This calculator compares what you paid for specialty or "exclusive" coins against what you would have paid for standard bullion products (such as American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, or generic bars) at the same spot price. The "fair bullion cost" is calculated by applying a typical retail premium to the spot price at the time of your purchase - roughly 10% for gold and 20% for silver.

A note on premiums and market conditions: Premiums fluctuate based on supply, demand, and market volatility. During periods of high demand or supply shortages, premiums can temporarily spike. However, as a general rule of thumb, premiums on standard bullion products will rarely exceed 20-30% on average. Gold premiums are typically lower than silver premiums because gold's higher per-ounce value means the fixed costs of minting, shipping, and dealer margins represent a smaller percentage of the total price.

Denomination matters: Larger denominations carry lower premiums per ounce. For example, a 100 oz silver bar will typically have a much lower premium per ounce than a 1 oz silver round, because the minting and handling costs are spread across more metal. The same principle applies to gold - a 1 oz bar or coin will carry a lower percentage premium than a 1/10 oz coin. If you were sold fractional coins at premiums exceeding 30-50%, that is a significant red flag.

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Actual premiums vary by dealer, product type, and market conditions. If you believe you were charged excessive premiums, contact Dale Whitaker for guidance on your options.