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Investing » How to Buy Copper with APMEX: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Buy Copper with APMEX: A Beginner’s Guide

Explore APMEX’s copper bullion selection and find out how to purchase directly with low premiums, fast checkout, and real-time pricing.
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.

Table Of Content

APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) is one of the largest and most trusted online precious metals retailers in the U.S., known for its vast inventory, transparent pricing, and beginner-friendly buying process.

While many people turn to APMEX for gold or silver, the platform also offers a strong selection of copper bullion, which has become increasingly popular among both collectors and long-term investors.

How to Buy Copper With APMEX, Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the process of buying copper from APMEX and what it required from investors:

1. Decide Why You're Buying Copper

Copper isn’t just for industrial use—it’s become a go-to option for cost-conscious investors, preppers, and collectors. APMEX caters to all of these groups with a wide range of copper items, from patriotic rounds to artistic bar designs.

Before you start browsing, it’s worth asking:

  • What's your goal? Long-term hedge, educational gift, or collectible?

  • What format do you prefer? Copper is available in 1 oz rounds, 1 lb bars, 5 lb bricks, and even larger options.

  • Do you plan to store or display it? Some products are designed more for aesthetics, others for stackability.

APMEX doesn’t sell copper as an IRA-eligible asset (since copper doesn’t qualify), so it’s more for personal collection or alternative investing—not retirement accounts.

Copper rounds and bars are relatively low-cost, but premiums can still vary. Focus on larger weights like 1 lb or 5 lb bars for better value per ounce compared to individual 1 oz rounds.

copper products on APMEX
Copper products on APMEX

2. Create an APMEX Account

While you can browse and even purchase without an account, signing up with APMEX gives you:

  • Saved billing and shipping details

  • Access to past orders and tracking

  • Exclusive promotions, deals, and alerts

  • Faster checkout for future purchases

No documentation is required, and the process takes less than two minutes. If you're planning multiple purchases, having an account can streamline your experience.

Once you're signed in, turn on “Spot Price Alerts” to track copper prices in real-time. This can help you buy when prices dip or new deals go live.

3. Browse Copper Products by Type or Weight

APMEX makes it easy to explore its copper inventory. Visit the Copper Bullion section and filter by:

  • Product Type: Rounds, bars, bullets, and even cubes

  • Weight: Options range from 1 oz to 1 lb and 5 lb

  • Themes: Patriot-themed, historical figures, or pure bullion-style designs

  • Condition: New, circulated, or cull (lower quality)

All prices are updated in real-time based on the market and supply-demand. APMEX also displays volume discounts if you’re buying in bulk.

Product
Description
Weight
1 oz Copper Round – Morgan Dollar Design
Replica of the classic Morgan silver dollar
1 oz
1 lb Copper Bar – APMEX Logo
A sleek, stackable bar with .999 purity
1 lb
5 lb Copper Bar – Element Design
Large bar for bulk value
5 lb
1 oz Copper Bullet – .45 ACP
Novelty item shaped like a bullet
1 oz
1 oz Copper Round – Walking Liberty
Features a classic American coin design
1 oz

If you’re just starting out or buying in bulk, look for APMEX’s “Best Seller” or “On Sale” tags. These often mark the most competitively priced copper options at the moment.

4. Add to Cart and Secure Your Price

Once you’ve chosen your copper products, add them to your cart and proceed to checkout. APMEX locks in your price at the time of order—not when it ships—which is important in case copper prices fluctuate.

APMEX accepts several payment methods:

  • Wire transfer (best pricing for large orders)

  • Credit/debit cards (fast, but may include small premium)

  • eCheck/ACH (fast and discounted)

  • Bitcoin and other crypto (via BitPay)

  • PayPal (for select products)

Shipping rates vary, but orders over a certain threshold (usually $199+) qualify for free shipping.

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

5. Track Shipping and Delivery

APMEX ships from Oklahoma City and provides full insurance for every package. Copper orders are packed discreetly—no visible markings indicate precious metals inside.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Shipping time: 1–3 business days to process + delivery

  • Tracking number: Sent via email after dispatch

  • Signature: Required on high-value orders (not always for copper unless the order is large)

Delivery is fast and private, with all orders protected against damage or loss during transit.

Does APMEX Offer a Buyback Program for Copper?

Yes, APMEX does offer a buyback program for copper and other precious metals. Known as the APMEX AutoLock feature, it allows customers to sell their copper rounds or bars directly back to APMEX at competitive market rates.

To use the program, you must have at least $1,000 worth of items to sell. Once your quote is locked in, you’ll have one business day to ship your metals.

After inspection and approval, APMEX processes your payment via check, wire, or APMEX credit. 

Other Useful APMEX Features for Precious Metal Buyers

APMEX offers more than just metals—it delivers tools and features that improve your overall investing experience:

  • Precious Metals Portfolio Tool – Track the value of your physical metals in real-time using their free portfolio dashboard.

  • Price Alerts & Notifications – Set custom alerts for copper, gold, and silver to buy at your preferred target price.

  • AutoInvest Program – Automate purchases of select products, including monthly recurring buys based on your preferences.

  • APMEX Club Loyalty Program – Get access to early deals, reduced shipping thresholds, and exclusive product drops based on your annual spending.

bullion club levels, APMEX

FAQ

Copper is more affordable and accessible, making it popular for new investors and collectors. However, it's more tied to industrial demand than traditional wealth preservation.

No, copper is not eligible for inclusion in a self-directed Precious Metals IRA. Only metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium meet IRS standards.

Yes, APMEX typically offers free shipping on orders over a certain threshold (usually $199), including copper products.

Yes, APMEX’s copper products are generally .999 fine copper, meaning they contain 99.9% pure copper.

Store copper in a dry, cool place to avoid tarnish or oxidation. Airtight containers or tubes can help maintain condition over time.

Yes, copper reacts with moisture and air, which can cause patina or green oxidation. While harmless, it may affect appearance.

Yes, APMEX carries themed and commemorative copper rounds that appeal to both collectors and enthusiasts.

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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.