Compare metals
Review price history and relative movement across metals.
Open metal comparisonBullion premium & purchase-cost calculator
Compare the real cost of a gold or silver coin or bar with its metal value. The free calculator includes shipping, fees, and tax so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Calculate a bullion premiumHow to calculate a bullion premium
- Add the dealer’s item subtotal, shipping, payment fees, and tax to get the delivered cost.
- Multiply total fine-metal weight in troy ounces by the spot reference in USD per troy ounce.
- Subtract that metal value from the delivered cost. Divide the difference by metal value, then multiply by 100.
All-in premium (%) = ((delivered cost ÷ metal value) − 1) × 100.
Example only: two troy ounces at a hypothetical spot price of $2,000 have a metal value of $4,000. A $4,100 item subtotal plus $20 shipping and $80 tax costs $4,200 delivered, or $2,100 per ounce. The all-in premium is $200, or 5%. These are illustrative inputs, not current prices or a dealer offer.
Common bullion premium questions
Which weight should I enter?
Enter total fine-metal content in troy ounces. If you have several items, add their fine-metal weights. Gross coin weight can include other metals; use the fine content in the product specification. Our Gold Eagle and Maple Leaf comparison explains why the distinction matters.
Does the calculator use live dealer prices?
No. Enter a real quote from the dealer, including actual checkout charges. The dashboard supplies a labeled market spot reference when available. You can also enter your own reference. Results stay fixed until you calculate again.
Is the lowest premium always the best purchase?
A premium comparison measures cost against your spot reference. It does not evaluate a seller, authenticity, delivery risk, or resale terms. Compare the same fine weight and product type, then check the dealer’s current terms. Review disclosed dealer links.
Does it calculate sales tax?
Enter the tax actually quoted at checkout. The tool adds that amount to your cost; it does not determine the tax rules or exemptions that apply to your order.
More free metals tools
Portfolio worksheet
Track holdings, cost basis, and exposure by metal.
Open the portfolio plannerPrice alerts
Set a price level to prompt a review of your chosen metal.
Set a dashboard price alertRead our data methodology and affiliate disclosure. For recurring market notes, choose daily or weekly MetalBrief updates.