FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The first time you order from United States Precious Metals online store, an account will automatically be created for you. Having an account at our site provides several advantages:
Your contact and shipping information will be saved for all of your future orders. This makes future purchases fast and easy. Please note that for your security, we do not store credit card information online.
Subscribing to our newsletters will keep you informed of new products and special deals as they become available.
You can change your account information — including your user name, password, address, telephone number, and delivery preferences — whenever you choose.
Payment
Your credit card is billed when your order is received. Your card will show as United States Precious Metals on your credit card statement.
Shipping
Unless otherwise requested, domestic shipments are shipped via FedEx. Occasionaly, if we feel an order will arrive in a safer or more timely manner, we may use USPS. All orders are discreetly packaged, insured and will require a signature upon delivery.
Sales Tax:
Since United States Precious Metals is based in Texas, state law requires that we charge sales tax on orders shipped to customers residing in Texas. To customers residing in states other than Texas, please be aware that, if applicable, the taxing authorities in your state may charge you a “use” tax on your out-of-state internet and/or catalog purchases. While it is not the responsibility of United States Precious Metals to charge or collect this “use” tax from you at this time, we are alerting our customers regarding this possibility as a courtesy. If you require further information on this issue, we suggest you contact the tax authorities in your state directly.
Order Status
Once your order has been received, you will receive an email receipt from us. This email confirms that we have received your order and it includes your order number. Keep this email for your records. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive another email from us. This email confirms that your order, or part of your order, has shipped. You may receive multiple emails depending on the items you selected.
Return Policy
You may return items purchased on our web site within 10 days of delivery for a full refund or an exchange for another product. Just make sure returned items are in like-new condition in original packaging and you contact us in advance by phone or email. All returns are subject to 30% restocking fee and must have an RMA number (Return Merchandise Authorization) issued by a United States Precious Metals account representative or the return will not be accepted.
Secure Shopping
We use the industry standard encryption protocol known as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to keep your order information secure. We have established a Secure Shopping Guarantee for every transaction that you make with United States Precious Metals. Should any unauthorized charges appear on your credit card as a result of shopping with United States Precious Metals, you must notify your credit card provider in accordance with its reporting rules and procedures. We will cover the liability of purchases made through this web site only if the unauthorized use of your credit card resulted through no fault of your own. If your bank holds you responsible for fraudulent charges, we will cover your liability up to $50.00.
Trademarks, Copyrights And Restrictions
All materials on this site, including, but not limited to images, illustrations, graphics and text are protected by copyright under both United States and foreign laws. Unauthorized use of this material violates copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may not copy, republish, upload, post, transmit, or distribute in any way our site material. Any modification of this material or use of the material for any other purpose constitutes an infringement of copyright and other proprietary rights of United States Precious Metals and our associates. Use of this material on any other web site or in any other environment is prohibited without prior written permission.
Links
This site contains links to third party sites. United States Precious Metals is not responsible or liable for the content of any such sites, or for the content of any sites that may be linked to this site. Links are provided for your convenience only and you may access them at your own risk. The inclusion of any link on this site does not constitute an endorsement by United States Precious Metals of said site. Third parties that wish to place a link on their website to a United States Precious Metals web page may do so without United States Precious Metals prior consent. However, any such links must refer to the United States Precious Metals name or any associated names in a plain text font and format and must follow our general trademark guidelines. Furthermore, no claim shall be made as to direct association with United States Precious Metals without formal written consent.
Disclaimers
Under no circumstances or any theory of law shall United States Precious Metals be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, this site, even if United States Precious Metals has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In states where limitations of liability are not allowed or are limited, United States Precious Metals liability in such states shall be limited to the extent permitted by law. The Although United States Precious Metals has made every effort to display products and their colors as accurately as possible, image accuracy is totally dependent upon the monitor of the user and United States Precious Metals cannot guarantee the user’s monitor to accurately portray any products.
United States Precious Metals is committed to maintaining your confidence and trust, and accordingly maintains the following privacy policy to protect personal information you provide online.
It our policy that personal information, such as your name, postal and email address or telephone number, is private and confidential. Accordingly, the personal information you provide is stored in a secure location, is accessible only by designated staff, and is used only for the purposes for which you provide the information.
If you also indicate on our site that you would like to be added to our mailing database, your personal information will be added to the appropriate mailing lists. You may freely opt-out of any mailing list at any time.
Release Of Information
Personal information will not be released to third parties except in the case that such release is required by law, court order or by judicial or governmental investigations or proceedings. There are no other circumstances under which we will provide personal information to third parties, nor will such information be sold by Blanchard.
Computer Tracking Of Identifiable Information
Our web server is not set up to track, collect or distribute personal information about its visitors. It does recognize the IP address of visitors, but not the email address. Our server also recognizes the site where a visitor came from directly before visiting our site, but we cannot identify the visitor or the visitor’s address. No personal information is collected.
In addition, our server tracks information about the visits to our web sites such as statistics that show the daily number of visitors, the daily requests we receive for particular web pages, and which pages our visitors visit first and last. These aggregated statistics are used internally to better provide online services. These statistics contain no personal information and cannot be used to gather such information.
Customer Information
We do collect certain information from visitors who purchase from our online store. The information we collect is necessary to process orders, provide a more personalized shopping experience, and notify you of special shopping offers, discounts and news. When you place an order at United States Precious Metals, our secure server (SSL) encrypts all the information you’ve input before it is sent to us. All of the customer data including credit card information is fully protected against unauthorized access.
Cookies
Cookies store information provided by your web browser. These cookies do not contain any personally identifying information, but enable us to improve our website to provide a better use experience. Most Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but if you prefer, you can usually change the preferences on your browser to prevent this. United States Precious Metals does not require that your browser accept cookies to browse the product catalog. However, it is necessary that your browser accept cookies in order to purchase products online.
Use Of This Website
By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of this information by United States Precious Metals. Please note that we do NOT share email addresses under any circumstances.
If you have questions or comments about our privacy policy, please contact us.
When you order form United States Precious Metals, we always ship your coins registered and insured. Because of this added security, you will need to sign for the package when it is delivered. Should you be unavailable when the carrier tries to deliver your order, a delivery notification slip will be left which allows you to pick up your order at the nearest carrier office. Your order will never be left unsecured.
You can normally expect to receive your coins within 10 days of placing your order.
You may return any item for a refund or exchange within ten (10) days from the date of purchase. You must include a copy of your receipt along with the unused product in its original packaging. No return privilege whatsoever shall apply to coins removed from their original holders. Returns will NOT be accepted without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
To Claim A Return Or Exchange By Mail
1. Contact USPM at (866) 928-7380 to request an RMA number.
2. Print a copy of your reciept and indicate the quantity and reason for each return item. Also indicate if your request if for exchange or refund.
3. Box all items securely in its original packaging with the reciept.
4. Address your package by using the return address provided on the reciept. Your RMA number MUST be written next to the shipping label on your box.
5. For refunds, we will issue a credit to the original credit card for the cost of the item and any sales tax paid. Please allow 10 to 15 business days for exchanges which will be shipped at your expense. We will pay shipping for replacement of defective items only.
United States Precious Metals offers a 10 day customer satisfaction policy after receipt of numismatic coins. Carefully inspect and evaluate your coins during this period. If you are displeased with your purchase for any reason whatsoever, you may return your coins to United States Precious Metals within 10 days of receipt, in the same condition in which you received them, for a full refund, including shipping costs.
If your order consists of the coins set forth below (hereinafter referred to as “Exchangeable Common Date Coins”), the 10 day customer satisfaction policy permits you to exchange your coins for other coins of the same denomination and grade but does not allow you to return the coins for a refund. Exchangeable Common Date Coins are $1.00, $2.50, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 gold coins certified as Mint State 66 or lower by PCGS or NGC, as well as uncertified circulated coins. Bullion coins, those that trade at a premium of less than 15% over the value of their underlying precious metals content, are not subject to return or exchange. Sales of all such coins shall be final.
Delivery of bullion orders is normally accomplished within two- three weeks from the date of receipt of payment. All bullion orders will be assessed the then current shipping charges. Numismatic coins normally ship within four-six weeks after payment is received. All returns are subject to 30% restocking fee and must have an RMA number (Return Merchandise Authorization) issued by a United States Precious Metals account representative or the return will not be accepted.
All graded coins sold by United States Precious Metals is certified by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation(NGC).
This insures that your coin is not a counterfeit and the grade assigned was issued in conformity with the industry standards.
Authenticity Risks
Forgery and counterfeiting are risks associated with the purchase of rare coins. To minimize these risks, it is recommended that investors only buy coins certified by one of the leading independent coin grading services. With the exception of certain uncertified circulated coins, each coin sold by United States Precious Metals has been graded by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Each of these coin grading services is recognized within the coin grading industry for its superior expertise, and each guarantees unequivocally that coins certified by it are authentic. United States Precious Metals relies upon those guarantees in selling coins, and does not independently verify whether certified coins are authentic. Accordingly, United States Precious Metals expressly disclaims any express or implied warranties otherwise attaching to the coins, including that the coins are merchantable.
Grading Risks
The value of a coin is highly dependent upon the condition or “grade” of that coin. Since grading is a subjective process, there is risk in acquiring coins whose grades have not been independently certified by one of the leading independent coin grading services. The possibility exists that a coin could be misgraded by one of the independent grading services, and it is possible for such services to assign a different grade to the same coin upon resubmission. The guarantees provided by such services provide protection against misgrading, given the continuing solvency of the services. United States Precious Metals cannot be responsible for any of the services’ guarantees or for subsequent changes in their policies and expressly disclaims any express or implied warranties associated with the grades assigned by PCGS and NGC.
Customer Satisfaction
United States Precious Metals offers a 14 day customer satisfaction policy after receipt of numismatic coins. Carefully inspect and evaluate your coins during this period. If you are displeased with your purchase for any reason whatsoever, you may return your coins to United States Precious Metals within 14 days of receipt, in the same condition in which you received them, for a full refund, including shipping costs.
If your order consists of the coins set forth below (hereinafter referred to as “Exchangeable Common Date Coins”), the 14 day customer satisfaction policy permits you to exchange your coins for other coins of the same denomination and grade but does not allow you to return the coins for a refund. Exchangeable Common Date Coins are $1.00, $2.50, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 gold coins certified as Mint State 66 or lower by PCGS or NGC, as well as uncertified circulated coins.
Bullion coins, those that trade at a premium of less than 15% over the value of their underlying precious metals content, are not subject to return or exchange. Sales of all such coins shall be final. Delivery of bullion orders is normally accomplished within two- three weeks from the date of receipt of payment. All bullion orders will be assessed the then current shipping charges. Numismatic coins normally ship within four-six weeks after payment is received.
Volatility
The coin market is subject to substantial fluctuations including significant and rapid increases and decreases in value from time to time. Investors must be able to assume the risk of such price fluctuations.
Investment Performance
During the period in which relatively accurate statistics have been maintained, many rare coins have shown an excellent record as appreciating assets. United States Precious Metals believes that rare coins are excellent long-term investments, but the future is never certain. The past performance of coins is a guide, not a prediction, of future events. United States Precious Metals is always prepared to assist you in selecting coins for your portfolio or collection. You understand, however, that the decision to purchase coins, and which coins to purchase, is ultimately yours alone.
Unregulated State Of The Rare Coin Market
The coin market is not subject to some of the forms of governmental regulation applicable to other forms of investment. Conversely, there can be no assurance that, in the future, regulations which materially affect the coin market will not be imposed. At present, there are no restrictions on the ownership of rare coins, and rare coin ownership offers certain tax and privacy advantages. However, there is no guarantee that, in the future, these benefits will not be restricted or totally removed by government regulation. There is no guarantee that the existing electronic coin exchange, which has brought certain benefits to the rare coin market, may not limit or suspend its operations, which could be disruptive to the rare coin market
Bid Price
United States Precious Metals is a major buyer of rare coins. If you wish to sell your coins in the future, United States Precious Metals encourages you to offer them to United States Precious Metals first, although United States Precious Metals cannot guarantee to make a bid on every coin or that United States Precious Metals’s bid will equal or exceed those from other coin dealers. Should United States Precious Metals make a bid on your coins, it is United States Precious Metals’s current practice, which is subject to change at its sole discretion, to offer to buy back coins that it commonly sells at United States Precious Metals’s current bid price (the price at which it buys back coins sight-unseen from its clients). That bid price is raised or lowered on a daily, even hourly basis, depending upon various market conditions, United States Precious Metals’s inventory needs and the price and availability of comparable coins.
Economic Forces
The success of an investment in rare coins is dependent, at least in part, upon extrinsic economic forces including supply, demand, international monetary conditions and inflation or the expectation of inflation. The impact of these forces on the value of coins cannot be predicted with any certainty. No assurance can be given that an investor will be able to sell his or her coins at a price greater than or equal to their acquisition cost. Rare coins are not suitable investments for investors seeking current income.
Prices
Because of expenses associated with the acquisition and sale of rare coins, expenses which are not involved in other investment assets, the spreads (the gross margins on selling price) charged by dealers in rare coins are typically higher than those associated with investments such as stocks, bonds and commodity futures contracts. Although higher or lower spreads may exist in certain instances, typically, the spread for relatively common coins sold by United States Precious Metals with no reference to the date of issue is in the range between 8% and 23%, depending on the type, rarity and quality of the coin sold.
The spread on coins of significant rarity sold by United States Precious Metals may be in the 29% range, again subject to slightly higher or lower spreads in certain instances. Therefore, rare coins should be considered to be long-term investments with a holding period of at least three (3) to five (5) years. However, there is no guarantee that the holding of a coin, for any period, will result in appreciation. United States Precious Metals’s typical spread on bullion coins (those that trade at a premium of less than 15% over the value of their underlying precious metals content) is approximately 1% to 5%.
Arbitration
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to transactions between you and United States Precious Metals shall be settled by arbitration conducted in Jefferson County, Texas. Judgment upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
