Gold Buying Guide

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Death of Elizabeth II: Gold save the Queen!

This item celebrates the historic 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, marked by her presence on many gold and silver coins, not only in Great Britain but also in Commonwealth countries. British "Sovereign" coins, in particular, demonstrate an evolution in design since 1489, featuring successive monarchs and distinctive artistic elements such as the figure of St. George. The article also highlights initiatives such as that of the French who managed to issue a coin with the Queen's effigy for Niue, thus illustrating the impact and global admiration for Elizabeth II, including the minting of a massive commemorative coin for its platinum jubilee.

Are gold medals really made of gold ?

It's well known: gold for the winner, silver for second and bronze for third. But are the medals and trophies awarded on the podium really made of these precious metals ? This is a question that many people ask themselves. You too would like to know the answer ? So you've come to the right place for that! At Gold Union, we answer all your questions about gold and precious metals.

All objects that contain gold

Did you know that you come into contact with gold every day ? And we are not talking about gold bars or coins, but about the small gold elements that are found in our everyday objects. For example, there is gold in computers, cell phones, and even televisions. At Gold Union, our experts specializing in buying gold explain what this gold is used for and how to recover it!

All unusual gold items

You think that only jewelry and coins are made of gold ? Think again, because there may be many unsuspected objects hiding quality real gold. So, open your cupboards and drawers! Perhaps it is a family heirloom that you inherited, a souvenir brought back from vacation, an everyday accessory, gifts that you were given, etc. A little treasure can be hidden in your home without you knowing it and could earn you from a few pennies... to several hundred euros.

What is dental gold made of ?

How gold-backed cryptocurrencies work ?

Is it possible to change lead into gold ?

For centuries, alchemy has always fascinated crowds and is still at the heart of many legends. Is it possible to transform lead into gold ? This question excites many scholars, chemists and scientists. You too would like to know the answer ? Our Gold Union experts, specialized in the purchase of gold, will be happy to answer you, while telling you about the legends linked to this transformation and the history behind the transmutation of lead into gold. You can come and meet us with or without an appointment.

A gold ingot in a king cake: gold as a bean

Want to win a golden bean during Epiphany ? This year, a baker from Pas-de-Calais, France, is giving his customers a big surprise, by hiding a gold ingot from 24 carats. Perhaps you will be the lucky discoverer of this treasure! You are in the right place to find out more, since the Gold Union team, specialized in buying gold, is passionate about every news and information concerning gold. Discover at the same time the history of the galette des rois, and the video which details the golden bean idea of the Calais baker.

La Monnaie de Paris, an institution that makes history

Located on the left bank of Paris, La casa de Papel, La Monnaie de Paris, has for centuries been manufacturing the coins that pass through our wallets and the medals that delight collectors.

What are the coins of the Paris Mint ? worth?

La Monnaie de Paris is the only French administration authorized to create coins. The premises of the Monnaie de Paris are located on Quai Conti in Paris, but manufacturing takes place in a factory in Pessac near Bordeaux. Here, we explain the key concepts that influence the value of coins from the Mint of Paris!

Croatia’s adoption of the euro: what you need to know

On January 1, 2023, Croatia decided to adopt the Euro. The country therefore becomes the twentieth member of the euro zone and abandons its national currency, the kuna. Find out everything you need to know about Croatia's adoption of the European currency, as well as the changes this brings!

How to mine gold ?

HOW TO EXTRACT GOLD FROM THE EARTH ? Nowadays, large gold mining companies no longer use pickaxes and other manual tools to recover gold nuggets found underground and to remove unwanted particles. They rather trust more productive methods, but q

A gold buying guide for secure and informed investments

Buy gold with confidence by understanding the essentials of purchasing precious metals. This guide covers regulations, tax implications, and best practices to help you make smart decisions.

Why invest in gold and silver?

Gold and silver remain trusted assets for preserving wealth. Their value often rises during economic uncertainty, making them a reliable choice for diversifying your portfolio. Investors appreciate their stability and the protection they offer against inflation.

When you buy gold, you gain access to a tangible asset with a long history of retaining worth. Silver, while more volatile, also provides opportunities for growth and industrial demand. Both metals are easy to liquidate, offering flexibility when you need to sell.

Understanding gold buying regulations in the US

Before purchasing, familiarize yourself with precious metals regulations. In the US, dealers must comply with federal and state laws to ensure transparency and security. Reputable sellers, like GoldUnion, follow strict guidelines to protect buyers.

Key points to consider:

Dealers must verify your identity for transactions over $10,000.
Some states have additional reporting requirements for large purchases.
Always request a receipt and certificate of authenticity for your records.

How capital gains tax gold affects your investment

Profits from selling gold or silver may be subject to capital gains tax. The IRS treats precious metals as collectibles, which can impact your tax rate. Short-term gains (held less than a year) are taxed as ordinary income, while long-term gains (held over a year) are taxed at a maximum rate of 28%.

To optimize your tax situation:

Keep detailed records of purchase prices and dates.
Consult a tax professional to understand your obligations.
Consider holding assets for over a year to benefit from lower tax rates.

Steps to buy gold and silver securely

Choose a trusted dealer

Select a dealer with a strong reputation and transparent pricing. Look for reviews, certifications, and clear policies on returns or buybacks.

Decide on the form of metal

Gold and silver are available as coins, bars, or rounds. Coins like the American Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf are popular for their recognition and liquidity. Bars offer lower premiums but may require assay certificates for resale.

Verify the gold value

Check the gold value before purchasing. Prices fluctuate daily, so timing your buy can maximize your investment.

Complete the transaction

Pay securely using bank transfers, credit cards, or cash (within legal limits). Ensure your purchase includes proper documentation for authenticity and ownership.

Storing your precious metals

Storage options include:

Home safes: Convenient but require security measures.
Bank deposit boxes: Secure but may limit access.
Third-party vaults: Offer high security and insurance for larger holdings.

Insure your metals against theft or damage, especially if stored at home.

Selling your gold and silver

When selling, compare offers from multiple dealers to get the best price. Be aware of gold reporting requirements—dealers must report sales over certain thresholds to the IRS. Keep your purchase records to simplify the process and verify ownership.

Common mistakes to avoid

Ignoring fees: Some dealers charge premiums or hidden costs. Always ask for a breakdown.
Overlooking purity: Ensure your metals meet industry standards (e.g., 24K gold, .999 fine silver).
Skipping research: Understand the market and dealer reputation before committing.

FAQ : Gold Buying Guide

What documents do I need to buy gold?

You’ll need a government-issued ID for transactions over $10,000. Smaller purchases may only require basic identification.

Are there restrictions on how much gold I can buy?

No federal limits exist, but dealers may set their own policies. Large purchases may trigger gold reporting requirements.

How do I know if a dealer is legitimate?

Check for accreditations from organizations like the BBB or ICTA. Read customer reviews and verify their physical address.

Can I buy gold without paying sales tax?

Some states exempt bullion from sales tax. Research your local laws or ask your dealer for details.

What’s the best way to track the gold value?

Use reliable sources like gold value charts or financial news platforms for real-time updates.