Since time immemorial, wealth has been a main factor in one’s success in the world, particularly the physical aspect of it. Even in the world today, such is still the case. Wealth is the deciding factor, the driving force that helps move the world. It’s measured in many ways and in many forms, from the United States dollar to the United Kingdom’s pound to even the European euro. But one could say, or even argue, that one of the most preferred methods, even one of the most enticing methods, comes from the measurement of gold and silver in bullion.
Bullion itself is a generic term for gold and silver, specifically gold and silver in bulk. Though such materials are found in an abundance of items, such as necklaces or rings, what makes bullion valuable is its composition. What separates regular gold and silver from bullion is that the latter has a composition of at least 99.5%. It is strictly and utterly pure, devoid of any dilutants. Along with this bullion, unlike jewelry, comes in the form of bars, ingots, and even coins.
To actually create bullion, the gold and/or silver themselves must be mined in their original form, which is ore, a combination of mineralized rock and gold or silver. Once mined, the gold is extracted from the rock through the use of chemicals or extreme heat. After which, the gold or silver is forged into bullion. As stated before, bullion mainly comes in ingots or bars, but it can also be in the shape of a coin as well. They are also dealt in not only gold but silver as well.
Though there are various varieties of currency throughout the world, bullion is something highly coveted by the world, especially by the national governments and banks found throughout. Whether in America, the United Kingdom, Russia, or India, pure gold and pure silver are valuable commodities and tend to be kept in reserves or banks specified for the storage of bullion.
The usage of such a valuable commodity can vary. On one end, it can be considered legal tender, used to help settle debt and stabilize the economy through its lending. On the other end, it can be used purely for trade or even to protect a bank’s portfolio through risk management, clearing, hedging, and acting as intermediaries between the lender and borrower.
To actually trade in this, banks tend to lend it to other banks or companies, such as mining companies. The mining company repays this loan with their future mining output, while other means to sell it include putting it up for sale on the spot market. The latter, however, leaves the value of bullion based on the quantity available.
As stated earlier, it is a resource valued by many parts of the world. There are a variety of bullion markets, dedicated to the strict selling and trading of bullion, that operate 24 hours a day and exist in places such as Zurich, New York, London, and even Tokyo. Such trade is usually completed by phone or electronically, and though it can be in flux at times, the market is always there and available for business.
In addition to banks and governments, there are also other entities that deal in the trade of bullion. Such examples include SD Bullion, APMEX, KITCO, Silver Towne, and JM Bullion. These dealers specialize in the buying and selling of pure gold and silver.
SD Bullion was a company founded in 2011 with the goal of educating the masses on the value and commodity of hard assets and preparation. All of their sales are made over the telephone, and they’ve made no shortage of profit either. With over $2 billion in sales and counting, SD Bullion is one of the leading dealers in the gold and silver trade.
APMEX is another household name in the bullion market, leading the United States in the sale of precious metals. With over 1.7 million customers, up to 50 exclusive partnerships, 30,000 products, and 18 billion dollars in sales, the success of this company is all too apparent. Not to mention their over twenty years of experience in the market, they have the knowledge and the numbers to back up their business.
One other dealer in the trade, Kitco, has been in the business since 1977. They offer reliable and accurate information on the market, information that is trusted by millions of people. Their website offers live status updates on the gold and silver trade, being as recent as today or going back as far as last week. From reliable information on the market to sale availability in a variety of precious metals, Kitco is sure to be as reliable as they are profitable.
An old guard in the gold and silver industry, SilverTowne has been in the business since 1949. More than half a century later, and now a multi-million dollar company, theirs is a dealership that deals in the sale of bullion, whether it be in coins or precious metals. From humble beginnings to broadening horizons, SilverTowne is another valid option in the market.
However, one more business in the bullion trade that should be considered is JM Bullion. One of the top precious metal dealers, this is a dealer that allows you to buy bullion in physical form as opposed to paper investments. They also deal in loans, giving customers the option of using their bullion as collateral through the Collateral Finance Corporation Though relatively newer than the other dealers, being founded in 2011, their business has been nothing but successful, offering great customer service and fast shipping to clients.
Gold and silver are available throughout the world, and bullion is just as popular. Through its composition in the market, from the dealers to the purchaser, it is a commodity that no small amount of people invest in and one with no shortage of business anytime soon. Having and investing in bullion is a great step toward expanding and securing your financial wealth.
