One of the best ways to invest in precious metals is to buy pre-owned gold and silver — if you want to save on premiums but don’t want to sacrifice value. Though brand-new bullion products tend to cost a bit more, used or circulated pieces share the same metal content but at a reduced cost.

But how can you be sure that you’re getting a solid deal? At AU Bullion, we consistently have a range of circulated silver and gold bullion and coins in stock, and we’ve assisted thousands of investors in making informed decisions. Through this article, we’ll take you through precisely how to make a purchase of pre-owned bullion with confidence.

1. Check metal purity and weight

Whether a circulating 1 oz Gold Bar or a 10 oz Silver Bar, purity and weight are not negotiable. Ensure that the used item clearly identifies its precious metal content, usually indicated by:

• .999 or .9999 fine silver and gold bars
• Weight in grams or ounces (e.g., 1 oz, 5 oz, 100 oz)

Although the object has evidence of wear or tarnish, provided the purity and weight are preserved, its inherent value is not affected.

2. Seek Out Hallmarks and Branding

Authentic mints and refineries hallmark their coins and bars with serial markings, hallmarks, and assay marks to validate legitimacy. A few reputable names to keep in mind are:

• Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
• PAMP Suisse
• Asahi Refining
• Engelhard (for collectible vintage)

Purchasing from brands that are known to produce quality products ensures the product is tradable easily and has increased resale value.

3. Don’t Be Alarmed by Cosmetic Wear

One of the greatest benefits of purchasing circulated bullion is the lower premium — and that is often achieved by accepting small defects. Scratches, dents, tarnish, or absence of packaging (such as assay cards or capsules) are strictly cosmetic and don’t have anything to do with the metal content or resale value in the majority of instances.

At AU Bullion, our products that are in circulation are tested and authenticated to guarantee purity, regardless of whether they are aged.

4. Purchase from a reputable dealer

Pre-owned bullion can also pose a risk if you’re purchasing from the incorrect party. To preclude counterfeits and overcharging, always deal with a reputable bullion dealer that

• Clearly states product condition and origin
• Verifies genuineness through proper testing
• Provides clear pricing based on current spot rates
• Has a positive record of customer feedback

At AU Bullion, we assure that each circulating item we offer is of top quality and authentic — with the best bargains in North America.

5. Premium Versus Spot Price

Pre-owned bullion tends to have lesser premiums than new products, which is perfect to maximize your investment. Make sure to look into:

• The prevailing market price of silver or gold
• The premium being charged over spot

How does it compare to similar new products of a similar weight

If done correctly, purchasing pre-owned bullion means you can buy more ounces at a lower cost.

Why AU Bullion for Pre-Owned Bullion?

We carry a large assortment of circulated gold and silver coins and bullion bars from various, reputable brands. Our stock changes often — so whether you’re looking to score a bargain on a 1 oz Gold Maple or a 100 oz Silver Bar, there’s a good chance we carry it.

Here’s what you obtain with AU Bullion:

• Verified and tested used bullion
• Clear and transparent product descriptions and pricing
• Lower-priced products relative to new products

✅ Fast shipping and secure packaging Final Comments Investing in pre-owned gold and silver is a cost-saving, savvy means of expanding your bullion holding – if you are aware of how to proceed. Prioritize purity, legitimacy, and purchasing from a reputable dealer such as AU Bullion to make sure that your investment is safe. Ready to see our pre-owned inventory? View our constantly updated list of products that are in circulation and are available at AU Bullion, and secure a fantastic deal before someone else does.