The most prevalent reasons for choosing to buy precious metals from Apmex are the fact that they've been in operations since 1999, they boast a 7000+ product line, and their website is usable for ordering even if the market is closed.
Generally that would be a description of precious or semi-precious gems. Some ores containing precious metals may still be considered minerals and be expensive. In that case you would refer to them as "precious metal ore".
No, that would make cookers too expensive
Mercantilism was an economy theory that posited that the wealthiest nation, particularly in terms of precious metals, would be the most powerful. The demand of the precious metals by the developed countries was one of the causes of mercantilism.
As I don't live in Arizona, I can't really help you find a coin dealer there. However, the gold 50 peso coin contains 1.2057 troy ounces of gold and is worth about $1,690 in gold content alone at the time of writing. Beware of "cash 4 gold" style people who offer low. Rather, I would try to find a coin dealer of jewelry shop that deals in precious metals. Alternatively, sites such as the American Precious Metal Exchange (APMEX) will buy some coins and is currently offering $1,687.32 for gold 50 peso coins. However, I have not used APMEX and I would find out more information about them and their policies before I would sell to them.
Precious metals have always held their value, even in a flailing economy. Gold, Silver, Titanium, Platinum, and other precious metals will never zero out in price, as they are an actual physical asset.
You can buy silver bullion online from reputable dealers like APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion, BOLD Precious Metals, and other trusted platforms specializing in precious metals trading. Additionally, consider checking customer reviews and comparing prices to ensure you get the best value and service while purchasing silver bullion online.
Just as the name implies- precious metals are metals- things that conduct electricity, have luster, ductility and malleability- and are rare. Examples include gold, silver, platinum, palladium, etc. Precious minerals- just that- minerals- defined as naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substances having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness. To be precious, they also would be rare and sought after. Examples may include diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc.
I have not personally used any of the cash-for-gold mail-ins. They could be legit, but I am wary of sending valuable gold products through the mail to an unknown source. Honestly, I think your best bet would be to check with reputable companies. If you have gold coins or bullion, I'd consider reliable precious metals dealers like APMEX. If you have jewelry, I would take it to a local dealer you trust.
There are quite a few different precious metals that many people may never have heard of. The first four that generally come to everyone's mind are gold and silver, of course, and next are platinum and palladium. Some of the others are rhodium, beryllium, mercury, tellerium, and there are many more.
The precious metals being soft excepting platinum,would be eroded due to its exposure to physical wear and tare.
The most commony used elements would be precious metals such as gold and silver. Copper, steel, uranium and fluorine are also commonly used.
So-called "precious" metals are expensive for two reasons - 1, scarcity, and 2, utility. They're comparatively rare, and they're very useful. If they were rare, but nobody wanted or needed them, the real value would be far less - like a Kardashian. If they were very useful, but very plentiful, the value would be less as well, kinda like sand - which is silica which is used in glass, computer chips, etc etc.