Chicago
GOLD$5,127.40 42.15 (+0.83%)
SILVER$58.92 1.04 (+1.80%)
PLATINUM$1,089.50 8.20 (-0.75%)
PALLADIUM$987.30 5.60 (+0.57%)
GOLD$5,127.40 42.15 (+0.83%)
SILVER$58.92 1.04 (+1.80%)
PLATINUM$1,089.50 8.20 (-0.75%)
PALLADIUM$987.30 5.60 (+0.57%)
Au:Ag87.0
G
GoldSilverSelect
Know the market · Own with confidence

Research & Warnings

Education, scam alerts, and market analysis for precious metals buyers. We summarize and synthesize — we never advocate or opine.

Premiums & PricingSeries: Spot Price vs. What You Pay

Spot Price vs. What You Pay: Why Every Coin Costs More Than the Ticker Says

The spot price is what gold trades for on the futures exchange. What you pay at the counter is something else entirely. Here’s why — and how to minimize the gap.

Don’t Get Ripped Off

Gold IRA Scams: How to Spot Them Before You Lose Your Retirement

High-pressure phone sales, misleading fee structures, and celebrity endorsements for garbage products. The gold IRA industry has more than its share of predators. Here’s what to watch for before you sign anything.

Education

The Gold-to-Silver Ratio: What It Is and How Traders Use It

The ratio tells you how many ounces of silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold. Ratio traders use it to time swaps between the two metals — compounding total ounces without adding new dollars.

Don’t Get Ripped Off

Cash for Gold: Why Most Buyers Pay You Half What Your Jewelry Is Worth

That “We Buy Gold” sign in the strip mall? They’re paying 30–50% of melt value. Here’s how to know what your gold is actually worth before you walk in the door.

Premiums & PricingSeries: Spot Price vs. What You Pay

Gold Coin Premiums: Eagles, Maples, Krugerrands, and Buffaloes Compared

Not all one-ounce gold coins cost the same. The difference is the premium — and understanding why certain coins carry higher premiums can save you hundreds of dollars per ounce.

Premiums & PricingSeries: Spot Price vs. What You Pay

What Is Junk Silver and Why Do People Pay Over Spot for Worn-Out Coins?

Pre-1965 U.S. coins contain 90% silver. They’re called “junk” but they’re anything but. Here’s how to value them and where to find them.