President Donald Trump said he will put a 50% tariff on copper imports effective Aug. 1.
“I am announcing a 50% tariff on copper, effective Aug. 1, 2025, after receiving a robust national security assessment,” Trump posted to his Truth Social account Wednesday evening.
Copper prices rose 2.62% after Trump’s comments, then extended its gains before leaping 13.12% upwards and hitting its best one-day gain since 1989.
Source – UPI News
Bullion traded around $3,020 an ounce, less than $40 shy of the record high reached last week. Gold-backed ETFs have added about 154 tons so far this year, according to data.
Spot gold rose 0.3% to $3,021.31 an ounce as of 11:18 a.m. in New York, snapping three days of losses. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell 0.2%. Silver, platinum and palladium all advanced.
Source – Bloomberg
Goldbacks are a unique form of physical gold investment—beautifully designed bills containing actual .999 fine gold (24K). Unlike traditional gold coins or bars, goldbacks offer an innovative way to both invest in precious metals and spend them in everyday transactions.
If you’re exploring precious metals investments or looking for alternative ways to store value, goldbacks deserve serious consideration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying goldbacks, understanding their investment potential, and finding reputable dealers in your area.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
Goldbacks are physical currency containing gold foil—not gold coins or bars, but actual bills with gold embedded within them. Each bill is precisely measured and contains a specific amount of .999 fine gold (24K) layered between 2 polymer sheets. These bills are flexible and durable making them desirable for the right consumer. They’re designed for both investment and everyday spending.
Key features of goldbacks:
✓ Verified gold content — Each bill displays the exact amount and value of gold on the front
✓ Beautiful design — Created by professional artists with intricate artwork
✓ Security features — Built-in anti-counterfeiting measures on every bill
✓ Portability — Easy to store and transport compared to bars
✓ Eight denominations — Multiple options to suit different budgets
✓ Spendable — Designed for both investment and transactions
Goldback denominations (as of 2026):
Current Availability
Goldbacks have significantly expanded since their 2019 launch. Currently, goldbacks are available in 10 states and 2 major cities:
States:
Washington D.C Goldbacks were supposed to be released this year but it is said that it may be delayed until 2027.
Latest Additions:
California and Florida Goldbacks launch June 30th, 2026. California having a limited early release with expected shipping around July 14th, 2026.
Growth trajectory:
The Goldback series continues expanding, with new states and cities gradually being added. Check with dealers for the latest availability in your area.
Goldbacks function differently from traditional precious metals investments. They exist in the intersection between collectible currency and store-of-value asset.
The investment model:
Each goldback bill contains a specific, measurable amount of .999 fine gold. The bill itself is the container and proof of authenticity. You’re not buying paper currency—you’re buying physical gold in a portable, spendable form.
Spending goldbacks:
While you cannot spend goldbacks at traditional retail stores (yet), a growing network of small businesses, online retailers, and precious metals dealers accept them as payment. This is the key differentiator from traditional gold investments: goldbacks are designed for both storage AND spending.
Goldbacks appeal to investors who believe in the sound money movement, the philosophy that real assets like gold hold intrinsic value, unlike fiat paper currency. This is the reason why I have purchased goldbacks myself.
Sound money basics:
Why this matters now:
During periods of economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and currency devaluation, sound money advocates turn to precious metals as a hedge. Goldbacks offer a modern, practical way to participate in this philosophy.
The accessibility factor:
Traditional gold bars are valuable but not practical for everyday transactions. Goldbacks bridge this gap where they’re small enough to use for everyday purchases but represent real, measurable gold value.
Like any investment, goldbacks have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know:
Inflation hedge — Gold has historically protected against inflation. As the dollar weakens, gold value typically increases.
Spendable form — Unlike bars, goldbacks can be spent at businesses that accept them, offering flexibility traditional gold investments lack.
Collectibility — Certain bills and state series may become collectible, potentially increasing value beyond gold content.
Privacy — Direct, personal transactions without bank involvement or government tracking.
Physical tangibility — Unlike digital assets, goldbacks are physical, verifiable, and in your hands.
Portability — Easy to store, transport, and hide compared to gold bars.
Beauty and design — The artistic quality makes goldbacks appealing to collectors and investors alike.
Limited liquidity — Finding buyers for goldbacks can be challenging. Unlike established coins, the resale market is still developing.
Price volatility — Goldback value is tied directly to gold spot prices, which fluctuate daily.
Storage requirements — Proper storage protects against damage and loss. Poor storage can reduce value.
Premium pricing — You’ll pay more than the raw gold value. Production costs create a premium above spot price similar to numismatic coins.
Limited acceptance — Currently, few businesses accept goldbacks as payment. This is changing but remains a limiting factor.
Market uncertainty — Goldbacks are still relatively new (launched 2019). Long-term adoption is unknown. Just like silver rounds. But that’s a different topic.
Ready to purchase goldbacks? Here’s the process:
Before buying, understand what you’re getting. Research these bullets:
This is critical. Work with established, verified precious metals dealers who:
Shop goldbacks at Money Metals Exchange
One of the largest and most trusted precious metals retailers in the US.
Goldback prices fluctuate with gold spot prices. However, you’ll also pay a premium above spot price. This covers:
This is normal and expected similar to numismatic coin premiums.
When you receive goldbacks:
Goldbacks require proper storage to maintain condition:
Find a verified goldback dealers in your state
Trusted dealers and growing across the U.S.A
Finding a trustworthy dealer is a bit of journey. We all think we can just walk up to a store that claims they are gold dealers or coin dealers BUT we need to make sure that we vetting them first. Ask the right questions and know a bit about the business before walking in.
VictoriasCoin maintains a curated, verified directory of precious metals dealers across the United States. Many of our listed dealers specialize in gold, silver, and coin dealers. Not all dealers sell goldbacks but may be more accepting of purchasing it from you so it’s important to call beforehand.
Here are a few things to do before you make your move:
Whether goldbacks are a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and belief in sound money principles.
Goldbacks make sense if you:
Consider alternatives if:
The bottom line: Goldbacks represent an innovative way to invest in gold while maintaining the ability to spend it. While still relatively new, growing merchant acceptance and collector interest suggest goldbacks will play an increasing role in the precious metals market. I hope this
If you’re ready to explore goldback investing, the first step is finding a knowledgeable, reputable dealer who can guide you through the process.
VictoriasCoin – National Gold & Silver Dealer directory features verified precious metals dealers across the U.S. Many specialize in gold and silver and can answer your questions about authenticity, pricing, state series, and investment strategy for goldbacks. Give your local dealer a call or schedule an appointment.
Looking for an online solution, find goldbacks at trusted retailers like Money Metals Exchange.
*Disclosure: VictoriasCoin may earn affiliate commissions from Money Metals Exchange and other dealer partnerships at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work creating this directory.*
In the volatile world of precious metals, silver prices can swing by 5% or more in a single trading session. It’s enough to make any investor’s heart race! I’ve been tracking precious metals markets over the recent past, and I’ll tell you, there’s nothing quite like the excitement (and occasional anxiety) of watching those prices move.
Back when I first started investing in silver, I made the classic rookie mistake of buying without understanding spot prices. To be honest I still make mistakes. Let’s just say I learned my lesson the expensive way! But don’t worry – I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about silver spot prices so you can avoid the pitfalls I encountered.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about silver spot prices. Whether you’re just starting your precious metals journey or looking to refine your investment strategy, you’ll find practical, actionable insights that you can use right away.
The silver spot price is essentially the current market price for immediate delivery of silver. Think of it as the wholesale price of silver before any dealer premiums or manufacturing costs are added. It’s the foundation of all silver trading and investing, measured per troy ounce (which, fun fact, is actually heavier than a regular ounce!). For those who may not know, a troy ounce is a unit of measure used for weighing precious metals that dates back up to the Middle Ages. It’s a weight to measure precious metals weight!
When we talk about spot prices, we’re really looking at the base price of .999 fine silver in the professional trading market. This price gets updated literally every few seconds during trading hours! It’s fascinating to watch – sometimes I’ll keep a price tracker open on my screen just to see the movements throughout the day.
One thing that took me years to fully grasp is that spot prices aren’t just random numbers – they’re the result of countless trades happening in real time on various exchanges around the world. The main ones are the COMEX in New York and the London Bullion Market, but there are others too.
Here’s what makes spot prices so important: they’re your baseline for determining if you’re getting a fair deal. Any price you pay above spot is called the “premium,” and understanding this relationship is crucial for smart investing.
The silver market is incredibly dynamic, and prices respond to a wide range of factors. Let me break down the main ones I’ve observed:
Industrial Demand: This is huge! Unlike gold, silver has massive industrial applications. When industrial demand rises, prices typically follow. For example, manufacturing facilities where they use silver in everything from electronics to solar panels.
Economic Conditions: Here’s something interesting I’ve noticed – silver often acts as both an industrial metal and a safe-haven asset. During economic uncertainty, some investors flock to silver as a store of value. But economic slowdowns can also reduce industrial demand. It’s this dual nature that makes silver prices so fascinating to watch.
Currency Markets: The U.S. dollar and silver prices typically have an inverse relationship. I learned when the dollar weakens, silver usually becomes more expensive in dollar terms, and vice versa.
Supply Factors: Mining output, recycling rates, and above-ground stockpiles all play crucial roles.
First things first – you need reliable data sources. While there are dozens of websites showing silver prices, not all are created equal. I personally use a combination of Kitco.com for quick checks and TradingView for more detailed analysis. The key is finding sources that update frequently and provide accurate, real-time data.
I’ve found that price charts are invaluable tools for understanding market trends. Start with daily charts to get a feel for short-term movements, but don’t ignore weekly and monthly views – they often reveal longer-term patterns that aren’t visible in daily data.
Here’s a pro tip I wish someone had told me when I first started: set up price alerts! Most tracking apps let you create custom notifications when silver hits specific price levels. This saves you from constantly checking prices and helps you act on your strategy rather than emotions. This is so helpful and easy to navigate truly an “that was easy” button.
You know what really confused me when I started? All the jargon! Let me demystify some key terms that took me way too long to figure out.
Bid vs. Ask Spread: This is the difference between what buyers are willing to pay (bid) and what sellers are asking (ask). I always check this spread when dealing with dealers – a wider spread usually means higher transaction costs.
Premium Over Spot: This is what you pay above the spot price. Here’s something many new investors don’t realize – premiums can vary dramatically between different forms of silver. For instance, American Silver Eagles command much higher premiums than generic silver rounds, even though they contain the same amount of silver.
Paper vs. Physical Silver: This distinction is crucial! Paper silver (like ETFs or futures) trades at spot price, while physical silver usually includes a premium. I learned about this difference when I found you can’t convert ETF holdings into physical silver – quite an eye-opener!
After making many mistakes, I’ve developed some solid strategies for using spot prices to make better investment decisions. And really doing some research.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Instead of trying to time the market perfectly, I’ve found success by making regular purchases regardless of price. This approach helps smooth out the price volatility over time.
Premium Analysis: Always compare premiums between dealers and products. Try to keep a spreadsheet tracking premiums for different silver products – it’s amazing how much they can vary! Sometimes waiting a week or two can save you significant money on premiums alone.
Market Timing Considerations: While I don’t recommend trying to perfectly time the market, which is just rule of thumb because it’s tough and understanding price patterns can help you avoid buying at relative peaks.
Let me share some hard-learned lessons about what NOT to do when dealing with silver spot prices.
Emotional Trading: This is probably the biggest mistake I see (and have made myself). When prices start moving dramatically, it’s tempting to make impulse decisions. The rule should be: no buying or selling without checking my pre-written investment criteria.
Ignoring Premiums: Some investors focus solely on spot prices while ignoring the total cost including premiums. I once bought some “limited edition” silver rounds with crazy high premiums – they looked pretty, but they were terrible investments.
Market Timing Obsession: I used to spend hours trying to predict the perfect entry point. Trust me, it’s usually better to focus on your long-term strategy than trying to catch the absolute bottom.
Remember, spot prices are just one part of the silver investment equation. They’re important, but they need to be considered alongside other factors like premiums, storage costs, and your overall investment goals.
Understanding silver spot prices might seem daunting at first, but it’s an essential skill for any precious metals investor. Through my mistakes – I’ve learned that success comes from combining knowledge of spot prices with a disciplined investment strategy.
Remember: spot prices are your foundation, but they’re not the whole story. Always consider the total cost of your investment, including premiums and fees. And perhaps most importantly, don’t let short-term price movements distract you from your long-term investment goals.
I encourage you to start small, learn from each transaction, and gradually build your understanding of the silver market. Keep track of your observations about price movements and their causes – you’ll be surprised how quickly you develop an intuition for the market.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Silver Corp. (“Apollo Silver” or the “Company”) (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to provide details on the upcoming 2025 work program (the “2025 Program”) at its Calico Silver Project (“Calico” or the “Project”) located in San Bernardino County, California, as well as provide an update on the newly optioned Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Source – Globe News Wire / Yahoo Finance
Have you been looking for a place to sell your gold and silver valuables? Are you having trouble trying to figure out how to find reputable gold dealers? Or have you just wondered where to buy gold and silver bullion and coins? Maybe even platinum or copper? Well here is the simple guide to finding reputable gold and silver dealers in your state.
I’m currently building a comprehensive directory of gold and silver dealers across all 50 states HERE, and through this process, I’ve learned that not all “gold dealers” are created equal. Many shops listed on Google as gold dealers are actually jewelry stores, pawn shops, collectible shops, or novelty stores not specialized precious metals dealers.
This confusion makes it frustrating for investors and collectors like you who want to find legitimate bullion dealers who understand the market, track current spot prices, and offer fair, transparent pricing. That’s what this guide is all about helping you cut through the noise and find reputable gold and silver dealers in your state.
Let’s get started!
When dealing with decisions like spending your money like on anything really, you want to make sure you’re purchasing an item from a place you can trust. Make sure that when you’re searching you find out if the gold dealer is licensed or certified. This helps build trust for you and brings you back to a reputable place.
Finding a physical storefront is one of the key signs of reputable gold dealers. Unlike online only operations, reputable gold dealers with physical locations offer face-to-face service where you can ask questions, inspect products before purchasing, and build a trusted relationship with knowledgeable staff. This is my preferred way to purchase gold and silver. I like to know what the they have, when they might get more silver rounds or gold rounds, and the list goes on. It’s the piece of mind that I’m buying from a real person that just makes the buying process easier.
While looking or calling around make sure to pay attention to when the dealer has been established in the area. The business could be apart of the community for as long as 10 to 20 years or more and others as little as a year. This could be important to you as it could show that it is a trusted business, has made a name for itself, and is trusted in the surrounding community.
Once inside the establishment ask questions. Make sure the people you are talking to are transparent on their pricing and their processes. What they look for when buying gold and silver. How they do their percentage vs the spot price. For example, some dealers will give you 80% of the value in cash or check.
There are some red flags to look out for when checking out these shops. Many that I have found have not had these red flags but that’s also because I know what to look for so let me help!
When I have googled some locations you will only see a street and real address to go to but they have a website. Check the website, trust me that’s a sure fire sign that’s an online business and they don’t take walk-ins or have any items to physically look at. This is a red flag because it looks dishonest to those who want to see what they are buying or want to sell their valuables.
Feeling pressured into buying their items or selling your valuables without getting a second quote is unprofessional and disrespectful of you and your time. That’s your red flag that you need to go elsewhere. There is also no such thing “limited time” on gold and silver. This isn’t a sale of merchandise that can be marked down that’s not how precious metals works.
Similar to the “limited time” offers, these are prices that just can’t come down like that. This could mean that these precious metals are not 100% gold, silver, platinum pieces. These could be “mixed” metals and/or could just be plated in gold that could bring the price down.
Having no reviews at all is not a good sign for businesses that are claiming to be “gold dealers” or “coin dealers”. So that is definitely a red flag. And of course if there are only bad reviews that you see within the first scroll through, and I’ve seen some, maybe don’t go there.
This is a no-brainer. If the store owners or managers don’t have their credentials at least mounted somewhere or are unwilling to tell you how they handle their process HUGE red flag.
Another no-brainer, if you’re not given a receipt. I’m sure many would think “why would I want a receipt?” Well the answer is clear. You will need this for your and their protection. If you are someone who is selling their coins for cash you, as the customer, need documentation that you agreed to the price given to you for the cash or check you receive. This is also have your signature and carbon copy (usually). But if this is not something that happens RED FLAG!
I will admit that there are some locations across the U.S that I have added to the directory that don’t have many reviews. Some are newer locations and there might be a beaming review by just a few people but that speaks volumes to some. Generally you want to look for positive feed back of course. When it comes to physical locations seeing more positive reviews is always a plus and helpful.
Make sure to look for more recent reviews those are always helpful. Older reviews can be helpful too if it’s on a specific note that showcases experience or professionalism. Mentioning specific specialties in precious metals is always a plus but not very common unfortunately.
Definitely look for keywords like “professional”, “excellent service”, or “knowledgeable” these will help you before calling or walking in. These keywords show that they are helpful and when seeing more of this will give you a more confident outlook before going in person.
Every time you go somewhere I’m sure you’re expecting for someone to approach you and ask “Did you have any questions?” or “Is there anything I can help you with?” well when going into some of these shops you may or may not be greeted. That’s happened to me, no greet but once I walked up and spoke to the person behind the counter I started asking questions and he was very helpful.
Some questions you might want to ask when going into a precious metals establishment may be:
I’m sure there are many more that you can think of but here are some questions that would benefit you. My most important question when I first walked in was “What is your percentage?”. I wanted to know if they go by spot price and take their percentage. Some are higher than others but you have to ask or they won’t tell you.
Just ask as many questions that you need. Asking questions is key!
This directory is fairly new but I have put lots of time into making sure that you are able to find a local gold dealer in you area. I have gone through 19 states so far and counting! I am currently posting a new state every few weeks.
When going through the directory, look for your state, when in your state there will be Gold Dealers in you area and Coin Dealers in your area. In some cases you will find a section with Refineries in certain states. Unfortunately not all states have refineries in the area.
This directory will have physical shops ONLY. Anyone can look online and find gold and silver dealers and many will want to go that route. Here the goal is to help you find a location that’s not a pawn shop and specializes in coins, bullion, jewelry, banknotes, silver, gold, platinum, and more.
You will find the names of these shops, location by map, phone number, hours, and rating. If you hover over the name of the shop it will link to their website (If Any).
I am constantly trying to improve the user abilities of this directory. You can also find some other blog posts I created, like these:
Don’t be afraid of doing a little more research or calling around before walking into an establishment. Trust your instincts. Ask any questions you may have you’ll be surprised how knowledgeable reputable gold dealers are and how willing they are to educate customers.
Ready to start your search? Browse this directory of verified gold and silver dealers across 28 states
Good luck on your journey to finding your spot to purchase or sell your precious metals!
Discovery Silver is making a significant move into the gold sector with its acquisition of the Porcupine mine in Ontario, Canada, from Newmont. The deal, discussed by CEO Tony Makuch in an interview at the 2025 BMO Global Metals Mining and Critical Minerals Conference, marks a shift for the company, which has been primarily known as a silver developer in Mexico.
“The other part of value creation here is you take assets that are not Tier 1 assets at this point in time, and you convert them to Tier 1 assets,” he explained.
Source – KITCO News
