Frequently Asked Questions

Our showroom is being built out as we speak and will soon be open to walk-in customers during our posted business hours. Calling or texting in the meantime to set an appointment for us to come to you or meet at a public location such as a bank lobby is recommended.  If you have a large collection or need dedicated time for an appraisal, we encourage you to call ahead for an appointment so we can serve you best. We also offer after-hour appointments for large estate purchases or special requests, by arrangement.

Our business is family-owned and operated, with roots in the North Florida community, we have been in the industry for 16 years and launched First and Best Precious Metals in 2025. We have decades of experience in the precious metals coin and bar industry whether you’re buying or selling. We have experts who are passionate about coins, bullion, and jewelry, and we pride ourselves on a long-standing reputation for honesty, trustworthiness and expertise in the Jacksonville area.

We specialize in buying and selling physical precious metals. Our services include:

• Selling gold and silver bullion coins, bars, and rounds to investors and collectors (see our inventory questions below).
• Buying gold, silver, and other precious metals from the public – this includes coins, bars, jewelry (gold or silver), scrap precious metal (like broken jewelry or dental gold), sterling silverware/flatware, nuggets and placer gold, coin collections, estate coin/jewelry collections, and select numismatic collectibles.
• Free appraisals and evaluations of coins and precious metal items. If you’re unsure of an item’s value, we offer honest assessments with no obligation.
• Assisting with precious metals IRAs – while we do not directly manage IRAs, we can guide you on purchasing IRA-eligible gold and silver coins or bars and work with your self-directed IRA custodian.
• Educational resources – we believe in an informed client. We gladly answer questions about the market, coin collecting, or the gold/silver buying process. (See the Precious Metals Basics section below for quick explanations on common terms.)

In short, we are a full-service coin and bullion dealer and strive to be your trusted local resource for all things gold and silver.

We know you have choices when it comes to precious metals, and we work hard to set ourselves apart. When you visit us, you’ll deal with a knowledgeable expert in precious metals and coins – not a pushy salesperson. Our goal is to educate and assist, not simply to sell. We offer extremely competitive pricing (for both purchases and buybacks), transparent business practices, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Our store is a secure and professional environment: we have private consultation rooms and use state-of-the-art equipment to test and authenticate metals right in front of you. Unlike some impersonal online dealers, we provide personalized service – whether you’re investing in gold bullion or selling a handful of old coins, you will receive our full attention and honest advice. Our financial stability and industry connections allow us to handle large transactions with immediate payment, while our local roots ensure we treat every customer like a neighbor. In short, our mission is to help you buy or sell precious metals with confidence and convenience. We invite you to experience our world-class customer service and see why so many in Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville trust us for their gold and silver needs.

We are equipped to handle very large transaction sizes. No deal is too big – we routinely handle large-volume bullion trades and six-figure, seven and even eight-figure estate collections or transactions. For very large sales or purchases, we can arrange secure options such as bank-wired funds or armored transport if needed. On the other end, we do have a minimum deal size of $1,000. This minimum applies to both buying and selling transactions. We’ve set this minimum to ensure we can provide adequate time and resources to each client (with gold and silver prices at historic highs, even a small amount of metal can reach $1,000 in value). If you have only a few items worth less than our minimum, feel free to call us for guidance — we may make exceptions for established customers or refer you to other options if appropriate. Note that for bullion purchases over $1,000, Florida sales tax is exempt (see tax question below), so hitting the minimum also benefits you by avoiding sales tax on bullion.

Absolutely. Customer safety and privacy are top priorities. Our store is a secure facility with surveillance systems and on-site security measures. For your comfort, we will have a  private meeting room where transactions can be conducted discreetly. When you sell to us, you can watch as we test and weigh your items. We also kindly request that customers help us maintain a comfortable environment. Overall, you can feel safe knowing that we have a controlled, professional setting for high-value transactions

We guarantee the authenticity and purity of every gold and silver product we sell, period end of sentence. All coins and bars are genuine and as described – we source our inventory from reputable mints, distributors, or vetted individual sellers. Though it’s never happened before, if you ever purchase from us and find an issue with authenticity, we will make it right with a full refund or replacement. For bullion purchases, because precious metals prices fluctuate, all sales are final once a price is locked in. We do not accept returns on bullion or coins purely due to market price changes. However, if there is a problem with your order (for example, we shipped the wrong item or an item is significantly not as described), please contact us immediately and we will correct the error. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction – we stand by our products and service.

Yes. We maintain an online catalog of popular gold and silver products (coins, bars, etc.) on our website under the ‘Shop’ sections. Prices for each item are updated frequently to reflect the latest market spot prices. You may place orders online or by phone, and we will arrange secure shipment to you (see Buying Gold & Silver below for details on ordering and shipping). Keep in mind that our online and in-store inventory does normally always include unique coins or estate jewelry pieces that are not listed online, so if you’re looking for something specific, please give us a call – we might have it or will source it. Whatever your taste we can assist and help get you the products you desire. For up-to-the-minute pricing on major bullion items, check the live spot price feed on our website.  

Yes — for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion, coins, and select jewelry. In Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, and surrounding markets, we use Sigma Metalytics analyzers, precision scales, and visual inspection to provide immediate, in-house evaluations.
For rare or numismatic coins, we arrange third-party grading through PCGS or NGC — the gold standard in coin authentication — to maximize value and marketability. This service is available to both local clients and collectors nationwide who require documented certification.

You have a few options to buy from us, whichever is most convenient:

• In-Store Purchase: Visit our Ponte Vedra location during business hours and you can buy directly. We display many popular items and can retrieve others from our vault upon request. It’s a straightforward process: you choose the items, we agree on the price (based on current market), you pay, and you take the metals with you immediately. No lengthy paperwork – just a valid ID for some transactions.
• Order by Phone: If you prefer, you can call us to lock in a price and place an order. We will quote you the current price for your desired items and can confirm the order over the phone. Once locked in, we’ll expect prompt payment (see payment methods below). After payment, you can either pick up in store or have the order shipped to you.
• Order Online: Through our website’s Shop section, you can add items to your cart and checkout online. Our online ordering system will calculate the pricing at the time of checkout (linked to live market updates). You can choose shipping or in-store pickup at checkout. If you place an online order outside of business hours, the price will be locked in at the time of order submission.

In all cases, because gold and silver prices fluctuate, we lock in your price at the time of purchase confirmation (whether in person, by phone, or online). This means you’re protected from market movements after that point, and so are we. Once a price is locked, both parties are expected to honor the transaction regardless of if gold and silver move up or down afterwards.

For buying precious metals from us, we accept several payment options:

• Bank Wire Transfer: For orders typically above $1,000 or any mail orders, a bank wire is a preferred method. Wires are fast (usually same-day or next-day) and have no hold once received. We will provide our bank wire instructions upon order placement (for security, we give wire details directly to customers with a confirmed order and photo ID verification).
• Check (Personal or Cashier’s): We accept checks for direct deposit at any Branch of Bank of America.  This means we will wait that period before releasing your metals for pickup or shipment. If timing is not urgent and you prefer to mail a check, this method is fine (please include your order number on the check). We do not accept e-checks or third-party checks at this time
• Trade or Barter: On occasion, customers wish to trade one metal for another (e.g., trading gold for silver). We do facilitate metal trades – essentially we will buy your metal and sell you the other metal in one seamless transaction, calculating any difference. This can be done in one visit or shipment.  We are also open to hearing about trading for other items of value. 

Payment Timing: If you lock in an order by phone or online, prompt payment is critical. We typically require wires to be initiated the same day or next business day at the very last, and checks to be mailed ASAP. If payment is not received within the agreed timeframe, the order may be subject to cancellation and market loss fees (see cancellation policy below).

This means if your total gold/silver purchase exceeds $500, you pay no sales tax (great news for investors). 

For out-of-state customers: We do not charge Florida sales tax on orders shipped outside Florida. Currently, THE MAJORITY of U.S. states either have no sales tax on bullion or have thresholds like Florida – for example, New York exempts sales over $1,000, etc. Please consult your state’s rules or ask us if unsure.

Yes, we offer secure nationwide shipping for purchases. We primarily use insured carriers like UPS and Fed Ex we can ship to PO Boxes using USPS Registered Mail. All packages are shipped fully insured and with tracking. We take great care in discreetly packaging your metals – items are packed in unmarked boxes with no indication of contents, for security.  We pay for signature confirmation upon delivery for shipments to do everything we can to ensure it gets directly to you.

Shipping and Insurance are always FREE unlike many dealers! 

• Expedited Shipping: If you need your metals urgently, we can arrange 2-day or overnight shipping at cost (with insurance). For very high-value orders, armored transport or Brinks delivery to a secure facility can be arranged as well.
• Local Pickup: If you’re local, you can choose to pick up in our store instead of shipping, of course, for no charge.

Once your order is shipped, we will provide you with the tracking number so you can monitor the delivery progress. Please note: we only ship to addresses within the United States and Canada or to our storage partners in Singapore or Zurich.  All shipments are insured for their full value, so you are covered in the rare event of loss or damage in transit.

Delivery times depend on payment clearance and your location. If you pay by bank wire, orders of in-stock items usually ship out within 1-2 business days. For example, if you order and wire funds on Monday, we often ship by Tuesday or Wednesday. Orders paid by check will ship only after the hold period (typically we wait 5 business days for personal checks to clear). Once shipped:

• USPS Registered Mail (often used for very high-value shipments) can be slower (5-7 days) but is extremely secure.
• FedEx 2-Day or UPS or Overnight will arrive in 1-3 days after we ship, if you opted for that.

In summary, for a fast transaction (wire), you could have your metals in hand within the same  day of ordering if picking up or same week of ordering if shipped. We will communicate any backorder or delay situations up front. Occasionally, a particular item might be on backorder; if so, we’ll let you know the estimated shipping date or offer an alternative. We strive to get you your metals as quickly and safely as possible, balancing speed with the secure handling requirements for bullion. If you ever have a question about your order status, you can always check with us – but also look out for our email updates: we send an email when payment is received and another with tracking info when your order ships.

Absolutely. Once we ship your order, you will receive a shipping confirmation email that includes the tracking number and carrier information. You can use that tracking number on the carrier’s website to see the status and expected delivery date of your package. Additionally, if you have an online account with us, you can log in and view your order status and tracking info there. We recommend tracking the package so you know when to expect it (remember, a signature will be required). If you ever notice any delay or issue with delivery (e.g. tracking hasn’t updated, or it’s marked delivered but you didn’t receive it), contact us immediately and we will assist in investigating and filing insurance claims if needed. Fortunately, lost packages are extremely rare with the methods we use, but we’re here to help and keep you informed every step of the way.

The price for gold and silver products is made up of two components: the spot price of the metal and a cost over spot price otherwise known as premium (or markup) for the specific item.

• The spot price is the current market price of raw gold or silver per ounce. This price fluctuates constantly during market hours (much like stock prices). We display live spot prices in our store and on our website for transparency. Spot is the base cost for the metal content.
• The premium is the additional cost above spot for a finished product. This is not all profit for dealers like First and Best Precious metals.  It accounts for the minting or manufacturing cost, distribution, and a small dealer margin-most of what you pay over spot is also what our business pays over spot to acquire the item. Premiums can vary by product: common bullion coins and large bars have very modest premiums. Small denomination pieces might have slightly higher premiums as they cost more to produce in smaller scales. 

We price our products by taking the live spot price, taking into account what our company has to pay over spot to acquire the item and adding a competitive premium. Premiums can fluctuate with market conditions (e.g., in times of high demand or supply shortages, premiums can rise). Rest assured, we aim to keep premiums low – our prices are extremely competitive with national dealers, often among the very very best in all of Florida. We’re also transparent: when you inquire, we’ll happily break down the spot price and premium for your purchase.

For large volume orders, we may offer discounted premiums. If you’re buying, say, 3,000+ oz of silver or 100+ oz of gold coins, ask us about volume price breaks. On the flip side, when you sell to us, the price we pay is usually spot minus a small margin (see Selling section for more on our buy prices).

This is a common question, especially from first-time precious metals buyers. The spot price is like a raw material price. When you buy a physical coin or bar, you are purchasing a manufactured product that contains that metal. The difference between spot and the product’s price is the premium as described above. This premium covers the cost of production (mining, refining, minting) and a profit for the mint and dealer. Additionally, smaller denominations (like a 1/10 oz gold coin) carry higher percentage premiums than larger ones (a 1 oz coin) because the fabrication cost per ounce is higher in small form.

In short, you pay a bit above melt value to get the convenience, assurance, and beauty of a coined or cast product. When you sell, you will typically receive something slightly below spot for common bullion (that difference is our margin to cover our costs and risk). However, certain coins may fetch numismatic premiums above metal value if they are rare or collectible. We are very fair with our pricing – our aim is to make precious metals accessible while operating a sustainable business. We’re happy to answer any pricing questions or show you how our prices compare with live market rates at any time.

Please be sure you intend to follow through before placing an order or agreeing to a price. Because we lock in prices in real-time, we consider all sales final at the time of confirmation. If the market moves in your favor after your order (for example, gold price drops after you purchase it), we cannot adjust your order to the new price – likewise, if it rises, we do not raise your price. This policy protects both parties from market volatility. Cancelling an order after price lock can result in significant losses to us, so we strongly discourage it. In rare cases where a cancellation is absolutely necessary, you must contact us immediately. We may require you to compensate for any market loss incurred due to the cancellation, in line with industry standards (i.e., the difference if the metal price fell). We also impose a small cancellation/restocking fee (e.g., $50 or 5% of the order total, whichever is greater) in such cases.  This is not to make money on cancellations, but to cover the costs and risk we took to hedge the metals for your order. 

If you need to modify an order (for example, add an item, change the shipping address, or change payment method), please call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate changes if the order has not yet been finalized or shipped. Minor changes like an address update or adding a small item might be possible without needing a new quote. However, changing the quantity of metal or swapping items could effectively be a new order at current prices. We’ll communicate options with you case by case. Our goal is to be reasonable, but also fair to our business commitments. When in doubt, ask before ordering – we’re here to help you make the right purchase the first time.

No, in almost all cases, buying precious metals from us is a private transaction that is not reported to the IRS or government. There are no federal reporting requirements for cash or wire purchases of precious metals (contrary to some myths). We do not collect your social security number or any tax ID for a purchase; and we do not file any form 1099 for a customer buying metals. The only time identification and reporting comes into play is if you pay more than $10,000 in actual cash – in that case, like any business, we must file a CTR (Currency Transaction Report) due to anti-money-laundering laws. But that is about cash usage, not the metals themselves, and it doesn’t report what you bought, only that cash was used. For typical transactions, your purchase is confidential. We also uphold a strict privacy policy – we never share customer information or lists with any third parties. In fact, we encourage discretion for security; some customers even choose to sign a simple non-disclosure agreement for their own peace of mind when buying large amounts of metals (this is optional). The bottom line: your privacy is respected when you buy from us. We want you to feel safe and secure about accumulating precious metals.

Yes, absolutely. We are always happy to buy back precious metals, whether you originally bought them from us or elsewhere. Liquidity is one of the key benefits of investing in physical gold and silver – you can readily sell when you’re ready. We make that process easy. If you have previously purchased coins or bars from us and decide to sell them later, we will offer our current buyback price (which is typically very competitive, based on the live market spot price). Many of our clients are long-term investors, and when the time comes to liquidate, they come right back to us to sell. We do not charge any extra fees for buybacks (no “restocking” fee – we simply pay you the agreed price). The process to sell back is straightforward – see the Selling section below for details on how to sell to us.

In short, yes, we will buy your metals when you want to sell. We view it as a two-way relationship: we sell to you when you want to accumulate, and we buy from you when you want to cash out. This is why we strive to be fair in our pricing both ways. Our long-standing policy is to foster trust so that customers become repeat sellers and buyers over time.

Selling to us is easy and seller-friendly. Here’s how it typically works you can sell to us from anywhere in the US:

• We can arrange for a drop off at any of our partner vault locations in upstate New York, (New Castle Wilmington) Delaware, Dallas Texas, Denver Colorado, Los Angeles California, Las Vegas Nevada.  We will set an appointment for you and have you drop the metals off in person at the storage facility.  Products will then be verified by the third party storage facility and placed into our account at that storage facility.  Once we have confirmed authenticity we can begin the process of sending you payment typically by wire.  Prices are set on the day of drop off normally prior to arriving at the location. 
• In-Person Sale in Saint Johns County Florida (Between Saint Augustine and Jacksonville) (Preferred for locals): Set an appointment to bring your items to our store during buying hours (we recommend coming at least 30 minutes before closing for ample evaluation time). We will greet you and review your items with you. We test and weigh the metals right in front of you using our testing equipment that does not damage the coins. For jewelry, we determine the karat purity (via electronic tester or acid test) and weight, then calculate its value based on current market prices. For coins or bullion, we’ll inspect them and refer to live metal prices and our buying rates. If items have numismatic value beyond metal, we factor that in as well. After the evaluation, we will make you a clear offer – typically an amount in USD that we can pay on the spot. If you accept, we proceed to payment immediately (see payment options below). The whole process can take as little as 10-15 minutes for small lots, or longer for large collections (we’ll do our best to make it efficient, sometimes enlisting multiple appraisers for big collections).
  
• Mail-In or Remote Sale: If you are not local or have a large volume, you can still sell to us via insured shipping. The steps are:

1. 1. Contact us for a preliminary quote. You can call or email a list of what you have. We’ll discuss the items and give you an estimated price range or a formula (for example, “we pay 99% of spot for gold Eagles of that quantity”)
   2. If you wish to proceed, we will guide you on securely shipping your items. We can provide packing instructions and may provide a prepaid insured shipping label in some cases (for high-value shipments, we often cover shipping costs). We recommend using a sturdy, unmarked box with no indication of valuables.
   3. Once shipped, you’ll share the tracking number with us (if we provided a label, we’ll already have it). Our internal security team monitors incoming packages to ensure safe arrival.
   4. When your package arrives, we open and process it under video surveillance. We verify the contents against what was discussed. We then contact you with the final offer (if it matches the preliminary quote, we proceed; if there are any differences – e.g., purity was higher or lower, or counts differ – we inform you and adjust the offer accordingly). Assuming you accept the offer, we send payment immediately (next section details payment methods). If for some reason you decline the final offer, we will return your items to you promptly (you may need to cover return shipping in that case). We aim to avoid such situations by being transparent upfront.

• White Glove come to You Option Near Your Location Anywhere in the US: In certain situations (for large estate collections), we can arrange to meet at a secure agreed location near you to evaluate and purchase your items. This could be at a bank facility in your hometown or your home with proper arrangements. This is handled on a case-by-case basis for significant transactions.

Throughout the selling process, you remain in control. Asking for a quote does not obligate you. We know selling inherited valuables or investment metals can be daunting, so we operate with a no-pressure approach. We’ll give you all the information (weight, purity, market price) so you understand how we arrived at our offer. Our goal is to make it easy, transparent, and fast for you to turn your precious metals into cash, with no hidden fees or surprises (we do not charge any “evaluation” or “processing” fees for standard items – the offer we give is what you get paid).

At this time yes and it’s always a good idea to text or call.  In the future once our office is completely build out for most walk-in sellers, an appointment is not required. You can visit anytime during our buying hours. If you have an especially large collection (say, hundreds of gold coins or a high-value transaction) or need privacy, you are welcome to call ahead and schedule an appointment with one of our buyers in a private way. Appointments can also be made for outside of normal hours if needed, particularly for dealer-to-dealer transactions or estate situations. 

We do have a $1,000 minimum transaction size when we buy from the public (as mentioned in General FAQs). This means the total payout for your items should be at least $1,000. This policy is in place mostly to ensure efficiency – with current high metal prices, it doesn’t take much to reach $1,000 (for example, a single 1 oz gold coin is well above that). If you have less than the minimum, please call us; we might still be able to accommodate or point you in the right direction. There is no maximum – we have substantial capital and credit lines to purchase even very large hoards of gold or silver. In fact, on numerous occasions we have handled single transactions that were north of $10Million.  We are well-prepared for large deals with immediate payment as it’s what we specialize in. Our company is well-funded, hedged against market fluctuations, and has the capacity to make instant payments even on large deals, so you never have to wait for your money.

When selling precious metals, you will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). This is required by Florida law for secondhand transactions to help prevent theft and fraud. We will record your name and ID details on a state-mandated form. Rest assured, this information is kept confidential and is only used to comply with the law. If your sale exceeds certain thresholds or involves specific types of coins, there may be additional IRS tax forms (see next question on taxes/reporting). For the vast majority of sales, only an ID is needed. You do not need to bring receipts or original paperwork for your items (though if you have certificates for coins or diamonds it can be helpful). Just the items you’re selling and your ID. We handle all the necessary documentation on our end.

This is a common concern. The act of selling your personal precious metals to us is generally not reported by us to the IRS, except in specific circumstances mandated by federal law. The IRS requires precious metal dealers to file a Form 1099-B for customer sales only if the transaction meets certain criteria in terms of the type of metal and the quantity sold. These criteria cover large sales of specific forms of bullion (for example, 25+ 1 oz Gold Maple Leafs, or 1000+ oz of silver bars, etc.). It’s a somewhat detailed list (based on IRS Reportable Items guidelines). We will let you know at the time of sale if your transaction triggers a 1099-B reporting requirement. For instance, selling 10 Gold Eagles would not trigger a report (U.S. coin sales are often exempt), but selling 25 Krugerrands might, as one example. If a 1099-B is required, we would need you to fill out a W-9 form with your tax ID, and then we would submit the 1099-B to the IRS reporting the gross proceeds of the sale. This is for tax compliance – it doesn’t necessarily mean you owe taxes (that depends on your cost basis and personal tax situation – consult a tax advisor).

However, most sales from the public to us do NOT hit those thresholds. For example, scrap gold jewelry sales aren’t reportable, and common small bullion sales aren’t either. We do not report any customer info to the IRS unless legally required to do so. We also do not report to any law enforcement unless an item is suspected stolen (and even then, we’d coordinate with authorities case by case as required by law).

As for taxes owed: That is between you and the IRS. Selling your metals might result in a capital gain or loss. Precious metals are considered collectibles for tax purposes, which currently have a maximum 28% capital gains tax rate if you have a gain. But again, we don’t withhold any taxes or report unless the above criteria are met. We advise you to speak with a tax professional to understand any tax implications of selling your gold or silver. We cannot legally give tax advice. Our role is simply to buy your metals and pay you.

In summary: We value your privacy. No, we don’t report standard sales. Only in the relatively rare case of a very large bullion sale falling under IRS guidelines would we file a 1099-B, and we’d communicate that with you if so.

We base our buying prices on the prevailing market spot prices for gold, silver, etc., minus a small margin that covers our refining or resale costs. Our goal is to pay you as much as possible while allowing a modest spread for our business. Specifically:

• For bullion coins and bars in demand (like Gold/Silver Eagles, Maple Leafs, 1 oz bars, etc.), we often pay very aggressively – sometimes at or just below spot price, and in some cases for items in high demand, even above spot. For example, if 1 oz Silver Eagles are scarce in the market, we might pay spot + $2 each because we know we can resell them at a higher premium.
• For scrap gold jewelry, we typically pay a percentage of the melt value. That percentage depends on the purity (we pay more, closer to 100% of melt, for higher purities) and the quantity. Our rates are usually among the best – often in the 70–90% of spot range for common karat jewelry, and even higher for large quantities. We calculate it by taking the weight of pure gold in your item (for instance, 10 grams of 14k contains 5.83g pure) and multiplying by spot price, then applying our payout percentage. We’re happy to show you this math during the offer so you know exactly what you’re getting.
• For silver jewelry or flatware, similarly, we pay based on the silver content (sterling is 92.5% silver). Silver has a lower price per ounce, so often we’ll quote per ounce or per pound for sterling flatware. Again, our offer will be very competitive (we want you to walk away feeling you got a fair deal, and come back in the future).
• For numismatic coins, the price we pay can exceed metal value by a large margin if the coin is rare. We refer to the latest market guides, auction results, and our expert network to price rare coins. If you have something truly special, we might broker it or auction it to get you top dollar, but if we’re buying outright, we’ll explain how we arrived at that figure (perhaps via the Grey Sheet price or recent comps). Common date collectible coins we generally buy at melt or a small premium and sort them for our inventory.
• For diamonds and gemstones, values can vary widely. We evaluate the 4 Cs of diamonds (carat, cut, color, clarity) and check current secondary market prices. We aim to offer a fair wholesale price. Note that retail jewelry appraisals are often inflated; our offer will be based on realistic market resale value. We can certainly walk you through the rationale on gemstone offers as well.
• Transparency: We are transparent about our calculations. If you ask, “how did you get that number?”, we’ll gladly break it down. We have nothing to hide and want you to feel comfortable. We believe an informed seller is an empowered seller. Many happy customers choose us because we were honest and educational during the selling process, not just throwing a number out.

Ultimately, our business thrives on volume and repeat customers, so we prefer to pay a little more and have you trust us, than to lowball and never see you again. That’s why our payouts are known to be some of the strongest in the area. We also periodically run bonus offers or match competitor offers if needed – if you get a higher quote elsewhere, let us know and we’ll do our best to match or beat it when possible.

Yes, we will buy items in almost any condition. For scrap gold/silver, condition does not matter at all – we’re buying purely for metal content, so a broken chain or bent ring is just as good as a perfect one. You do not need to polish or repair anything; in fact, please do not clean coins as harsh cleaning can hurt collectible value. For bullion coins/bars, minor wear or surface scratches also typically won’t affect our offer much, since common bullion is valued for metal (we may pay slightly less if a coin is extremely beat up or has been removed from packaging, but gold is gold). For numismatic coins, condition is crucial for their collector value – if a coin is heavily worn or cleaned, it might only fetch melt value rather than a premium. We will let you know if that’s the case. For diamonds, we buy even if a piece is in an outdated setting or missing stones; the main diamond can still hold value. Bottom line: don’t hesitate to bring in items due to condition. We’ve seen it all – from coins that went through a fire to jewelry that’s in pieces – and we can still pay you for the precious metal content. The only time condition might stop a purchase is if an item is so fake or altered that it’s not what we thought (e.g., a coin that turns out to be plated). But genuine precious metals, no matter the appearance, have value.

Generally, no – leave them in. If you have gold jewelry with stones, bring the whole piece to us. We have the tools to remove stones carefully if we buy the item. If the stones are small (melee diamonds or tiny gems), they often don’t significantly add to the offer because they have very little resale value on their own. In many cases, we might buy the item for gold weight and let you keep the small stones if you want them (we can pop them out for you). If the stones are larger or valuable, we will factor that into our offer. We have a trained gemologist to evaluate them. Removing stones yourself can be time-consuming and you risk damaging them – plus you might accidentally remove something that actually had some value to us. So it’s best to let us see the complete piece; we’ll advise which stones have value and which don’t. If you prefer to keep a particular stone (say a sentimental diamond), we can deduct a bit of weight for it and return it to you. We are flexible and want you to be comfortable with what you part with.

We buy coins from virtually all countries. U.S. coins, foreign coins, ancient coins – if it’s gold or silver (or a desirable numismatic piece), we’re interested. This includes: modern world bullion (Canadian, Australian, Chinese, European, etc.), old foreign gold coins (like British Sovereigns, French 20 Francs, etc.), world silver coins, and even currency notes in some cases. We also handle war medals, tokens, and other exonumia if they contain precious metals or have collector value. If you have something unusual, we’ll certainly take a look. There’s very little in the realm of coins and precious metals that we haven’t encountered!

We believe sellers should be paid immediately. If you come to our store in person, we pay on the spot as soon as we agree on a deal. You have a choice of payment method:

• Cash: For many transactions, we can pay in cash right then and there. We keep sufficient cash on hand for typical daily purchases. If the amount is very large (beyond what’s practical or safe in cash), or if you prefer not to carry cash, we’ll use another method. Also note, for cash payments above $10,000, we’ll need to fill out the aforementioned currency report (CTR). But you will receive the cash immediately.
• Check: We can issue you a business check on the spot. Some sellers prefer a check for record-keeping. Our checks are drawn on a major bank. We can even have it made out to a business or trust if you’re selling on behalf of an entity (proper documentation may be required). There is no fee for a check. It’s a good option if you don’t want to walk with a lot of cash.
• Bank Wire Transfer: For larger transactions or for mail-in sales, we often use bank wires. We can wire the funds directly into your bank account, usually the same day the transaction is finalized (if during banking hours) or next business day. Wires are fast and secure; once we send it, the money typically hits your account within a few hours. We do not charge for wiring to your U.S. bank account. If you ship items to us and request a wire, we’ll coordinate to get your routing/account info (and we may do a quick identity verification since wires are irreversible). Many remote sellers appreciate the speed of a wire – you could ship your gold on Monday, and have money in your account by Wednesday in many cases.
• Trade or Store Credit: Some sellers choose to take payment in the form of other products. For example, maybe you’re selling some scrap gold but want to get a gold coin – we can do a swap. We treat it as two transactions (buying your gold and selling you the coin) and you would just pay or receive the difference. We also can issue a store credit if you plan to make future purchases – sometimes during special promotions we might even offer a bonus on store credit (for instance, an extra few percent if you take credit instead of cash). Feel free to ask about current promotions.

For mail-in sales, we typically mail a check or send a wire the same day we finalize the offer with you, or at worst by the next business day. We know waiting for payment is uncomfortable, so we strive to be extremely prompt. In fact, we pride ourselves on fast turnaround – many customers who ship to us are pleasantly surprised at how quick the payment comes. We also offer Zelle payments for smaller transactions if you prefer instant transfer and it falls within Zelle limits.

Yes, every transaction is documented. For in-person sales, after we pay you, we will provide a purchase receipt that outlines the items we bought and the amount paid. This receipt serves as your record (useful for your files or for any tax purposes you may have). For mail-in transactions, we can email or mail you a copy of the finalized buy order detailing the items and payment. Our paperwork is straightforward and we keep copies as well. Additionally, if you require a formal appraisal document (say, for an estate or insurance) we can arrange that, usually for a fee if it’s a separate written appraisal. But the transaction receipt itself is free. We believe in keeping good records for both parties’ peace of mind.

If during evaluation we find any discrepancies – for instance, a coin turns out to be a different year or a jewelry piece tests as 10k gold instead of 14k – we will immediately communicate that to you and adjust the offer accordingly. Sometimes people aren’t sure what they have, and that’s okay. We are honest and transparent with our findings. Our testing is done under video surveillance for accuracy, and you’re welcome to observe all tests we perform. If a discrepancy leads to a lower price than you expected and you decide not to sell, that’s completely fine – we will return your items to you with no hard feelings. We want you to be fully comfortable with the transaction. Often, though, customers appreciate our thoroughness and proceed with selling even if an item wasn’t as assumed. On the flip side, if we discover something more valuable than you realized (it happens – e.g., a piece of jewelry is higher karat than marked, or a coin is a rare variety), we will let you know and pay you more accordingly. We believe in fair dealing; our reputation is worth more than a quick gain.

Nothing – you are never obligated until we have your items and you agree to our final offer. If we give you a shipping label or quote and you choose not to go through with it, just let us know. We understand circumstances change. We do ask that if we locked in a price with you (for instance, for a large bullion sale) that you inform us promptly if you change your mind, because we may have hedged that metal expecting your shipment. We don’t charge a formal penalty for simply not shipping, but please be considerate and communicate. If you repeatedly lock prices and don’t ship, we may be unable to do business further. But a one-time “no send” situation, handled honestly, is okay. If we already received your package and you then decline the offer, we’ll return the items to you (you would typically cover the return insured shipping). Our aim is to maintain a good relationship even if a deal doesn’t happen.

No – there are no hidden fees when you sell to us. We do not charge appraisal fees, testing fees, or shipping fees (if we provided a label) for standard transactions. The offer we give you is exactly what we pay. The only potential cost to you would be shipping your items to us if you’re doing a mail-in and we didn’t cover shipping. But often for significant transactions we either provide a prepaid label or reimburse shipping costs. We don’t nickel-and-dime our sellers. For example, if we say “we’ll pay you $1,500 for these items,” you will get $1,500. There’s no further deduction. This straightforward approach is something our customers appreciate.

When you ship items to us using our provided label or following our instructions, yes, it is insured. We usually insure packages through the carrier for at least the estimated value of your items. If you are sending items on your own (not using our label), we strongly recommend you insure the package for its full value and use a service like USPS Registered Mail (which is very secure) or insured Priority/Express. We can guide you on the best practices. In the unlikely event a package is lost in transit on the way to us, don’t worry – if you followed our shipping instructions and insured it, you are covered. We would assist in the insurance claim process. Generally, carriers require a waiting period (e.g., 7-15 days) to declare a package lost, and then we file a claim. Ultimately, you would receive the insured amount if a genuine loss occurred. That said, loss is extremely rare. We monitor incoming shipments closely. If you see via tracking that a package you sent seems stalled or missing, contact us and we’ll help investigate and push the carrier.

If a package arrives damaged or with missing contents, we document the condition upon receipt with video and photos. Because we film the opening of all incoming packages, there is evidence if something was tampered with. Any shortage or damage would be pursued with the carrier’s insurance. You would likewise be covered for the insured amount in such a case. We’ve rarely had to do this, but rest assured, we’ve got procedures in place. We treat your items as if they were our own while in transit and in our care.

Yes – in fact, many sellers prefer the convenience of an in-person sale. If you are within driving distance, you can personally deliver your precious metals to us by appointment(or during walk-in hours as noted). Some people are not comfortable mailing valuables, which is perfectly understandable. Face-to-face transactions allow you to hand over your items and get paid in one visit, without any shipping involved. We have a secure and comfortable office to conduct these transactions discreetly. If you have a very large amount of metals and feel more secure handling it in person, definitely arrange to come in. We’ve had customers fly in from out of state with coins or drive up from South Florida – we’re happy to accommodate. Just coordinate with us for anything unusual (for example, if you plan to bring in 5000 oz of silver, let’s set a time so we can have the funds ready and ample staff to assist).

Also, if you are local but mobility is an issue, let us know – we can potentially travel to you or arrange a secure meeting point to pick up items (especially for elderly clients or those with large safes to liquidate). Your comfort and safety in the selling process are important to us.

We are efficient even with large collections. If you have many items, our team can tag-team the appraisal. For instance, one expert can sort and count coins while another tests jewelry. We’ve handled estate collections with thousands of coins in only a couple of hours. We might ask you to drop off and come back later if it’s extremely extensive, but typically we prefer you to be present so we can discuss as we go. We’ll work diligently to give you an offer as quickly as possible without rushing the careful evaluation needed. Feel free to bring a book or use our Wi-Fi while we process a big lot – but many clients enjoy watching the evaluation and asking questions along the way. We’re totally fine with that too. Transparency is a hallmark of our service.

It depends on what they are – some could be valuable as collectibles, others only for their silver content, and some not at all. Common U.S. coins like wheat pennies or circulated nickels might only be worth a few cents each. However, older coins (like pre-1965 silver coins, or 19th-century coins) can have significant value. The best way to know is to let us take a look. We offer a free evaluation of coin collections. In fact, we have a free e-book titled “Before You Sell That Coin: A No-Nonsense Guide for First-Time Coin Sellers” – it’s a beginner’s guide to help people understand coin values and how to identify key dates. You can download it from our website or pick up a copy at our store. The guide covers basics like checking mint marks and conditions. We wrote it to help folks avoid accidentally selling a rare coin for cheap. So, if you have lots of coins, we encourage you to do a little homework (with resources like our guide) or just bring them to us for an honest appraisal. We promise to tell you which ones are worth more than face value and which are not. We love coins and enjoy educating new collectors or sellers about them.

As mentioned earlier, a 1099-B is an IRS form that precious metals dealers must file for certain large or regulated transactions. If your sale triggers this form, we will need you to fill out a W-9 form, which provides us with your Taxpayer Identification Number (usually your Social Security Number). We use that to complete the 1099-B which reports the proceeds of your sale to the IRS. The W-9 is simply a one-page form where you list your name, address, and SSN and certify you’re not subject to backup withholding. We keep this on file as required for any reported transactions. If you’re a business or trust selling to us, you’d use an EIN on the W-9.

Again, this is only if the specific criteria for reporting are met (for example, selling a large quantity of certain bullion types in one go). If you’re just selling some jewelry or a few coins, no 1099-B, hence no W-9, is needed. We mention it here so you’re not surprised in case it comes up. Should it come up, we’ll help you through it – it’s straightforward and we keep your data strictly confidential.

And just to reiterate: we are not tax advisors. If you have questions on how a 1099-B might affect your taxes, it’s best to consult an accountant. We provide the form when required, but any tax due is your responsibility to calculate and pay (for example, if you have capital gains). Many customers never have to worry about this at all, but we like to be transparent about all aspects of selling precious metals.

Precious metals are measured in troy ounces, which differ from the regular (avoirdupois) ounces you use for food. One troy ounce is about 31.1035 grams. By comparison, a standard ounce is ~28.35 grams. So a troy ounce is about 10% heavier. When we talk about gold or silver prices, it’s always per troy ounce. A troy pound has 12 troy ounces (not 16 like the common pound). For simplicity, just remember: a 1 oz gold coin is 1 troy ounce = 31.1g. We sometimes deal in grams for small items or kilos for large bars (1 kilogram is 32.15 troy ounces). We’ll make sure you know what unit we’re using in any quote.

The gold-to-silver ratio is a common metric in the precious metals world that tells how many ounces of silver are equivalent in value to one ounce of gold. It’s calculated by dividing the current gold price by the current silver price. For example, if gold is $3,500/oz and silver is $35/oz, the ratio is 3,500/35 = 100. This ratio fluctuates over time based on market dynamics. Some investors use it as a gauge for relative value – e.g., a historically high ratio might indicate silver is cheap relative to gold. Over the past century, the ratio has averaged around 50-60, but it has swung from as low as ~15 (in 1980) to over 100 (in 2020). We mention it because customers often ask if they should trade gold for silver or vice versa when the ratio is at an extreme. There’s no right answer, but we can facilitate trades if you decide to play the ratio (for instance, swapping some gold for a larger quantity of silver when the ratio is high). It’s an interesting statistic to follow if you’re into market analysis.

• Coins: Coins are legal tender, issued by a government mint, and have a face value (though their metal value is usually far higher). Examples: U.S. Gold Eagle (face $50), Silver Eagle (face $1), Canadian Maple Leaf (face $5 for silver, $50 for 1oz gold). Coins often carry a government guarantee of weight and purity, and sometimes have collectible designs. They may also have dates and can become numismatic. Coins generally have higher premiums than rounds/bars due to these factors.
• Rounds: A round is like a coin in shape and size, often 1 oz, but it’s made by a private mint and is not legal tender. It will usually say “One Troy Ounce .999 Silver” (or gold) but have no face value or country listed. Rounds can have all sorts of designs (Buffalo replicas, holiday themes, etc.). They are purely for bullion investment or collecting fun, with no monetary value stamped. Typically, silver rounds have some of the lowest premiums over spot.
• Bars: Bars are rectangular (or sometimes poured blobs) of metal. They come from both private refiners (like Engelhard, PAMP, Sunshine Mint) and some government mints (Royal Canadian Mint makes bars too). Bars range in size from tiny 1 gram bars up to large 400 oz gold bars or 1000 oz silver bars (industrial sizes). They usually have the weight, purity, and refiner’s name stamped on them. Bars often represent the most cost-effective way to own bullion as they usually have low premiums, especially in larger sizes.

In summary, if you prioritize recognizability and potential use as currency in a pinch, you might lean toward coins. If you want the most metal for your money and don’t care about legal tender, bars and rounds are excellent – bars for larger holdings, rounds for 1 oz increments. We carry all three categories and can help you decide based on your goals.

In short we don’t believe gold is expensive.  Gold’s higher price comes from its unique nature – it is rare, desirable, and cannot be manufactured, only mined. The price of gold (and any commodity) is determined by supply and demand. Gold has a relatively limited annual supply (only a few thousand tons mined per year globally) and the existing above-ground stock of gold is finite. Meanwhile, demand for gold comes from multiple sources:

• Jewelry: Gold is cherished for jewelry worldwide, especially in countries like India and China, creating steady demand.
• Investment: Many people and institutions buy gold as an investment or hedge (gold is seen as a store of value, especially when paper currencies lose purchasing power).
• Central Banks: Governments hold gold in reserves; central banks collectively are big buyers to diversify their currency reserves.
• Technology: A smaller portion of gold is used in electronics, medical devices, and other industrial applications due to its conductive and non-corrosive properties.

With limited supply and robust demand, the price tends to be high. Also, gold has been historically viewed as an “alternative currency” and a safe-haven asset. In times of economic uncertainty or inflation, demand for gold often increases, pushing the price up. Another way to look at it: gold’s purchasing power has held over centuries; what $20 could buy 100 years ago, a $20 gold coin (about an ounce) can roughly buy today – that consistency means an ounce of gold is expensive in dollar terms because the dollar itself has depreciated over time while gold maintained value. Ultimately, people are willing to pay a lot for gold because it’s perceived as intrinsically valuable, globally accepted, and virtually indestructible.

For a quick perspective, all the gold ever mined in history is estimated to be around 200,000 metric tons – that sounds like a lot, but it would fit into a few Olympic-sized swimming pools. That scarcity is a big part of why gold commands a high price per ounce.

Investors and savers choose gold and silver for several key reasons:

• Store of Value & Inflation Hedge: Precious metals have a long track record of maintaining their value over time. When paper currency loses value due to inflation, gold and silver often rise in dollar terms. They can preserve purchasing power. For example, what $1 could buy in 1920, a silver dime (which was $0.10 then) can buy in 2020. Metals don’t pay interest, but they don’t default or become worthless either.
• Diversification: Gold and silver often move differently than stocks and bonds. Including some metals in a portfolio can diversify and potentially reduce overall risk. In times when stock markets crash or economies falter, gold especially tends to perform well, providing a balance.
• Safe Haven: During political instability, wars, or financial crises, people flock to tangible assets. Gold (and to a lesser extent silver) is seen as a safe haven. Its value is not tied to any one government or company. It’s an asset you can hold in your hand, independent of the banking system.
• Liquidity: Gold and silver are globally recognized. You can sell gold/silver virtually anywhere in the world for quick cash. That makes them a very liquid asset (especially coins and smaller bars). This liquidity appeals to those who want an emergency reserve.
• No Counterparty Risk: Unlike stocks or bonds, physical metals carry no promise from someone else; you’re not depending on a company’s earnings or a government’s ability to repay. There is no default risk with a gold coin – it’s valuable in itself. This is reassuring in a world of complex financial instruments.
• Potential for Upside: Some invest in metals expecting the price to rise over the long term, especially if they anticipate increasing debt, money printing by central banks, or simply growing demand (e.g., emerging market middle classes buying jewelry/investments).
• Intrinsic Value & Legacy: Many also buy as a way to pass wealth to future generations. Gold and silver have been valued across all cultures and eras – they carry intrinsic worth and beauty. Gifting gold coins to children or grandchildren is common; it’s a timeless asset.

Each person’s reason can vary – some might focus on silver’s industrial uses and think demand will increase, others might be “gold bugs” who distrust fiat currency. We take an educational approach: if you’re interested, we’ll share insights and resources (we have an Investing Guide and even host occasional seminars on bullion investing). But in a nutshell, people invest in gold and silver for financial security, diversification, and as a hedge against uncertainties in the world economy.

Storage is important to think about as you acquire precious metals. You have a few options, and the right one depends on how much you have and your personal circumstances:

• Home Storage: Many people keep their metals at home for quick access. If you do, invest in a quality home safe that is heavy and ideally bolted down. Conceal the safe’s location if possible. Keep your metals in some protective packaging (plastic capsules or airtight bags for coins to prevent tarnish, etc.). Climate-controlled areas are best (avoid extreme humidity to protect coins from spotting). The advantage of home storage is you have the metal in-hand whenever you want it; the risk is theft or loss, so good security measures are a must.
• Safe Deposit Box: Storing at your bank’s safe deposit box is a popular choice for moderate amounts. It’s secure against home burglary and often fairly cheap (maybe $50-$200 a year depending on box size). The downside is limited access (bank hours) and the fact that contents aren’t insured by the bank (though usually you can add a rider to your homeowner’s insurance for items in a safe deposit box). For many, this is a convenient off-site storage.
• Professional Vault or Depository: For larger holdings, or if you prefer high security and insurance, you can use a private depository. These are specialized vault facilities (some run by Brinks, Loomis, or other security firms) that will store your metals for a fee. They typically offer full insurance coverage and even online account management (you can buy/sell directly through them). One example is the Citadel Global Depository Services, which is managed by Brink’s and affiliated with some dealers. Depositories may be located in tax-friendly zones and have 24/7 armed security, etc. The cost might be around 0.5% to 1% of asset value per year, or a flat fee.
• Diversified storage: Some advanced holders store a portion at home and a portion in a vault, possibly even in different geographic locations, to hedge against any single point of failure (like burglary, natural disaster, or government confiscation – albeit rare). This could be overkill for many, but it’s a strategy some use.

We sell storage supplies (like Air-Tite capsules, coin tubes, protective cases) to help you store at home safely. We also can refer you to trusted depository options if you’re interested in that route – we don’t have an in-house vault service, but we can facilitate setting up with a reputable storage provider (for example, many of our clients have used Vaulted or other services). Ultimately, choose a storage method that gives you peace of mind. Remember to also consider insuring your holdings (some homeowner’s insurance will allow a rider for precious metals; specialized insurers exist too). And of course, keep knowledge of your holdings limited to those who need to know.

Yes, we do offer formal written appraisals for coins, bullion, and jewelry. If you need an appraisal for an insurance policy (say, to schedule a valuable coin collection or jewelry item) or for probate/estate valuation, we can provide that service. Generally, we schedule a time to examine the items in detail, and then we produce a typed appraisal report describing each item and its current market value or insurance replacement value. There may be a fee for this service, typically based on the complexity of the appraisal (flat fee or hourly). However, if you are simply looking to sell and just want to know what it’s worth, those evaluations we do for free as part of our buying process. We only charge for written appraisals when documentation is needed without a sale. As members of the professional numismatic community, our appraisals are well-respected and unbiased. Just let us know your needs and we’ll accommodate.

We hope this FAQ has addressed your questions thoroughly. Our aim is to make buying or selling precious metals simple, transparent, and rewarding for you. If you have any other questions or need clarification on anything above, please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email. We’re here to help, whether you’re a seasoned investor or completely new to gold and silver. Thank you for considering us for your precious metals needs in Ponte Vedra and beyond!