We’re answering some common questions here on the secondary gold market as an introduction for those of you who are considering a slightly different approach to gold investment.

For further information, head on over to our learning centre or give our friendly team a call on 01902 623 256. 

What is the secondary gold market?

The secondary gold market is where second-hand gold is traded. It’s gold that’s bought or sold from or to parties not including the original vendor.

What is the value of secondary market gold?

It really depends on the type of product, the condition it’s in and how rare it is.

Generally speaking, gold is in high demand and it retains its value over time. Many people believe that second-hand gold products aren’t worth buying because they don’t carry the same value as new gold products but this isn’t always the case.

Old and rare coins that are only available to buy second-hand, for example, may fetch a higher price than their gold content warrants because they’re so hard to get hold of.

Also, if a gold bullion product has been well cared for (i.e. packaged, stored and transported carefully), then it may be in a very similar condition to a brand new product and could, therefore, sell for the same price.

At the end of the day, the gold content remains the same as the brand new bullion bars and coins.

Is secondary market gold cheaper?

It can be. Secondary gold will generally be priced higher than or equal to the live spot price of gold.

All new gold bullion products incur a fashion fee on top of the spot price – a small premium added to the price which covers the cost of production, packaging and distribution. This fee may be reduced in the secondary gold market if the product is no longer packaged, for example, or showing wear and tear.

What is important to remember is that – regardless of their condition – second-hand gold products will still contain the same amount of fine gold, meaning their intrinsic value remains high.

Why buy second-hand gold?

As well as potentially getting a lower price, buying in the secondary gold market offers investors the opportunity to buy products that are no longer being issued.

This increases both the investor’s and collector’s chances of finding the right product for them.

The secondary gold market offers investors the opportunity to avoid rising premiums by seeking out previous editions from the same manufacturer. Newly issued ranges, for example, might use an updated design of packaging that carries higher premiums.

Some collectors may have no other choice than to buy secondary market gold. If they’re seeking coins that are no longer being issued, they’ll have to buy them second-hand as they’re no longer available brand new.

Whatever your motivation for considering the secondary gold market, just be sure you avoid the scams and tricks and stick to buying from a reputable and well regarded gold bullion supplier.