Here is a brief gold glossary to help familiarize you with precious metals if you are new to the gold market.
We hope you enjoy your gold glossary and best wishes always.
The Gold Silver IRA Rollover Team
Gold Glossary
- Ask Price –
The Ask Price can be described as the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for a specific precious metal like gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, that is traded in the market.
This price quote represents the seller's offer and is generally quoted in troy ounces or grams.
The ask price is one of the two primary price indicators shown in a precious metals quote, the other being the bid price.
- Bid Price –
The Bid Price is the highest price that a buyer is willing to pay for a specific precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, in the market.
It represents the buyer's offer to purchase the precious metal and is typically quoted in troy ounces or grams.
The bid price is one of two primary price indicators shown in a precious metals quote, the other being the ask price.
The bid price serves as a benchmark for determining the fair market value of the precious metal, and investors can use it to evaluate their investment opportunities.
- Black Swan Event –
A Black Swan Event is a rare and unpredictable event that has a severe consequences on both financial markets and economies.
These events are typically characterized by their completely unexpected nature, negative consequences, and the fact that they are above and beyond what is normally expected or predicted.
Black Swan Events can result in sudden market downturns as well as disrupt the best thought-out long-term financial plans, making it an absolute necessity for investors to consider strategies such as precious metals diversification to protect their assets.
- Bullion –
Bullion refers to any form of precious metal, such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, that is valued for its metal content and traded in bulk form.
Bullion is generally available in the form of coins (such as American Eagle Gold Coins and American Buffalo Gold Coins), bars, or ingots, and is produced by both government and private mints worldwide.
Numismatic coins are set apart from bullion due to their value being attributed to their condition, historical significance, and rarity.
Investors primarily use bullion as a means of storing value and hedging against inflation and economic uncertainty.
The value of bullion is determined by its weight and purity, and its price is based on the current market price for the metal, plus a premium to cover the cost of production and distribution.
Bullion can be purchased through coin dealers, precious metal brokers, and online retailers, and is often stored in secure facilities to protect against theft and damage.
- Collector Coin, Historic Coin, or Numismatic Coin –
A collector coin, historic coin, or numismatic coin is a coin that is valued primarily for its rarity, historical significance, or other special qualities, rather than for its metal content or bullion value.
These coins may be rare due to a limited mintage, unique design, or historical significance, and they are often sought after by collectors and investors alike.
Numismatic coins are typically sold at a premium over their intrinsic metal value, and their value may fluctuate based on market demand and other factors.
Unlike bullion, the value of numismatic coins is not solely based on the current market price of the metal, but on a range of other factors that can influence their value.
Numismatic coins can include ancient coins, commemorative coins, and modern collectible coins, among other types.
Investors should research and understand the specific factors that influence the value of a numismatic coin before making any investment decisions.
- Debt Ceiling –
The Debt Ceiling refers to the maximum limit set by a government on the amount it's permitted to borrow.
This self-imposed cap is established to control and restrict the national debt level.
When the debt approaches or reaches this ceiling, the government must either reduce its spending, raise the ceiling, or face potential financial and economic consequences, as its ability to finance ongoing operations can be compromised.
- Dedollarization –
Dedollarization refers to the process by which a country reduces its reliance on the U.S. dollar in its economic activities, opting instead to use its own national currency or another alternative currency for transactions, reserves, or as a standard of value.
This shift can be driven by various reasons, such as the desire to bolster domestic monetary policy, mitigate exposure to dollar-related economic fluctuations, or promote national sovereignty.
- Diversification –
Diversification is an investment strategy where an individual or entity spreads their resources across a variety of assets or asset classes.
In taking this approach, their goal is to lessen the possible risks tied to one specific investment. In essence, it's the financial equivalent of the adage, “Don't put all your eggs in one basket.”
Through diversification, one hopes to achieve more stable returns and cushion the impact of adverse market events, as the performance of individual investments may offset one another.
- Fiat Money –
Fiat Money represents a form of currency that lacks inherent worth and isn't supported by tangible assets like gold or silver.
Instead, its value is derived from the trust and confidence of those who use it, often because a government or authoritative body decrees it as legal tender.
Essentially, fiat money has value because a governing authority says it does, and the general public accepts its worth in trade for goods and services.
- Inflation –
Inflation is a term that describes a persistent rise in the prices of goods and services in an economy, leading to a reduction in the buying power of money over a specific duration.
It transpires when the quantity of money in an economy surpasses the demand for goods and services, leading to a hike in prices.
Inflation can occur for many reasons, including an increase in the amount of money in circulation, a decrease in the supply of goods and services, or an increase in demand due to economic growth or other factors beyond an economy's control.
The impacts of inflation on an economy can be varied and include a reduction in the worth of savings, a hike in interest rates, and a decline in the currency's value.
Governments and central banks closely monitor inflation and may take measures to control it, such as implementing monetary policies or adjusting interest rates.
- Investment Grade (Precious Metals)
Investment Grade in the realm of precious metals refers to metals that are of a high purity and quality, making them suitable for investment purposes.
For gold, this typically means a purity of .995 or higher, and for silver, .999 or higher.
These metals are distinguished from lesser purities that might be used in jewelry or other applications.
Investment-grade metals are favored by investors because they offer a standardized and trusted level of quality, ensuring their value in the marketplace.
- Karat
Karat is a measurement unit that describes the purity of gold in a particular item or alloy.
Pure gold is defined as 24 karats, making it 100% gold. When the karat count drops, the gold content in the alloy similarly diminishes.
For instance, 18-karat gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of other metals, translating to 75% gold.
The karat system allows individuals to gauge the actual gold content in jewelry and other items, helping in determining its value and authenticity in the precious metals market.
- Liquidity (Precious Metals)
Liquidity in the context of precious metals refers to the ease and speed with which these metals, such as gold or silver, can be sold or traded at prices close to their current market value.
Precious metals, especially gold and silver, are often considered highly liquid assets because of their widespread acceptance, standardized quality, and active global markets.
This means that an investor can readily convert these metals into cash without incurring substantial losses in value, making them attractive for those seeking assets that can be easily accessed in financial emergencies.
- Melt Value –
The melt value refers to the intrinsic value of a precious metal based on its weight and purity, calculated by melting it down and separating it from any non-metallic elements.
This value is determined by the current market price of the metal and is used as a benchmark for pricing bullion and other forms of precious metal investments.
The melt value of a precious metal is a critical factor for investors who want to ensure they receive fair market value when buying or selling precious metals. This value is typically calculated per troy ounce or gram, and it may differ based on the purity and weight of the metal.
Precious metal dealers and investors use the melt value to determine the value of scrap metal, jewelry, and other items made of precious metals.
- Precious Metals IRA Custodian –
A Precious Metals IRA Custodian is a specialized financial institution or entity authorized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to hold and manage assets, specifically gold and other precious metals, within an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Unlike standard IRA custodians, precious metals IRA custodians have the expertise and infrastructure to handle the unique storage and regulatory requirements associated with precious metal assets, ensuring compliance with IRS guidelines and safekeeping of the metals, typically in approved depositories.
- Premium –
The premium refers to the amount by which the price of a precious metal exceeds its intrinsic melt value.
The premium represents the additional costs associated with producing, minting, refining, and distributing the metal.
Premiums can vary depending on the type and form of the precious metal, as well as market demand and supply conditions.
For example, coins and bars with intricate designs, limited mintage, or historical significance may command higher premiums than generic bullion products.
The premium is an important consideration for investors looking to purchase precious metals, as it can significantly impact the overall cost of the investment.
Investors should carefully research and compare premiums across different products and dealers to ensure they are getting the best value for their money.
Precious metal dealers may charge different premiums based on their overhead costs, markup, and supply and demand conditions in the market.
- Quantitative Easing –
Quantitative Easing refers to a monetary policy where a central bank buys a substantial amount of government securities or other financial assets to increase the money supply and encourage lending and spending.
While this method aims to stimulate economic activity, it can also have implications for precious metals.
An increase in the money supply can lead to concerns about inflation, often driving investors towards assets like gold and silver, which are traditionally viewed as stores of value and hedges against inflationary pressures.
As such, quantitative easing can influence demand and, subsequently, the prices of precious metals in the market.
- Rally –
A rally is a term used to describe a sustained increase in the prices of precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, over a specific period.
A rally typically occurs when there is a high demand for precious metals due to a variety of factors, such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, currency devaluation, or inflation.
Precious metal rallies may also occur as a result of supply-side factors, such as a decrease in mine production or disruptions in the supply chain.
A rally in precious metals can attract a surge of investors and traders looking to profit from the upward trend in prices.
However, rallies can be unpredictable, and the prices can quickly change due to various market factors.
To take advantage of rallies and avoid potential losses, investors interested in precious metals should proceed with care and undertake comprehensive research before making any investment decisions.
- Self-Directed Gold IRA –
A Self-Directed Gold IRA is a unique variant of an Individual Retirement Account that grants investors the liberty to integrate gold, along with potentially other precious metals, into their retirement asset collection.
Unlike standard IRAs, which typically focus on traditional assets like stocks or bonds, a Self-Directed Gold IRA provides individuals the autonomy to diversify their holdings by directly investing in physical gold bars, coins, or bullion.
Managed by a qualified custodian, this IRA format offers both potential financial growth and a hedge against economic uncertainties, as gold is often regarded as a hedge against inflation and market volatility.
- Spot Price –
The spot price is the existing market value of a precious metal, which reflects the price at which it can be bought or sold for immediate delivery.
The price is established by the interaction of demand and supply in the market, and it is influenced by multiple factors, including global economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, interest rates, and currency exchange rates.
The spot price is used as a benchmark for pricing precious metals and is quoted per troy ounce or gram of the metal.
The spot price can fluctuate frequently and rapidly due to market conditions and news events, making it an essential indicator for investors and traders looking to buy or sell precious metals.
Precious metal dealers and investors use the spot price to determine the value of their holdings, and it is also used to price futures contracts and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the price of the metal.
Investors should closely monitor the spot price of precious metals to make informed investment decisions and take advantage of market opportunities.
- Spread –
The spread is the gap between the purchase (bid) and selling (ask) prices of a precious metal.
It is the cost that dealers and market makers charge for buying and selling precious metals.
The spread is calculated by subtracting the bid price, which is the highest price offered to purchase the metal, from the ask price, which is the lowest price at which a dealer is willing to sell the metal.
The spread may vary depending on several factors, including the type and form of the metal, the level of demand and supply in the market, the dealer's markup, and the current economic conditions.
A narrow spread typically indicates a highly liquid market, while a wider spread may imply a less liquid market or a higher dealer markup.
Investors in precious metals should consider the spread as an additional cost when buying or selling metals and compare it across different products and dealers to ensure they get the best value for their investment.
- Troy Ounce –
A Troy ounce is the measurement unit used to weigh gold, and other precious metals; i.e. silver, platinum, palladium, etc.
It is equivalent to 480 grains, 1.09711 ounces, or 31.1035 grams and is the standard unit of measurement used in the precious metal industry.
The Troy ounce is different from the regular ounce used in the United States for measuring weight, which is equivalent to 28.35 grams.
The Troy ounce is widely used by precious metal dealers and investors to quote prices, determine the value of their holdings, and make transactions.
Precious metals are typically traded in Troy ounces, and their prices are quoted in U.S. dollars per Troy ounce in the global markets.