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Investing » How to Buy Gold Coins with APMEX: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Buy Gold Coins with APMEX: A Step-by-Step Guide

Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.

Table Of Content

APMEX offers one of the widest selections of government-minted and private-label gold coins online—with transparent pricing, real-time inventory, and insured shipping.

However, its customer ratings can be better compared to other dealers:

Platform
Rating
Trustpilot
1.7 (7,966 reviews)
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A+ | Accredited Since 2004
Consumer Affairs
2.8 (290 reviews)

5 Steps to Buy Gold Coins from APMEX

Let’s break it down and see exactly how to buy gold coins from APMEX:

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Gold Coin Preferences

APMEX caters to all types of investors—from collectors seeking rare coins to long-term buyers focused on bullion. Before adding anything to your cart, it’s worth understanding what you’re really looking for.

Key things to consider:

  • Budget & Quantity – APMEX offers fractional coins (1/10 oz, 1/4 oz) up to 1 oz and tubes of 20+. Pricing scales with volume.

  • Liquidity – Coins like the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand are widely recognized and easy to resell.

  • IRA Eligibility – APMEX clearly marks which coins are eligible for Precious Metals IRAs.

  • Graded & Proof Coins – In addition to Brilliant Uncirculated coins, you’ll find certified (PCGS/NGC) and proof versions for collectors.

APMEX occasionally releases exclusive coin series—like their “MintDirect®” or “APMEXclusive®” offerings. These can carry higher premiums, but may appeal to buyers who want limited-run designs or collector upside.

APMEX gold products
APMEX gold products (Screenshot from APMEX website)

Step 2: Create an APMEX Account (Optional, but Recommended

You can check out as a guest, but having an account gives you access to:

  • Saved shipping and billing addresses

  • Order history and real-time order tracking

  • Watchlists and price alerts

  • Early access to promotions and flash sales

No ID is needed unless you're applying for an IRA account through APMEX’s Precious Metals IRA program, which works with partners like Strata Trust and Equity Trust.

Step 3: Browse Gold Coins by Type, Mint, or Series

APMEX offers one of the most extensive gold coin catalogs online. Navigate to the Gold Coins section and filter based on:

  • Weight – Choose from 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, or larger options.

  • Mint/Country – U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Perth Mint, Austrian Mint, and others.

  • IRA-Eligible – Toggle to see coins that meet IRS purity standards.

  • Condition & Grading – Select BU, proof, or certified coins (e.g., PCGS MS-70).

  • Themes & Series – Shop by series like the Lunar Series, Queen’s Beasts, or APMEXclusive® coins.

APMEX gold coins
APMEX gold coins (Screenshot from APMEX website)

Step 4: Add to Cart and Lock in Your Price

At APMEX, the gold price is locked in the moment your order is submitted—not when it ships. This helps avoid pricing surprises, especially in a fast-moving market.

Payment Options:

  • ACH/eCheck – Best pricing tier; ideal for orders over $500.

  • Wire Transfer – Required for orders over $25,000.

  • Credit/Debit Card – Higher premiums, but fast and convenient.

  • PayPal – Available for eligible purchases.

  • Bitcoin/Bitcoin Cash – Accepted via BitPay.

After checkout, you’ll receive order confirmation and payment instructions immediately.

APMEX payment options
APMEX payment options (Screenshot from APMEX website)

Step 5: Track Secure Delivery

Once your payment clears, APMEX ships your order discreetly. All items are insured and shipped in non-branded packaging for security.

What to expect:

  • Processing time: 1–3 business days after payment

  • Delivery: Typically within 5–10 business days

  • Tracking info sent via email

  • Signature required on higher-value shipments

  • Full insurance until delivery is confirmed

Popular Gold Coins Available on APMEX

Many of these coins are available in singles, tubes, or sealed packaging (MintDirect®), often with tiered pricing.

Coin Name
Weight(s) Available
IRA-Eligible
Notes
American Gold Eagle
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Yes
U.S. Mint’s flagship coin
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Yes
High purity (.9999), from Royal Canadian Mint
South African Gold Krugerrand
1 oz, fractional sizes
No (some)
One of the most globally recognized coins
Gold Buffalo
1 oz
Yes
24k gold purity, only in BU or proof
British Britannia
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Yes
Features anti-counterfeit design elements
APMEXclusive® Series Coins
Varies
Sometimes
Limited-edition designs only at APMEX
Lunar Gold Series (Perth Mint)
1 oz, fractional sizes
Yes
Collector appeal with strong resale value

Beyond Gold Coins: What Else Does APMEX Offer?

Though this guide focuses on gold coins, APMEX also offers:

  • Gold bars (1g to 1 kilo) from trusted refiners like Valcambi, PAMP Suisse, and APMEX-branded

  • Silver coins and rounds—including American Silver Eagles and specialty series

  • Platinum and palladium bullion

  • Collectibles, graded coins, and numismatics

  • A dedicated IRA section for long-term investors

rare coins, APMEX
Rare coins, APMEX (Screenshot from APMEX website)

Does APMEX Offer a Buyback Program?

Yes, APMEX runs a robust buyback program where you can sell your gold coins directly back to them.

How it works:

  1. Log in or call APMEX’s trading desk to get a quote.

  2. Lock in your sale price.

  3. Ship your items using APMEX’s instructions (insured).

  4. Get paid via ACH or check once your shipment is verified.

APMEX’s buy prices are often competitive—especially for popular bullion coins in good condition.

FAQ

All gold coin shipments from APMEX are fully insured until delivery is confirmed. In the rare case of loss or damage, APMEX will work with the carrier and cover your claim.

Yes, APMEX has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android. It allows you to track gold prices, manage your account, and place orders on the go.

Many of APMEX’s bullion coins meet IRS requirements for IRA inclusion. You can roll over your 401(k) into a self-directed Gold IRA and purchase eligible coins directly.

There is no strict minimum for gold coin purchases on APMEX, but some payment methods require minimums. For example, wire transfers are only accepted for orders over a certain threshold.

Yes, gold coins from APMEX can be sold to any reputable dealer, especially if they’re common bullion types. Having purchase receipts and packaging can support your resale value.

APMEX occasionally offers promotional pricing or special deals, especially for new customers. Signing up for email alerts is the best way to catch these opportunities.

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.