FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Why invest in physical precious metals?
There have been a number of destabilizing knock on effects of the recent turmoil in the banking & financial industries as people reappraise what they had previously thought about these hallowed industries and associated institutions.
As means to offer certainty in uncertain times, one of the predictable consequences is a renewed interest in Platinum, Gold & Silver - as proven throughout history, rare metals have been a trusted store of wealth since ancient times and recent months have shown an overall trend of price growth, thus reflecting their true worth.
The media has been reporting recently on the sensational “21 year high” prices of gold. However a more balanced view will show that gold has actually been on the rise for some time. In fact in the last eight years gold has more than trebled in value,
From January 2005 to January 2006 it grew 37% and although the following 12 months saw a modest gain the two most recent years in January 07 to January 08 and then January 08 to January 09 have shown the growth of 40% and 30% respectively, continuing its overall upward trend. In 2009, gold has risen around 25% and silver climbed 52% in value in the same period according to data from FactSet Research.
In volatile economic times such as these, precious metals offer a 'safe haven' to store your personal wealth. You can print currency but you simply cannot print gold or any other precious metal.
Having physical ownership of your wealth; it's better than taking any risks in the current economic climate. Bullion provides a means of physical exchange without being tied into the volatile global banking & financial system.
Platinum, Gold & Silver are scarce and limited around the world. These precious metals have become even more highly desirable as stores of wealth and in their industrial uses.
Should the need arise; you have the ability to transfer funds across the world and exchange your bullion for whatever favorable currency or ‘goods & services’ you may need.
Further reasons to invest in Gold, Silver, Platinum & Palladium
- Gold is the only asset that is nobody’s liability and is therefore a haven in an increasingly uncertain world;
- “Peak gold” discussions, as investors ponder the failure of gold mines to maintain—let alone increase their production despite record bullion prices. The classic expression for getting rich quick is to find a gold mine—but it takes time, experience and capital to bring on a mine. Reported gold companies’ reserves haven’t been rising, but soaring gold prices will change that: millions of tons of low-grade “resources” that haven’t been booked as ore reserves will be reclassified if gold prices remain near or above current levels;
- Recognition of the longer-term implications of central banks’ astounding levels of creation of fi at money at a time they are collectively becoming net buyers of gold—after decades of sustained selling;
- Respect for gold’s future because prices have managed the remarkable feat of setting new records at a time jewelry demand—traditionally the main support for gold—is slumping sharply;
- Portfolio diversification by sophisticated investors who seek a haven at a time of zero returns on Cash—with no indications that central banks are about to abandon their Zero policies
- In a world in which nearly all paper money has problems, and in which the sheer supply of paper money is expanding far faster than global GDP, gold has its best claim as a constituent of foreign exchange reserves since Bretton Woods booted it out sixty-five years ago
Q: Why invest in PAMP Suisse Bullion Products?
PAMP Products are a world recognized excellence standard for bullion investment bars and as such typically carry a premium over non PAMP bullion investment bars.
Produits Artistiques Métaux Précieux (artistic, precious metals products), better known as PAMP, is the world's leading independent refiner of precious metals, and unquestionably the most prestigious. PAMP Suisse products are produced in Switzerland to exacting standards to insure that you receive the precise one ounce, 999.9% pure Gold/Platinum/Silver you ordered.
Established in 1977, today it is one of the world’s premier gold refiners and a brand recognized worldwide as a guarantee of excellence and sound provenance.
The distinctive PAMP Suisse trademark is accepted by gold wholesalers and traders worldwide making these Platinum/Gold/Silver bars easy to sell in years to come. PAMP products are accredited as "Good Delivery" by the Swiss National Bank and the London Bullion Market Association.
The Crown Bullion Company is proud to offer these high quality, low premium PAMP products with beautiful decorative qualities and the exclusive PAMP certification system to the UK & Europe.
Accredited by the Swiss Federal Bureau - PAMP Suisse Platinum/Gold/Silver bars begin life at the assay facilities supervised by sworn assayers accredited by the Swiss Federal Bureau for the control of precious metals.
Exacting Quality Standards - PAMP products were created using the highest Swiss engineering skills, at PAMP's modern, high technology refinery to assure you of consistency of metals' quality & content. Production is 90% automated at the refinery and thus eliminates the issue of imperfections.
Finely Detailed Platinum/Gold/Silver Bars - The unique high quality finish of the products is an internationally recognized PAMP characteristic. The handsome designs add value to their fine bullion content and make them popular as collectibles.
Sealed, Registered and Numbered - Each PAMP Suisse bar is individually registered & sealed in a protective holder along with its official Assay Certificate that guarantees the fineness & purity (999.9%) of the product and, its one troy ounce content.
The Crown Bullion Company is proud to offer PAMP products to our UK & European clientele. PAMP products are typically not offered for sale in the UK & Europe, thus we are privileged to offer them you, our customer.
We love the designs, high quality, value & security and most importantly; the certifications built into PAMP Suisse Products. In our judgment, there can be no other higher rated bullion product available to investors.
Q. How do I order?
Please contact us in the first instance. Your order and value will be confirmed – please refer to the Placing an Order.
Q. Are prices locked in when I place my order?
Yes. When the price is “locked in”, the price that you ordered at the time is the final price you will pay even if there are fluctuations in the market afterwards. You must ensure that your payment is sent within 24 hours and received by The Crown Bullion Company within that time frame to guarantee this.
Q. What would be the waiting time for delivery?
We normally have a large store of bullion to dispatch within 48 hours of cleared payment, be it gold, silver or platinum. Should the desire amount or type of bullion not be immediately available for dispatch, then the order process can take up to two weeks to fulfill. You will be advised when placing your order request.
Q. Can I track my delivery?
Yes, upon dispatch of your goods your tracking number will be emailed out to you for UK orders, sent via special delivery next day insured service. International delivery; customers would be given the UPS/FedEx/DHL tracking numbers. Customers are responsible for providing accurate contact information and requested to check spam folders prior to contacting The Crown Bullion Company for delivery assistance.
Q. Can I collect my bullion?
Yes, strictly upon pre-arrangement. You will be advised once payment has cleared. We do not hold any bullion onsite; it is stored at our London secure holding facility. Should you wish to collect from the secure facility, there is a £15 administration charge. Our representative would meet you at the facility at a pre-arranged time.
Q. Where can I store my bullion?
We can recommend suitable vaults or you can make use of appropriate home security & personal vault, or at a bank safety deposit.
Q: Do bullion coins come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, a maker’s mark and statement of weight and fineness is stamped directly onto the bullion. The bullion itself, in effect, bears its own “certificate” from whichever mint or refiner produced it. Gold, specifically, is an element with a unique specific gravity, and other attributes which are easy to test for authenticity.
Q. What are the limits on how much gold I can own?
Private gold ownership in the United Kingdom & Europe has no size limitations. You are limited only by your budget and common sense.
Q. Do scuff marks or scratches affect the value of my bullion coin or bar?
Generally speaking, NO. The physical appearance of your bullion coin or bar does not affect its resale value. Rather, its value is determined by the following three factors: metal, weight, and purity. The ‘per ounce’ prices for precious metals like gold and silver are determined by world market conditions. Naturally, since the market price for each precious metal is determined on a per ounce basis, the weight of your bullion coin or bar will also always factor into its overall value. Finally, the purity of the metal from which your coin or bar is minted is important. The purity of bullion products can vary. Government backed bullion coins and bars are refined to 999.9% purity, the highest level available on the market. Moreover, most bullion products are stamped with their exact purity for easy identification.
Q: Why is the price of gold typically above the gold spot price?
The form of your gold is a "Good Delivery" product- This is different from the form in which you can expect to see gold prices quoted on the COMEX and world markets. Spot market buyers pay extra fees for the physical gold to be fabricated to size, and they must pay for collection and delivery too.
Transporters of bullion need to be recognized by both seller and buyer. There are necessary delivery procedures required for maintaining the chain of integrity. Physical delivery is awkward and expensive to arrange in small delivery amounts. Because of this, armored transport and careful controls on staff are a necessary requirement and thus reflected in the final sale price of the bullion.
Q. How can I obtain more information & up-to-date News on Precious Metals and the state of the Global Economy?
Please click on the "News & Info" Tab and click on any of the links within that page.