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Bullion buying guides
Plain-English explanations of premiums, VAT, and choosing between coins and bars.
What is a bullion premium?A bullion premium is the amount you pay above the metal’s spot price. Here is what it covers and how to work it out.Read guide →VAT on gold and silver in the UKInvestment gold is normally VAT-free in the UK, while silver, platinum and palladium usually carry 20% VAT. What that means for comparing prices.Read guide →Why silver premiums are higher than goldSilver coins and bars usually carry a higher percentage premium than gold. Here is why, and what that means for you.Read guide →Coins or bars: which has the better premium?Bars usually cost less over spot, coins are easier to sell in small amounts. A plain comparison.Read guide →Silver Britannia vs Silver Maple LeafTwo of the most popular 1 oz silver coins side by side: purity, tax treatment, design and what to check on the price.Read guide →What is a fair price for a gold Sovereign?How to work out the metal value of a Sovereign, what premium looks reasonable, and why half and quarter Sovereigns cost more per ounce.Read guide →Buying platinum and palladium barsHow premiums, VAT and resale differ for platinum and palladium compared with gold and silver, and what to check before you buy.Read guide →
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