In this exploration, we’ll delve into A-Mark Precious Metals to determine if it’s a suitable option for your investment needs.
From understanding its origins to evaluating its offerings and services, we’ll provide insights to help you make an informed decision about partnering with A-Mark in your journey of precious metals investment. Let’s embark on this journey to uncover whether A-Mark Precious Metals aligns with your investment goals.
What is A-Mark Precious Metals?
A-Mark Precious Metals is a publicly traded company that operates in the precious metals industry. It is headquartered in El Segundo, California, and was founded in 1965. A-Mark is a leading wholesaler of precious metals.
They offer a wide range of products including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion, as well as coins, bars, and other forms of physical precious metals. Also, the company provides financing and storage services for its clients.
A-Mark Precious Metals Inc is a significant player in the precious metals industry, with a reputation for high-quality products and exceptional customer service. The company has built strong relationships with producers, refiners, and other suppliers in the industry.
A-Mark’s expertise in the industry and its commitment to customer satisfaction have made it a trusted partner for individuals and businesses looking to invest in precious metals.
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People Behind A-Mark Precious Metals
A-Mark Precious Metals was founded in 1965 by Steven C. Markoff and his father, Morris Markoff. The company began as a small coin dealership in Beverly Hills, California, but quickly expanded into a wholesaler of precious metals. In the early years, A-Mark focused primarily on the sale of silver and gold coins but later expanded its product offerings to include bullion and other forms of physical precious metals.
Throughout its history, A-Mark has achieved several key milestones:
- In 1987, the company became a publicly traded company, listing its shares on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
- In 1995, the company became the first precious metals dealer to launch an e-commerce platform, allowing customers to purchase precious metals online.
- In 2004, A-Mark acquired a controlling interest in Transcontinental Depository Services, LLC, a company that provides secure storage solutions for precious metals.
Over the years, A-Mark has continued to expand its operations and grow its customer base. In 2014, the company acquired a majority interest in SilverTowne Mint, a producer of silver bullion products. In 2016, A-Mark expanded into the European market with the acquisition of a majority interest in JM Bullion Europe BV, a precious metals dealer based in the Netherlands.
How to Invest in A-Mark Precious Metals IRA?
A-Mark Precious Metals doesn’t offer Gold IRA or related services. They specialize in buying and selling precious metals and jewellery with their customers.
If you are an IRA investor, it is recommended that you explore the product offerings of a firm that focuses more on IRAs, such as Augusta Precious Metals. These companies have experienced staff who can help you open and invest in gold IRAs. Therefore, they may be a better fit for your needs.
A-Mark Precious Metals Products
The company offers a wide range of products for investors and collectors looking to buy physical precious metals. These products include gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion, as well as coins, bars, and other forms of physical precious metals.
A-Mark’s products are sourced from reputable suppliers and refiners around the world. The company ensures that all products meet its high standards for quality and purity.
In addition to its product offerings, A-Mark also provides a range of services for its customers. These services include financing, leasing, consignment, and storage solutions. A-Mark’s financing and leasing programs allow customers to purchase precious metals using credit. While its consignment program allows customers to sell their precious metals through A-Mark’s platform.
Also, A-Mark provides secure storage solutions for its customers. This means vaulting and transportation services to ensure that precious metals are kept safe and secure.
One unique aspect of A-Mark’s offerings is its focus on customization. The company offers a range of customizable products, including coins, bars, and medals. Customers can choose to have their own designs or logos stamped onto these products, making them unique and personalized. A-Mark also offers a wide range of collectable and rare coins for collectors looking to add unique items to their collections.
Another unique aspect of A-Mark’s offerings is its commitment to sustainability. The company is committed to promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices and works with suppliers and refiners that share its values. A-Mark also offers a range of eco-friendly products. Including recycled silver and gold, as well as products made using sustainable materials. Their gold catalogue currently includes 6 main products – American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, Swiss 20 Francs, and Sovereign King gold coins, as well as 1 oz. Credit Suisse Bars.
A-Mark Precious Metals offers a wide range of precious metal products, including:
- Gold Bullion: A-Mark offers a variety of gold bullion products, including gold bars in various sizes, as well as gold coins such as the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand.
- Silver Bullion: A-Mark provides an array of silver bullion items that comprise silver bars of diverse sizes. Along with silver coins like the American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, and Mexican Silver Libertad.
- Platinum Bullion: A-Mark provides platinum bullion items that consist of platinum bars available in different sizes and platinum coins, like the American Platinum Eagle and Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf.
- Palladium Bullion: A-Mark offers palladium bullion products, including palladium bars in various sizes, as well as palladium coins such as the Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf.
- Numismatic Coins: A-Mark presents a diverse range of numismatic coins, comprising rare and collectible coins, as well as commemorative coins and exclusive edition releases.
All of A-Mark’s precious metal products are certified for weight and purity. Ensuring that customers receive high-quality, authentic products. The company also offers a variety of storage and delivery options to meet the needs of its customers.
A-Mark Precious Metals Fees and Charges
As a precious metals dealer, the company charges fees and markups on its products and services.
Some of the fees and charges you may encounter when working with A-Mark include:
- The markup on bullion products: A-Mark charges a markup on the spot price of precious metals for its bullion products. Which can vary depending on the product and market conditions.
- Storage fees: If you choose to store your precious metals with A-Mark, you may incur storage fees based on the size and value of your holdings.
- Shipping and handling fees: If you purchase precious metals through A-Mark, you may be responsible for paying shipping and handling fees to have the products delivered to you or stored in a depository.
It’s important to note that the fees and charges associated with buying and owning precious metals can vary. Depending on the dealer and the specific products and services you choose. When working with A-Mark or any other precious metals dealer, it’s important to carefully review the fees and charges involved and factor them into your investment decisions.
A-Mark Precious Metals Reviews and Complaints
There are several websites and organizations that provide ratings, reviews, and complaints about A-Mark Precious Metals.
Here are some examples:
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A-Mark not only has no ratings with the BBB but also has not been BBB accredited.
Trustpilot
A-Mark Precious Metals has no trustpilot ratings.
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA)
As of August 2022, their rating on Business Consumer Alliance has increased to AAA.
Yelp
As of August 2022, their rating has dropped to 3.5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.
Some positive reviews for the company are as follows:
According to Alexandra I., she has worked with them for more than six years and finds them to be consummate professionals.
The majority of silver and gold buyers are unfamiliar with the wholesale market, but A-Mark is the largest wholesaler in North America. They supply bullion to retail online bullion dealers and coin shops, who subsequently sell the bullion to the public.
Unless you are placing six-figure buy and sell orders every time, it is not recommended to contact A-Mark and try to work directly with them. If you are trading less, it is better to purchase from their aforementioned retail vendors.
According to James A., these guys are the largest and most exceptional silver and gold wholesalers globally. He has worked in this industry for almost a decade and holds this company in high esteem.
Richard M. notes that after coming across another review of this company, he examined them more closely. Their website displays prices, but they explicitly state that they are not a retail seller and are willing to provide suggestions. Therefore, it appears that someone at A-Mark took note of the previous review.
Joseph L. suggests that traders such as these prefer to work with individuals who transact in large volumes, equivalent to hundreds of ounces of gold and thousands of ounces of silver. They do not need to be concerned about turning away business since they still engage in the purchase and sale of a significant quantity of metals, which many dealers ultimately handle.
Additional A-Mark Precious Metals Reviews:
Lou M. expressed his deep disappointment with the company. Recently, his brother passed away, and a friend of his absconded with a significant amount of his gold and silver, and the necessary paperwork is missing.
He contacted A-Mark to inquire if their silver serial numbers begin with an “A” followed by six letters.
However, the receptionist was unable to provide any assistance as she didn’t have that information.
When Lou requested to speak with someone who could help, she was extremely impolite. Although she put him on hold to verify the information, she returned and said that she could not assist him.
Her attitude was unpleasant and unhelpful, preventing him from receiving the necessary support. Therefore, it is advised not to conduct business with this group as they are unwilling to provide assistance after purchase.
A-Mark Precious Metals Lawsuits
UniCourt
It appears that no lawsuits have been filed against A-Mark, however on 14 May 2020, A-Mark Precious Metals filed a contract business lawsuit against Nicholas Sarantes. You get more information here: A-Mark Precious Metals Lawsuit.
Are A-Mark Precious Metals Legit?
Yes, A-Mark Precious Metals is a legitimate and reputable precious metals dealer that has been in business for over 50 years. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol AMRK and operates in compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
Pros:
- Decent product selection
- Decades of industry experience
Cons:
- High fees and charges
- Received many customer complaints
- No BBB accreditation
- Lack of physical locations
- No educational resources for new investors
A-Mark is also a member of the London Bullion Market Association. It is a trade association that oversees the global bullion market.
A-Mark may be a viable option to explore, given its long history in the industry. Its diverse range of products and services, and its commitment to social responsibility.
Prior to making any investment decisions, it is crucial to conduct a meticulous assessment of your investment objectives, risk appetite, and financial position, and carry out thorough research on any potential investment opportunities.
A-Mark’s strengths include its extensive network of suppliers and refiners. Similarly, its weaknesses include the lack of BBB accreditation and IRA services.
Certainly, A-Mark Precious Metals is not the best option in the market. There are numerous companies with much better services. Check out our top precious metals companies list to learn more.
Have you done business with A-Mark Precious Metals? Let us know in the comments!