Reading the spot price

If you follow gold and silver at all, you’ve seen the “spot price.” But spot is only the starting point — here’s how it translates to what you actually pay or receive.

Bid, ask, and spread

The bid is what buyers are willing to pay; the ask is what sellers want. The gap between them is the spread. On physical metal, there’s also a premium over spot that reflects minting, distribution, and demand for a particular coin or bar.

What it means for you

When you buy, you’ll pay a little over spot; when you sell, you’ll receive a little under. That’s normal and true everywhere. What matters is working with someone whose margins are fair and clearly explained.

Our ticker updates through the day so you always know where the market sits before you stop in.