What is bullion? At its core, bullion refers to precious metals—such as gold, silver, and platinum—that are valued primarily for their metal content and purity. Unlike collectible coins or jewelry, bullion comes in the form of bars, rounds, or coins produced specifically for those interested in the weight and fineness of the metal itself. Throughout history, people around the world have turned to bullion as a tangible representation of value and craftsmanship. Whether shaped by sovereign mints or private refiners, bullion stands out for its straightforward connection to the enduring appeal of precious metals. You can shop top quality gold, silver, and other precious metal bullion products below.
What Is Bullion?
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What Is Bullion?
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Bullion refers to precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium that have been refined to a high level of purity and are typically shaped into coins, bars, or rounds. These items are valued primarily for their metal content and purity, rather than for their face value or collectibility.
The purity of bullion is usually measured in terms of fineness, which indicates the percentage of the metal that is pure. For example, a gold bar marked '999.9' or '.9999 fine' means it contains 99.99% pure gold. This information is typically stamped directly onto the bullion piece along with its weight.
While both coins and rounds are forms of bullion, there are some differences. Bullion coins are produced by government mints and often have a legal tender value, even though their metal content is usually worth more than that face value. Rounds are produced by private mints and do not carry a legal tender designation, but are otherwise similar in appearance and purity.
Bullion attracts a wide range of individuals, from collectors who appreciate the artistry and history of certain designs to those who enjoy the tangible nature of owning precious metals. Bullion items are also popular as gifts for special occasions, such as graduations, weddings, or anniversaries, due to their enduring appeal and significance.
Some bullion items become especially collectible due to factors like limited mintage, unique or commemorative designs, or historical significance. Collectors often seek out pieces that represent a particular era, event, or artistic style, or those produced by renowned mints with a reputation for quality and craftsmanship.