Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
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Physical precious metals are tangible investment-grade gold, silver, platinum and palladium, typically held in the form of coins or bars. Unlike stocks, ETFs, or other financial assets, physical gold represents direct ownership of a tangible asset.
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Investors may choose to own precious metals as part of a broader wealth diversification strategy. Gold has historically been viewed as a store of value and may provide diversification alongside traditional financial assets.
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Precious metals can serve an important role in a diversified portfolio, but it isn't right for everyone. We believe the decision to purchase precious metals should be based on your individual goals, time horizon, and overall financial strategy.
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There is no universal answer. The role and amount of precious metals someone chooses to own depends on their objectives, time horizon, existing assets, risk tolerance and individual circumstances. We can help you understand the considerations involved, but we do not provide individualized investment advice or prescribe a specific allocation.
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Both can provide direct ownership of physical gold. Coins are often available in smaller denominations and may offer greater flexibility when purchasing or selling. Bars are typically available in a wider range of sizes and may offer lower premiums at larger weights.
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The spot price represents the current market price of precious metals. Precious metals products are generally priced above spot because additional costs are associated with manufacturing, minting, refining, distribution, and other services required to deliver physical metal.
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A premium is the amount added to the underlying market price of gold to account for the costs and economics associated with producing, distributing, and selling a specific physical product. Premiums can vary depending on the product, size, availability, and market conditions.
Purchasing Precious Metals
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The process begins with a conversation about what you're looking to accomplish. We'll walk you through available products, current pricing, and the purchase process so you can make an informed decision.
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Yes. We can provide a current buyback quote for eligible precious metals. Buyback prices are based on current market conditions and the specific products being sold.
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Delivery times depend on the product selected, availability, payment method, and shipping requirements. We'll provide estimated delivery timing when your order is placed.
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Our pricing is based on current wholesale market conditions and the specific product being purchased. Any applicable premium is disclosed before you complete your purchase.
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Asher is compensated through the disclosed retail pricing associated with each transaction. We do not charge a separate commission on purchases. Your exact purchase price and any applicable costs are provided before you authorize the transaction.
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Our premiums vary depending on the product and quantity. Our premium will never exceed 7% above our wholesale acquisition price. Your exact purchase price will be provided before you commit to the transaction.
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We believe pricing should be straightforward. Before completing a transaction, we'll clearly explain the purchase price and any applicable costs so you understand what you're paying.
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No. Asher does not charge a separate commission or selling fee when purchasing eligible precious metals from you. Your buyback price will be provided before you complete the transaction.
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Yes. Direct-purchase clients can take physical possession of their metals, subject to the applicable product, payment, and delivery requirements.
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You can choose from several approaches, including secure home storage, private vaulting, or professional depository services. The appropriate option depends on the amount of metal you own and your personal preferences.
Precious Metals IRA
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A precious metals IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that allows investors to hold certain eligible physical precious metals within a qualified retirement account, subject to IRS rules.
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Some investors use a precious metals IRA as a way to diversify their retirement assets beyond traditional investments such as stocks and bonds. Whether it makes sense for you depends on your individual retirement strategy.
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In many circumstances, eligible retirement accounts may be transferred or rolled over into a self-directed IRA that can hold precious metals. The specific rules depend on the type of retirement account and your individual circumstances.
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No. The IRS has specific requirements regarding the types, purity, and forms of precious metals that may be held within an IRA.
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Precious metals held within an IRA must be held by an approved custodian and stored with an eligible depository. IRA-owned metals cannot simply be stored at your home.
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The precious metals are owned by the IRA and held for your benefit through the IRA's custodian. The metals must remain within the qualified retirement account structure until distributed according to applicable rules.
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You may generally request an in-kind distribution of eligible metals from your IRA, subject to applicable tax and retirement-account rules. Distributions can have tax consequences, so you should consult your tax or financial professional.
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Precious metals IRAs follow the tax rules applicable to the underlying type of IRA. A traditional IRA and Roth IRA, for example, have different tax treatment. A precious metals IRA does not eliminate the normal tax rules associated with retirement accounts.
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No. Asher Private Capital is not the IRA custodian. We help clients navigate the process and work with qualified third-party custodians and depositories.
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Asher acts as the precious-metals dealer, sourcing your products and coordinating delivery to an approved depository. Your custodian remains responsible for managing your IRA funds and administration.
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That depends on your retirement objectives, existing investments, risk tolerance, and overall financial circumstances. Our role is to help you understand the structure and available options so you can make an informed decision.
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No. Our initial consultation is simply an opportunity to understand your objectives, answer questions and explain the available options. There is no obligation to purchase, and we do not believe in creating urgency around a decision of this nature.