Precious Metals Education
When buying precious metal products, it helps to understand purity levels and coin conditions. This allows you to make smarter purchases. Our easy guide covers the basic vocabulary and standards to know. Things like what “karats” refers to, how fineness works, proof coins, and what fair pricing looks like become more clear. Questions fade as you better understand the numbers and labels that signal quality and value.
See our downloadable guidebook serving as a handy overview in simple terms. Use it alongside our team’s guidance to boost confidence when buying metals and collector coins. We make the intricate details around bullion and numismatics investing feel welcoming. Contact Minot Coin & Bullion anytime to keep growing your knowledge in this area!
Gold Purity Guide
Gold Purity Levels Gold purity is measured in karats indicating percentages of gold content vs. alloys. This allows for smart bullion purchases.
24K GOLD
100% pure gold. Too soft for coins or jewelry. Used for investment bars/rounds. 22K Gold – 91.6% gold and 8.4% copper/silver for enhanced durability.
22K GOLD
22 karat gold contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% copper/silver alloy for enhanced durability. Common in certain markets.
18K GOLD
The most popular karat for gold jewelry, 18k gold contains 75% pure gold plus 25% copper and silver for ideal shine and strength.
14K GOLD
More affordable than higher karats, 14k gold features 58.3% pure gold content, which is ideal for everyday wear.
10K GOLD
10 karat is commonly used for more affordable gold jewelry containing 41.7% pure gold.
Alloys like copper and silver are added to pure 24K gold for workability and durability while retaining radiance and color. But too much alloy can dull the gold tone. Understanding differences between karats allows you to buy quality gold items from reputable dealers like Minot Coin & Bullion.
Some examples of alloying formulas to achieve gold color variances are:
- 18K Yellow Gold: 75% fine gold, 15% copper, 10% fine silver.
- 14K Yellow Gold: 58.5% fine gold, 29% copper, 12.5% fine silver.
- 18K White Gold: 75% fine gold, 2 % copper, 17% nickel, 6% zinc.
- 14K White Gold: 58.5% fine gold, 23% copper, 12.5% nickel, 6% zinc.
- 18K Green Gold: 75% fine gold, 25% fine silver.
- 18K Pink/Rose Gold: 75% fine gold, 25% copper.
Understanding the differences between common gold purity karats allows you to make informed purchases from reputable precious metal dealers like Minot Coin & Bullion. Contact us with any questions!
Silver Purity Guide
Silver purity indicates the actual silver content in bullion or jewelry. When buying silver, know the common purity grades.
FINE SILVER
The purest form of silver, at 99.9% purity, is also called “pure silver.” Too soft for jewelry or bullion, fine silver is usually combined with copper or other metals to improve durability.
STERLING SILVER
The most popular silver grade comprises 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper alloy. Known for strength, shine, and tarnish resistance. The standard for silver jewelry and decorative items.
COIN SILVER
A 90% pure silver grade was once used for striking coins in the 19th century. No longer a common silver purity produced today.
MEXICAN SILVER
A general term for silver coming from Mexico with purity levels ranging from 90-99%. Always verify exact percentages.
Understanding these key silver purity levels will help you make informed bullion purchases from reputable dealers like Minot Coin & Bullion. Contact us with any questions!
Platinum Purity Guide
Platinum maintains its beauty and is treasured for its white luster. Know its common purity grades when buying platinum items:
950 PLATINUM
The highest grade is composed of 95% pure platinum content. Most platinum bullion coins and bars will be this grade.
900 PLATINUM
Contains 90% pure platinum. More alloy content makes this grade more durable for jewelry.
850 PLATINUM
The lowest platinum purity is 85% platinum. Least expensive grade but still offers a bright white appearance.
Unlike gold, platinum purity is measured in 1,000 parts instead of karats. But similar to gold, platinum is alloyed with metals like copper for improved hardness. Its natural white radiance and resistance to tarnishing makes platinum a top precious metal.
By understanding differences between platinum grades, you can make informed purchases from reputable platinum dealers like Minot Coin & Bullion. Contact us with any questions!
Coin Guide
When purchasing collectible coins, be informed on standard condition scales indicating states of wear. Our quick guide defines key terms.
MS
MS stands for Mint State, indicating that the coin is in excellent condition, with a grading range of MS60-MS70.
BU
BU means Brilliant Uncirculated and refers to coins that have never been in circulation and have minimal wear. These coins are also known as “Mint State” or “Uncirculated.”
AU
AU refers to Almost Uncirculated coins, which have slight wear and circulation but retain 95% of their original design.
XF
XF stands for Extra Fine. An Extra Fine grade indicates that the coin only has light wear, with 90% of the design still intact. The scratches and flaws on the coin will only be at its highest points.
VF
VF means Very Fine, and this grade indicates that up to 25% of the original design is smoothed.
Fine
Fine indicates significant signs of wear, with as much as half the design smoothed out.
VF
VG
VG stands for Very Good and indicates significant signs of wear throughout the coin.
G
G means good, and this grade indicates that up to 90% of the original design has been smoothed out. A coin with the G grade will be heavily worn.
Cull
A cull coin is considered in extremely bad condition and might be regarded as non-collectible.
Understanding differences between coin grades allows you to make informed purchases of rare, collectible currency from reputable dealers like Minot Coin & Bullion. Contact us with any numismatic questions!
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