A practical guide to bullion and coins.

Bullion, coins and rounds

Bullion is commonly considered for its precious metal content. A sovereign coin is issued by a government mint and may carry a face value. A round resembles a coin but is privately minted and is not legal tender. Bars are another format, often marked with a refiner, weight and fineness.

When comparing pieces, check the actual precious metal weight and purity alongside the total quoted price. Two similarly sized items can contain different amounts of precious metal.

Weight and purity

Precious metals are commonly described in troy ounces and grams. Purity, sometimes called fineness, describes the proportion of precious metal in an item. For example, .999 fine identifies 99.9% purity. A product listing should state both weight and purity when that information is known.

Backdates, vintage pieces and grades

A backdate is an earlier year of issue. Collectors may seek a particular year, mint, design or condition, while vintage pieces may have distinct histories and availability. A graded coin has been assessed by a grading service and is usually sealed in a holder. For graded coins, ask for the grading service, grade and certification number so you can review the holder details.

How a quote works here

Spot prices shown on the website are market references, not product offers. A quote can reflect the metal price, product premium, quantity, availability and agreed fulfillment terms. Your inquiry does not reserve inventory or lock a price. GOLD DOG BULLION confirms the total and any price-lock window directly before an order is placed.