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Capital Gains Tax on Gold and Silver: Why Metals Are Taxed Differently

The IRS treats physical precious metals as collectibles, with a higher maximum long-term rate than stocks. Here is how the treatment works and what records matter.

What Is Melt Value? The Floor Under Every Piece of Precious Metal

Melt value is what an item is worth for its metal alone, ignoring craftsmanship, brand and rarity. It is the number every other valuation sits on top of.

What Is Constitutional Silver? The Pre-1965 Coins Still Trading on Metal

Constitutional silver is US dimes, quarters and half dollars minted before 1965, struck in 90% silver. Here is how it is priced and why buyers still want it.

What Is Mintage? Why Scarcity Matters Less Than Most Buyers Think

Mintage is the number of coins struck in a given year. It matters enormously for collectors and much less for bullion buyers — here is where the line falls.

What Is an Assay? How Precious Metal Is Proven Rather Than Assumed

An assay is the laboratory determination of how much precious metal something actually contains. It is what turns a claim about purity into a fact.

What Is a Market Maker? Who Is on the Other Side When You Sell Gold

A market maker quotes both a buy price and a sell price, always. It is why you can sell metal on a Tuesday afternoon without finding a private buyer.