Beginners

Short answer: New to physical metal? These guides explain the basics in plain language and point out the mistakes beginners make most often.

14 guides in this topic.

• How to Weigh Gold and Silver Accurately

  A cheap scale can be off by more than you think. Here is how to weigh coins, bars and jewelry accurately, and why it matters for melt value and cost basis.

  Oct 5, 2026 · 4 min read

• How to Read the Markings on a Gold Bar

  Every gold bar tells you who made it, what it weighs and how pure it is. Here is what each stamp means and what to check against the paperwork.

  Oct 5, 2026 · 4 min read

• What Is an Assay Card and Why Keep It?

  That small card sealed with your gold bar is more than packaging. Here is what an assay card records, why buyers trust it and when opening it costs you.

  Oct 5, 2026 · 3 min read

• Start Stacking Silver on a Small Budget

  You do not need a large sum to begin. Here is how to buy silver in small, regular amounts, keep premiums under control and track your progress from the first coin.

  Oct 5, 2026 · 4 min read

• How Often Do Bullion Coin Designs Change (And Why It Matters)?

  Some bullion coins keep the same design for decades; others change every single year. Here's why that difference exists and what it means for collectors.

  Sep 8, 2026 · 5 min read

• World Mints Explained: Who Actually Makes Your Gold and Silver Coins

  Behind every bullion coin is a national mint with its own history, reputation, and product lineup — a quick tour of the mints behind the world's major bullion coins.

  Sep 5, 2026 · 6 min read

• Common Beginner Mistakes When Starting a Bullion Coin Collection

  The predictable, avoidable mistakes most new collectors make in their first year — and how to sidestep each one before it costs you money.

  Sep 2, 2026 · 6 min read

• The Best Gold and Silver Coins for a Beginner Collector in 2026

  Which bullion coins make the most sense for someone just starting out — weighed on liquidity, recognizability, and how forgiving they are of a beginner's early mistakes.

  Aug 21, 2026 · 6 min read

• Proof vs. Uncirculated vs. Bullion Strike: What's the Real Difference?

  Three different finishes on the same coin design, three different prices, and three different purposes — a clear breakdown of proof, uncirculated (burnished), and standard bullion strikes.

  Aug 18, 2026 · 5 min read

• What Is a Mint Mark, and Why Does It Matter to Collectors?

  A mint mark identifies which facility struck a coin — and can meaningfully change its scarcity and value. Here's how to read one and why collectors track them.

  Aug 9, 2026 · 4 min read

• What Makes a Coin a 'Key Date'? Understanding Rarity in Modern Bullion Coins

  Key date, semi-key, and common date — what these terms actually mean for modern bullion coins, what drives a coin to become scarce, and how to tell real rarity from marketing.

  Jul 25, 2026 · 5 min read

• How to Start a Gold Coin Collection: A Complete Beginner's Roadmap

  A step-by-step plan for starting a gold coin collection: which coin to buy first, how much to budget, where to buy safely, and the decisions to make before you spend a dollar.

  Jul 22, 2026 · 6 min read

• Beginner's Complete Guide to Physical Gold and Silver Investing

  Starting your precious metals journey? This guide covers everything: why physical metals, what to buy first, where to buy it, and how to track your growing portfolio.

  May 30, 2026 · 12 min read

• Gold Purity Explained: 24K vs 22K vs 18K — What Every Buyer Needs to Know

  Gold purity (24K, 22K, 18K, 999, 916) affects price, durability, and investment value. This complete guide explains what the numbers mean and which purity to buy for your goals.

  Apr 18, 2026 · 7 min read

Also see the glossary and the free tools.