One of six metals in the platinum-group metals family, palladium is a precious metal known for its white, shiny appearance. Discovered in 1803, it’s available in an assortment of solid forms, and it can definitely be a wise investment. If you’re at the point where you’re weighing your palladium bullion buying options, here are five tips to keep in mind, brought to you by the precious metals experts from First National Bullion, the palladium, platinum, silver, and gold dealers Scottsdale collectors rely on for outstanding quality and service.

1. Be Wary of Offers Below Spot Price

Palladium is rarer than gold and silver. In fact, it’s one of the rarest precious metals on Earth. You’ll likely find trustworthy purchasing opportunities only at the current spot price plus a reasonable markup. If you find offers for palladium bullion below spot price, be cautious. Most reputable sellers don’t lower prices below spot for this particular precious metal because of its rarity.

2. An Assay Fee Included with the Purchase Can Be Beneficial for You

It’s fairly common for reputable precious metals dealers to also charge assay fees. What this does is ensure the authenticity and purity of the palladium bullion you wish to purchase. The results from the assay process will also give you reliable documentation for your purchase. Besides, you can always use this information as proof of your investment’s value if you end up selling your palladium in the future.

3. Palladium Bars Can Be a Smart, Cost-Effective Purchase

As is the case with other precious metals, there are multiple buying options with palladium bullion. One of the most convenient and effective ways to buy palladium in solid form is purchasing palladium bars. Buying palladium this way is often recommended, since bars are:

• Easier to store and transport
• Often available at lower premiums over spot price
• Clearly marked with their purity

Palladium can also be purchased as coins and rounds. Just be aware that rounds don’t have any face value like palladium coins do. However, the value based on palladium content is the same.

4. American Eagle Palladium Coins Can Be a Smart Investment as Well

Having a face value of $25 and a purity of 99.95 percent, these coins are the official palladium bullion coin in the United States. Featuring a design that’s been appealing to collectors and buyers since the early 20th century, these coins remain popular in the precious metals world.

Plus, American Eagle Palladium coins are easier to store and display. They’re available in three versions: bullion, proof, and uncirculated coins. If you’re looking to buy these coins, it’s generally best to go with the bullion form, since such coins are backed by the U.S. government, giving investors some added peace of mind.

5. Consider Your Storage Options

Regardless of what type of palladium bullion you prefer to buy, don’t forget to consider where you’ll be storing what you purchase. You can do this in your own home, at a local bank, or in a third-party storage facility. If you go with the latter option, make sure you’ll retain full ownership of your stored palladium bullion.

Whether they’re veteran palladium collectors or new investors looking to buy silver bars, Scottsdale residents should reach out to the experts at First National Bullion. We offer a huge selection of palladium, gold, platinum, and silver items. Scottsdale collectors who are looking for the finest-quality coins, bars, and bullion should give us a call at 480-546-8928 to speak with one of our precious metals experts. 

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.