A FOUNDATIONAL READ FOR GOLD INVESTORS
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Presented with gratitude to the Mises Institute, whose commitment to economic education made this edition possible.
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This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Presented with gratitude to the Mises Institute, whose commitment to economic education made this edition possible.
Cole Metals Group exclusively recommends precious metals produced by trusted national mints such as the U.S. Mint, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Royal Mint. Coins from these mints are guaranteed for grade, weight, and authenticity by their issuing governments. To ensure this, mints employ a combination of overt and covert anti-counterfeiting measures. For example, the U.S. Mint incorporates visible features like reeded edges on American Eagles, as well as advanced, less obvious security measures developed in collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service. The Royal Canadian Mint is renowned for its Bullion DNA technology, which provides exceptional verification capabilities for Maple Leafs. Similarly, the Royal Mint embeds four distinct anti-counterfeiting features in each of its coins, ensuring their authenticity and security.
All four precious metals—gold, silver, platinum, and palladium—are available for direct delivery in bars and coins.
At Cole Metals Group, there is no maximum order size for Direct Delivery. However, we do have a $10,000 minimum purchase requirement. This policy allows us to focus on helping investors diversify their portfolios while maintaining our commitment to delivering competitive pricing and lower margins. By setting this minimum, we ensure we can provide the highest level of service and value to all our clients.
Your precious metals will be securely packaged and shipped in discreet, tamper-evident packaging to ensure privacy and safety. Orders are typically delivered in their original mint or refiner’s packaging, preserving authenticity and integrity. For higher-value shipments, Cole Metals Group offers armored, white-glove service, providing secure delivery to the location of your choice, complete with full insurance coverage and signature confirmation.
Cole Metals Group does not charge a separate delivery fee. The quotes we provide to clients are transparent and all-inclusive.
At Cole Metals Group, we take every precaution to ensure the safe and secure delivery of your precious metals. However, if you notice any signs of damage or tampering on the exterior of the package upon delivery, do not sign for it. Instead, return it to the driver immediately.
All packages are packed under video surveillance and are fully insured to protect your investment. In the rare event of a compromised shipment, we will promptly replace your order and arrange for a new delivery, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.
At Cole Metals Group, we accept bank wires and ACH payments. These methods clear quickly, ensuring we can meet our 3-7 day delivery commitment. By contrast, checks, including cashier’s checks, often take additional time to post, which can disrupt the timely processing and delivery of your order.
We do not accept credit or debit card payments for two key reasons. First, credit card processing fees would increase the price of your precious metals, which we strive to keep as low as possible. Second, credit cards encourage debt—a practice counter to the principles of wealth preservation and portfolio security. With rising national debt contributing to the dollar’s decline, physical gold serves as a safeguard for long-term financial stability. By choosing precious metals, you’re aligning with a philosophy that emphasizes financial responsibility and protection against economic uncertainty.
A Precious Metals IRA is a type of self-directed IRA, which allows you to hold a broader range of investments than a standard IRA. Unlike traditional “paper” IRAs, which are typically limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and similar assets, a self-directed IRA permits investments in alternative assets like real estate, private company stock, and physical precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
The key difference lies in the control and flexibility offered by a self-directed IRA. With this type of account, you can diversify your retirement portfolio with tangible assets that can act as a hedge against inflation and economic volatility. Precious Metals IRAs combine the tax advantages of traditional retirement accounts with the added security of holding physical metals.
Yes, you can transfer or rollover an existing IRA into a Precious Metals IRA. Cole Metals Group’s experienced support staff and Premium Onboarding Service will guide you through every step, from completing your account application to submitting transfer paperwork. We’re committed to making the process seamless, efficient, and compliant, ensuring your assets are transitioned smoothly into a Precious Metals IRA.
If you choose to liquidate your Precious Metals IRA, simply contact your Account Executive or the Cole Metals trade desk. We can facilitate the liquidation of your metals, returning the proceeds to your IRA. From there, you can withdraw the cash directly.
Alternatively, you have the option of taking an In-Kind Distribution. This allows you to receive the physical precious metals directly. Your Cole Metals Account Executive will guide you through the required paperwork to have the metals distributed from your IRA depository and securely delivered to your home address.
The IRS requires that all precious metals held in an IRA be stored in an approved depository. These depositories, such as Delaware Depository, Brinks, and IDS of Texas, are privately operated facilities that have met stringent criteria for security, insurance, and reporting standards. You are free to choose any IRS-approved depository that meets your preferences.
It’s important to note that while these facilities are approved for IRA use, they are not owned or operated by the U.S. government. Instead, they are independently managed to ensure the safe storage and comprehensive protection of your precious metals.
This is one key advantage of working with an IRS-approved depository. These facilities are required to thoroughly inspect all incoming precious metals to verify their authenticity and ensure they meet the IRS standards for purity and legitimacy.
Depositories take on full liability for the metals in their possession, which means they employ rigorous inspection protocols and advanced testing methods—equipment and expertise that far exceed what most individuals have access to at home. Once verified, the depository reports to your IRA custodian that they have received good delivery, giving you peace of mind that your investment is secure and authentic, even without having the metals in your physical possession.
Physical precious metals have been eligible for IRAs since the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. Over time, a robust system of checks and balances has been established to uphold the integrity of the process. Here’s how it works:
Your IRA custodian securely holds your retirement funds. When you place an order with a dealer like Cole Metals Group, your custodian releases payment for your order. Cole Metals then delivers the metals directly to your chosen IRS-approved depository.
Upon arrival, the depository conducts a thorough inspection to verify the quantity and authenticity of your precious metals. Once the verification is complete, the depository reports back to your custodian, who records the transaction as finalized. This seamless collaboration between the custodian, dealer, and depository ensures accountability at every step, providing you with peace of mind.
The IRS has strict guidelines regarding the storage of precious metals held in an IRA. These guidelines require that metals be stored at an IRS-approved depository, which ensures compliance, security, and proper oversight. Home storage or keeping metals in a personal safe is not permitted and has been ruled a violation of IRA rules.
A recent Tax Court case, Andrew McNulty et al. v. Commissioner, highlights the risks of attempting to circumvent these guidelines. In this case, the court ruled against the McNultys, who stored gold and silver coins purchased with IRA funds in a safe at home. The judge determined that this arrangement constituted a prohibited transaction due to the owner’s “unfettered control” over the assets, resulting in the dissolution of their IRA. Consequently, the McNultys faced nearly $270,000 in taxes on approximately $730,000 in IRA assets, plus more than $50,000 in penalties.
This case underscores the importance of following IRS rules and avoiding schemes that promise home storage options for IRA-held metals. Cole Metals Group adheres to all compliance standards and works with approved depositories to ensure your precious metals are stored securely and compliantly, providing peace of mind and protecting your retirement account.
No. IRS guidelines require that all precious metals held in an IRA be purchased using funds already within the IRA. While you can contribute cash to your IRA—up to the annual contribution limit—or transfer funds from an existing IRA, depositing precious metals you currently own is not permitted.
Allowing personal metals into the IRA would compromise the strict checks and balances required by the IRS to ensure the integrity of the process. Additionally, even if such deposits were allowed, they would be treated as contributions and subject to annual IRA contribution limits. For these reasons, Cole Metals Group adheres strictly to the prescribed process, ensuring compliance and protecting your account.
At Cole Metals Group, we prioritize prompt and secure delivery. Orders are typically shipped within 3-7 business days from the time we receive good funds, with many deliveries completed in as little as 2 business days. Your account executive will provide you with a unique tracking number and carrier details, allowing you to monitor your shipment’s progress every step of the way. Rest assured, we strive to exceed expectations with every order.
Yes, Cole Metals Group proudly offers secure and insured international shipping. Through our trusted logistics partners, including Brinks, Ferrari Express, and Malca-Amit, we ensure the safe delivery of your precious metals to virtually any destination worldwide.
Yes, all deliveries are 100% insured for your protection. Cole Metals Group guarantees the grade, weight, authenticity, and quantity of every order. All shipments are sent with a signature requirement for added security. Upon delivery, clients should visually inspect the exterior of the package for any signs of damage or tampering. If the package appears compromised, do not sign for it—simply return it to the driver so we can replace the order promptly.
Every order is carefully packaged under video surveillance to ensure accuracy and security. In the rare event that a package is delivered incomplete, we will replace any missing items or refund the client’s money, providing peace of mind throughout the entire shipping process.
Yes, you can. Once your order is shipped, your account executive will provide you with the carrier details and a unique tracking number. This allows you to monitor your package’s journey in real-time and ensure you’re available to sign for it upon delivery.
At Cole Metals Group, shipping costs are included for all orders meeting our $10,000 minimum. This all-inclusive pricing ensures there are no additional fees, so you receive secure, insured delivery without unexpected charges.
Liquidating precious metals within your IRA is straightforward. Simply contact your Cole Metals Group account executive, who will guide you through submitting a liquidation request—typically completed via e-signature for your convenience. Once the request is processed, Cole Metals Group will execute the liquidation, and the cash proceeds will be returned directly to your IRA.
To liquidate precious metals in your possession, contact your Cole Metals Group account executive with details about the type and quantity of metals you wish to sell. Based on the size, weight, and value of your order, your account executive will arrange for an appropriate carrier to pick them up. While pickups are typically scheduled within three days, expedited overnight service is often available. Your metals will be securely transported to one of our distribution centers or wholesale partners for evaluation and liquidation. Once the process is complete, Cole Metals Group will promptly wire the proceeds to you or, if you prefer, send the funds via check.
Yes, Cole Metals Group can assist with the liquidation of precious metals you already own. Simply contact your account executive with the details of the type and quantity of metals you wish to sell. Based on the size, weight, and value of your order, we will arrange for a secure carrier to pick them up. All incoming packages are evaluated for authenticity and opened under video surveillance to ensure transparency and security. The liquidation price will be based on the current wholesale market value of your metals at the time they are received. Once the process is complete, we will promptly wire the proceeds to your account or, if preferred, send a check. Please note that a 2% fee applies to metals not originally purchased through Cole Metals Group.
We’re here to help. Whether you’re curious about direct delivery, Precious Metals IRAs, or any related topic, the team at Cole Metals is just a click away.