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Bullion coin

society Maturity 5-7 Next article →

A bullion coin is a very special kind of money. These coins are made from highly refined precious metal. Most people do not use them for daily shopping. Instead, they keep them as an investment. They can also be kept as items to collect. These items might have numismatic value. That means they are worth more than just the metal inside.

Each coin has a specific weight and fineness. Fineness tells us how pure the metal is. Some coins are 91.9% pure. Other coins are 99.99% pure. This is also called 24 karat purity. Bullion coins are different from things called rounds. Government mints make these official coins. They also have a legal tender face value.

Rules for these coins change depending on where you live. In the United Kingdom, some are called investment coins. These coins are exempt from value-added tax. To be an investment coin, it must meet certain rules. It must be minted after the year 1800. It must be at least 900 thousandths fine. It must also be legal tender in its home country.

In the United States, the law is very strict. Only coins stamped by the government are true coins. Anything else must be called a round. Bullion coins often sell for a premium. A premium is a price higher than the metal's market value. This happens because of small sizes. It also covers the cost to make and store them.

Many famous coins exist around the world today. The American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf are very well known. These are the only coins made in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Other examples include the Krugerrand and the Britannia. You might also see the American Buffalo or the Kangaroo. Some people even collect the Orzel or the Panda.

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