Bullion refers to precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium that are refined to a high purity (usually 99.9% or higher) and shaped into coins, bars, or rounds. Its value is primarily based on weight and the current market spot price rather than rarity or collectibility.

What types of bullion coins are available?

Popular bullion coins include the Canadian Maple Leaf, American Eagle, British Britannia, and Austrian Philharmonic. Each has unique features, purity levels, and advantages depending on the buyer’s location and tax considerations.

How is the price of bullion determined?

Bullion prices are determined by several factors: the international spot price of the metal, its purity, weight, global supply and demand, and the issuing mint or brand reputation.

What are common mistakes beginners make with bullion investing?

Common mistakes include submitting bullion coins for grading (which usually adds no value), confusing bullion with collectible proof coins that carry high premiums, and buying from unreliable sellers, leading to risks of counterfeits or tax issues.

Where is the best place to buy bullion?

The safest option is to purchase from trusted dealers who publish transparent daily prices tied to the spot market. In Japan, GoldSilverJapan is a recommended source due to its clear pricing and reliable services.

What are the uses of bullion?

Bullion is primarily used for investment as a hedge against inflation and currency risk. It is also used in jewelry, industrial applications (such as silver in electronics or platinum in catalytic converters), and as a reserve asset by central banks.

Can I start bullion investing with a small budget?

Yes. You can begin with small silver coins or fractional gold bars, sometimes starting from just a few thousand yen or dollars, making bullion investment accessible even to beginners.

🪙 What Is Bullion?

GoldsilverJapan
Aug 18
4 min read

A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Gold, Silver & Platinum Bullion (2025)

🔍 Bullion Explained Simply

If you've searched, “Is it a good time to buy gold or silver?” or “What is bullion?” — you’re in the right place.

Bullion refers to precious metals—like gold, silver, platinum, or palladium—that have been refined to high purity and shaped into bars, coins, or rounds. Unlike collectible coins, bullion is not about rarity or age. It's all about metal weight and market value.

Bullion = Metal content + Spot price + Small premium.

💡 Why Do People Buy Bullion?

Preserve wealth in uncertain times
Protect against inflation and currency devaluation
Diversify investment portfolios
Own a tangible, globally recognized asset

Whether you’re in Tokyo, Toronto, or London, bullion speaks a universal language: real money.

🧭 What Kind of Bullion Is Best for You?

That depends on:

Your budget
Where you live
Your goals: savings, inheritance, quick resale, etc.

Let’s break it down:

🇬🇧 If you're in the UK...

You may benefit from buying Britannia gold or silver coins, which are capital gains tax-free for UK residents.

🇯🇵 In Japan...

Coins like the Meiji 1 Yen, Olympic 1000 Yen silver, or Maple Leaf are popular among stackers and collectors alike.

🇺🇸 In the USA...

American Gold Eagles and Silver Eagles are often IRA-eligible and widely accepted.

Each country has different tax structures, liquidity preferences, and cultural appeal for certain coins. When in doubt, local legal tender bullion coins often have better resale value domestically.

🪙 Types of Bullion by Metal

Metal	Pros	Common Forms	Notes
Gold	Stable, trusted, global	Coins, bars, rounds	Higher value per gram
Silver	Affordable, industrial use	Coins, bars, rounds	Bulky for large sums
Platinum	Rare, industrial value	Coins, bars	More volatile
Palladium	Industrial-heavy	Bars, some coins	Less liquid

🔩 Bars vs. Coins vs. Rounds: Which Should You Buy?

Coins (e.g., Maple Leaf, Britannia):
- ✅ Legal tender
- ✅ Easy resale
- ✅ Recognized globally
Bars:
- ✅ Lower premiums per gram
- ❌ May require assay card or certificate for resale
Rounds:
- ✅ Affordable
- ❌ Not legal tender, sometimes harder to sell

Pro Tip: Beginners often start with 1 oz coins for their balance of liquidity and recognition.

🧯 Common Bullion Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced investors sometimes get burned. Avoid these:

1. ❌ Overpaying for Semi-Numismatic or Proof Coins

Coins like the Proof Silver Eagle or special edition Britannias carry high premiums but rarely retain that premium on resale.If you're stacking for metal value, stick to standard bullion coins.

2. ❌ Grading Bullion Coins

Many new buyers send bullion coins to grading companies like PCGS or NGC hoping for MS70s.But unless it’s first strike, proof, or limited mintage, grading rarely increases value enough to justify the cost.

3. ❌ Not Considering Local Taxes or Import Duties

If you're importing bullion into Japan, for example, 10% consumption tax applies.The same goes for VAT in Europe. Buy locally when possible or work with dealers who understand customs regulations.

4. ❌ Buying From Unreliable Dealers

Many online scams offer “cheap bullion” but deliver fakes or fail to deliver at all.Stick with established dealers with spot-price-linked listings, like GoldSilverJapan.