Gold Coins, Bars, and Bullion — What Every Texas Seller Should Know
Gold has always been a trusted way to preserve wealth, especially here in Texas where many families pass down coins, jewelry, or investment bars through generations. Whether you’re new to selling gold or you’ve built a collection for years, understanding the differences between gold coins, gold bars, and gold bullion can help you make the smartest, most profitable decision.
At Houston TX Coin Dealer, expert appraiser Sean Summerlin breaks down these categories every day for Texas sellers — here’s what you need to know before buying or selling.
Gold Coins vs. Gold Bars vs. Bullion: What’s the Difference?
1. Gold Coins
Gold coins are minted by government institutions and have a face value, although their real value is in the gold content and collectible appeal.
Examples include:
American Gold Eagle
Canadian Maple Leaf
South African Krugerrand
Mexican Libertad
Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins (highly collectible)
Why they matter:
Gold coins often carry numismatic (collector) value on top of gold melt value. Coins with low mintages, historical significance, or high grades can sell for far more than their metal content.
Sean’s Note: Coins can be worth significantly more if uncleaned, original, and graded properly. Never clean a gold coin before an appraisal.
2. Gold Bars
Gold bars, sometimes called ingots, are produced by private mints and investment refineries.
Common weights:
1 gram
5 grams
1 oz
10 oz
1 kilo bars
Popular manufacturers:
PAMP Suisse
Credit Suisse
Valcambi
Perth Mint
Engelhard
Johnson Matthey
Why they matter:
Bars are valued almost entirely by their purity and weight. They usually come with lower premiums than coins, making them ideal for pure investment buyers.
Sean’s Note: Bars with matching serial numbers and assay cards typically retain more value. Missing assay packaging may reduce the resale price.
3. Gold Bullion
“Bullion” simply means gold sold for its melt value, whether in the form of coins, bars, or rounds.
Bullion follows the current spot price of gold — which changes throughout the day.
Why it matters:
Bullion sellers receive pricing based purely on the gold market price, minus or plus small premiums depending on rarity, condition, and brand.
Sean’s Note: Spot price is not the same as your payout; reputable dealers like us calculate competitive offers based on weight, purity, and market conditions.
How Value Is Assessed: What Appraisers Look For
When gold is brought in to Houston TX Coin Dealer, expert appraiser Sean Summerlin evaluates the following:
✔ 1. Weight & Purity
Gold purity is identified by markings such as:
24k, 999, 999.9, 22k, 90%, etc.
Bars and modern coins usually have purity printed directly on them. Older coins may require testing.
✔ 2. Authenticity
Fake gold is common — especially plated bars or fake coin replicas.
Sean uses:
XRF metal analyzers
Specific gravity testing
Visual diagnostics
Known weight standards
Authenticity is EVERYTHING in valuation.
✔ 3. Market Spot Price
Gold prices fluctuate daily. Sellers benefit when the spot price is high.
Professional dealers update pricing constantly to offer fair payouts.
✔ 4. Numismatic (Collector) Value
Some coins are worth dramatically more due to:
Low mintages
High grades (MS/PF ratings)
Historical importance
Errors or varieties
Demand in the collector market
If you are selling pre-1933 gold coins or rare mintages, this extra value matters.
What to Check Before Buying or Selling Gold
If You’re Selling:
Do not clean or polish your gold.
Keep coins in original holders or capsules if possible.
Bring certificates/assay cards for bars.
Get a free appraisal from a trusted expert like Sean.
Know the approximate weight/purity if possible.
If You’re Buying:
Verify the dealer is reputable and experienced.
Check that coins or bars come from recognized mints.
Ask for assay certification on bars.
Compare prices to current spot price.
Avoid online deals that seem “too good to be true.”
Why Texas Sellers Trust Sean Summerlin
Sean has built a reputation throughout Northeast Houston and beyond for accurate, honest, and transparent appraisals. Whether you're selling a single gold coin or a full investment portfolio, you’ll get:
Same-day appraisals
On-the-spot offers
Clear explanations of value
No-pressure selling
Mobile or office appointments
He specializes in identifying collectible value that many generic gold buyers overlook — which often means more money in your hand.
Thinking About Selling Gold in Texas?
Book a visit and bring your gold coins, bullion, or bars to Houston TX Coin Dealer for a free, professional appraisal by expert gold buyer Sean Summerlin.
You’ll know exactly what you have, what it’s worth, and the best way to sell it.
CONTACT US:
PHONE: 832-599-8260
EMAIL: SSBUSINESSCENTER@GMAIL.COM
