Bullion Coin Premium Calculator
Calculate the premium over spot price for bullion coins.
Compare American Eagles, Canadian Maples, Krugerrands, and rounds to find the best value buy.
Bullion Coin Premium
The premium is the markup above spot price you pay at retail. It covers minting cost, distribution, dealer margin, and demand.
The basic formula: Premium % = (Retail price - Spot price) / Spot price × 100
Premium $ over spot = Retail price - Spot price × Coin’s bullion content
Typical premiums (2026 averages):
Silver (1 oz coins):
| Product | Premium % over spot |
|---|---|
| Generic silver round | 8-15% |
| 100 oz silver bar | 4-8% |
| Pre-1965 90% silver coin (junk) | 2-8% |
| Engelhard / Johnson Matthey bar (vintage) | 10-20% |
| Canadian Silver Maple | 15-25% |
| American Silver Eagle | 25-40% |
| Britannia / Australian Kangaroo | 18-30% |
| Generic limited-edition rounds | 30-100%+ |
Gold (1 oz coins):
| Product | Premium % over spot |
|---|---|
| Generic 1 oz gold bar | 2-4% |
| 1 kg gold bar | 1-3% |
| 100g Pamp / Credit Suisse | 3-5% |
| Krugerrand | 3-6% |
| Canadian Gold Maple | 3-6% |
| Britannia | 4-7% |
| American Gold Eagle | 4-8% |
| American Gold Buffalo (24K) | 5-9% |
| Pre-1933 US gold coins | 8-25% |
Platinum (1 oz coins):
| Product | Premium % over spot |
|---|---|
| Generic platinum bar | 5-10% |
| Britannia / Maple | 8-15% |
| American Platinum Eagle | 10-20% |
Why premiums vary:
- Sovereign coins carry higher premiums (legal tender status, government backing)
- Generic rounds and bars are the cheapest way to acquire metal
- Numismatic value (rare dates, condition, errors) can multiply premium 5-100×
- Bulk discounts: 10+ ounces typically saves 1-3% per oz
- Online dealers vs. local coin shops: online usually 2-5% cheaper
- Cash-back / credit card fees: 3-4% added at dealers like APMEX or JM Bullion
Premium-reduction strategies:
- Buy junk silver for lowest premium (5-10% over melt)
- Buy 100 oz silver bars for 4-8% premium
- Hold larger sizes (10 oz, 1 kg gold) for tightest premium
- Buy direct from mint (US Mint, Royal Canadian Mint) for some products
- Estate sales / private sellers can offer 0% premium (with risk)
When premium is “too high”:
- Generic round at 30%+ premium = avoid (not collectible enough to recoup)
- Eagle at 50% premium = wait for lower spot or different product
- Limited edition with 100%+ premium = pure speculation
Resale reality: You will get spot to slightly below spot when selling to a dealer. Buying at 8% premium and selling at -2% means 10% transaction cost — must hold long enough for spot price to recover plus that cost.
Recognized brands (highest resale liquidity):
- Sovereign mints: US, Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Mint (UK), Perth Mint (AU)
- Major refiners: Pamp Suisse, Credit Suisse, Engelhard, Johnson Matthey, Argor-Heraeus
- Larger generic mints: Sunshine Minting, Asahi, Geiger Edelmetalle
Watch for:
- Counterfeit bars (especially silver) — buy from reputable dealers
- Fake assay cards on smaller bars
- “Coin shop” vs “Pawn shop” pricing — wide gap
- Sales tax on bullion in some US states