eagle values, like with any other collectible, will depend on condition and rarity.
What is your Goal in Buying American Eagles Coins?
Buyers of original American Silver and Gold Eagles are collectors or investors. They buy into the Eagles for these reasons;
- To collect the coins (numismatics)
- To flip it and make a profit(trading)
- To stockpile on silver or gold (investing)
- To add to an Individual Retirement Account, IRA
Buying Eagles Coins From the U.S Mint
Coin enthusiasts have the option of buying proof Silver and Gold Eagles directly from the Mint as uncirculated. The Mint offers various programs for buyers.
You can buy the American Eagles from among these categories.
- Best Sellers coins (Gold and Silver)
- Coin Sets
- Mint Mark (Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco and West Point)
Among the best sellers Eagles are; The American Eagle One-Half Ounce Gold Proof Coin,American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin and American Eagle 2021 One Ounce Silver Proof Coin.
You can purchase the coins from the US Mint online, by phone or by subscription. Signing up for emails and text alerts can give you a heads up before coin releases and other information.
The Mint’s American Eagles program is very popular among collectors and you may be unable to buy your preferred coins, specially a previous years edition.
In this case, there are always the coin dealers and other third parties who may have bought the coins for resell.
Buying American Eagles from Coin Dealers
So, you have your heart set on buying one or more specific Eagle coins but the Mint has run out of them. There is an active secondary market to obtain these coins.
Check out the ANA authorized dealers near you. These coin dealers buy in bulk to later resell the American Eagles coins to the public.
Besides making sure that you only deal with a reputable dealer, also find out the spot price of gold or silver. You’ll be paying a premium above this price, just make sure is not too high.
Register to some of the dealers newsletters to receive promotions and deals ahead of time.
Check out the coin dealers on Instagram. This platform is used by major dealers to announce promotions of precious metal coins, including the Eagles.
Silver and Gold Eagle Coins at Ebay
eBay’s coin dealers participate in a very active secondary market for the American Eagle coins. Collectors and enthusiasts can buy Silver or Gold Eagles there.
Although you can buy a single Eagle coin, eBay dealers offer value when it comes to buying the coins in lots.
Most coin dealers offer Auction style sales, but there are also the Buy it Now alternative.
When buying from third parties, make sure the coins are not damaged or scratched, as these conditions decrease their values.
Avoid The Mint Look A Like Companies
You have seen the infomercials, companies selling “American Eagles Coins” at a discount. These companies dress up like the original US Mint.
They advertise on television and sometimes send brochures directly at peoples’ home. Unless you’re just looking for “Commemorative or Decorative Coins”, avoid these companies.
To purchase original Eagles bullion or proof coins, go directly to the U.S Mint or thru an ANA authorized dealer.
Final Thoughts
The best place to buy American Eagle coins is wherever you can get them closer to the spot price of the underlying metal. At the same time, you want to buy from a place that provides what you’re specifically looking for.
The proof and other special coins can be purchased from the Mint or from dealers with a premium added.
The Eagle coins that have been circulated have to be purchased from third party dealers.
If buying from outside the Mint, make sure to deal with a reputable coin dealer.
Keep in mind your goal for purchasing the Eagle coins, as there are other alternatives for investing in precious metals.
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