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Education

Education at Coins Online is a practical library for collectors who want clear answers before they buy or sell. Each article explains one topic in plain language and gives you steps you can use right away. No jargon. No pressure. Just useful knowledge for confident collecting.

Start here

New to coins or bullion? Read the Beginnerโ€™s Guide to Precious Metals for formats, purity, and recognition. Then explore the articles below by subject, or browse the full hub at your own pace.

Popular topics

Learning paths

Choose a path that fits your next step and work through the linked articles in order.

Build a bullion foundation

  1. Read Beginnerโ€™s Guide to Precious Metals
  2. Study Gold Premiums Explained
  3. Compare categories: Gold bullion, Silver bullion, Platinum bullion
  4. Review authenticity basics: Assay certificates and spotting fake gold

Organize for the long term

  1. Download checklists and templates in Downloadables
  2. Create a simple inventory with item, weight, mint, and serial when present
  3. Read Sharing Wealth Through Coins for family planning tips
  4. See how we work behind the scenes in Discover Our Process

Quick answers

How do I compare coins and bars? Look for clear metal content, recognized mint, and straightforward documentation. Compare premiums across similar formats in our Gold and Silver categories.

What confirms authenticity? Weight and dimensions should match specifications. Assay cards and serial numbers, when present, add simple documentation. Learn more in our assay guide.

Why do premiums change? Premiums reflect minting, distribution, and demand. Our explainer breaks it down so you can compare with confidence.

Freedom and Authenticity Guarantees

We teach before we sell, and we do not use pressure tactics. Every item we list is confirmed for weight, purity, and identity, and ships discreetly with insured delivery. For a look at our values in practice, visit Our Difference.

Recent Articles

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    Post-penny coin collecting guide with real-world tips, rounding facts, and legacy-minded strategies so you can collect with confidence.

    Post-Penny Playbook: Smart Coin Collecting in 2025
  • IRA Approved Gold: What Qualifies and How to Buy It

    Have you ever held a gold coin in your hand and wondered why it feels soโ€ฆ timeless? Gold and silver have been prized for centuries, valued by ancient empires, and remain coveted investments today. But for those just getting started, precious metals can feel mysterious. Is it better to invest in gold bars or coins?…

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  • How to Spot Fake Gold Bars: Visual + Weight Tests

    Have you ever held a gold coin in your hand and wondered why it feels soโ€ฆ timeless? Gold and silver have been prized for centuries, valued by ancient empires, and remain coveted investments today. But for those just getting started, precious metals can feel mysterious. Is it better to invest in gold bars or coins?…

    How to Spot Fake Gold Bars: Visual + Weight Tests
  • Premiums Explained: Why You Pay More Than Spot Price

    Have you ever held a gold coin in your hand and wondered why it feels soโ€ฆ timeless? Gold and silver have been prized for centuries, valued by ancient empires, and remain coveted investments today. But for those just getting started, precious metals can feel mysterious. Is it better to invest in gold bars or coins?…

    Premiums Explained: Why You Pay More Than Spot Price
  • How to Store Physical Gold Safely: Home vs. Vault Storage

    Have you ever held a gold coin in your hand and wondered why it feels soโ€ฆ timeless? Gold and silver have been prized for centuries, valued by ancient empires, and remain coveted investments today. But for those just getting started, precious metals can feel mysterious. Is it better to invest in gold bars or coins?…

    How to Store Physical Gold Safely: Home vs. Vault Storage
  • Gold Coins vs. Gold Bars: Whatโ€™s Better for Beginners?

    Have you ever held a gold coin in your hand and wondered why it feels soโ€ฆ timeless? Gold and silver have been prized for centuries, valued by ancient empires, and remain coveted investments today. But for those just getting started, precious metals can feel mysterious. Is it better to invest in gold bars or coins?…

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