Eight Private US Mints

What is a Private US Mint?

When most people think about coins or bullion, they picture the U.S. Mint that produces American Eagle Gold and Silver Coins. But did you know there are several private mints across the United States producing high-quality silver, copper, and gold products? These companies aren't government-run and are typically privately owned, but they play a huge role in the precious metals industry.

Private mints create everything from silver rounds and gold bars to collectible pieces with stunning designs. They often offer more variety than government mints, and they move fast to meet market trends or special requests.

The opposite of a private mint who produces bullion bars and rounds is a sovereign mint that typically produces "Coins" or legal tender for a nation's currency. Typically, in the United States we think of the U.S. Mint as they produce our currency, but there is also the Royal Canadian Mint, and the British Royal Mint to name a couple sovereign mints in the world.

Here is a great blog article on "What is the Difference Between Sovereign Mints and Private Mints". 

In this article, we're highlighting eight private mints based in the United States. There are additional Private Mints not detailed and new ones popping up as the demand for gold and silver is ever increasing. We'll share a bit about who they are, what makes them unique, and what kinds of products they offer.

But we won’t stop there. To help you get the full picture, we’ll also cover things like purity standards, investment value and how bullion is valued, custom minting services, where to buy bullion bars or rounds, and more. Whether you're a collector, investor, or just curious, this article will give you solid insight into the world of private minting.

What is Investment Quality Precious Metals Rounds, Coins, and Bars 

When investing in precious metals, understanding what qualifies as investment quality is essential—especially when it comes to products made by private U.S. mints. Unlike government-issued coins, private mint rounds and bars don’t carry legal tender status, but many still meet the high standards required for serious investors and even IRA inclusion.

Let's look at 5-key factors that define investment-quality precious metals and shows you how to evaluate whether privately minted products truly measure up. 

- Purity and Metal Content

Overview: Investment-quality precious metals must meet or exceed specific purity thresholds:

• Gold: 99.5% (0.995 fine) or higher
• Silver: 99.9% (0.999 fine)
• Platinum/Palladium: 99.95% (0.9995 fine)

Private Mint Angle: Many private U.S. mints (e.g., Scottsdale Mint, Sunshine Minting, SilverTowne) regularly produce gold and silver rounds and bars that meet or exceed these standards.

Why It Matters: Purity determines intrinsic value and eligibility for investment use, including in IRAs. Always check the product’s purity stamp and request an assay or certificate of authenticity if in doubt.

- Recognized Mint or Manufacturer

Overview: Whether government or private, the mint must have a track record of quality, consistency, and market trust. This includes:

• Government Mints: (e.g., U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint)
• Private Mints: Must be reputable and transparent with their manufacturing practices

Private Mint Angle: Trusted U.S. private mints often partner with IRA custodians and dealers. Look for those with:

• ISO certification
• Secure minting practices
• Positive industry reputation

Why It Matters: Reputable private mints can absolutely produce investment-quality items, but it’s your job as a buyer to confirm they meet the necessary standards and are accepted by major dealers or IRA custodians.

- Form Factor: Coins, Rounds, and Bars

Overview:

• Coins: Legal tender backed by governments; always from government mints.
• Rounds: Produced by private mints; look similar to coins but have no face value.
• Bars: Common form for private mints; sold in a variety of weights, often with lower premiums.

Private Mint Angle: Private mints specialize in rounds and bars. As long as their items are clearly stamped with weight, purity, and a recognizable mint mark, they can qualify as investment quality.

Why It Matters: Coins may have broader recognition, but bars and rounds from reputable private mints offer a cost-effective way to invest, especially in bulk. Just confirm that the mint and product specs align with investment standards.

- Market Acceptance and Liquidity

Overview: Investment-quality metals should be easy to resell. Popular products, recognizable brands, and standard weights (1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz, etc.) have higher liquidity.

Private Mint Angle: Products from well-known private mints often carry high resale value if they meet the following:

• Standard sizes and weights

• Clearly stamped purity and mint marks

• Recognized by bullion dealers and online marketplaces

Why It Matters: Liquidity depends on recognition and trust. Even high-purity metal may face resale issues if from an obscure or unrecognized mint.

- IRA Approval and Verification

Overview: To be IRA-approved, metals must meet:

• Minimum fineness standards

• Minting by an approved source (private mints can be included)

• Documentation confirming compliance

Private Mint Angle: Many private mints produce IRA-eligible bars and rounds, provided they meet IRS standards. However, collectible or commemorative rounds, even from good mints, are generally not allowed in IRAs.

How to Determine If It's Investment Quality:

• Check for the mint’s reputation and online presence

• Verify product specs (weight and fineness)

• Confirm with an IRA custodian if the product is eligible

• Look for third-party assay or verification

Why It Matters: Not all private mint products qualify—even if the metal is pure. Always confirm IRA compatibility before purchase if that’s your goal.

When investors are purchasing smaller quantities of metals or wish to be able to trade or sell off smaller portions of their investment, then the choice is to purchase bullion rounds. 

10 More Private U.S. Mints

1. Texas State Mint

• Location: Leander, Texas

• Produces: Silver rounds, bars, commemorative bullion

• Overview: A privately owned mint offering Texas-themed bullion products such as "Come and Take It" and Lone Star rounds. Despite the name, it is not affiliated with the state government. Products are .999 fine and appeal to both investors and collectors.

2. Intaglio Mint

• Location: Sedalia, Colorado

• Produces: .999 silver rounds, limited-edition collectibles

• Overview: Known for highly detailed, engraved silver rounds with historical, mythological, and liberty themes. Focused on artistic bullion rather than standard investment bars. Often purchased by collectors, though still .999 silver.

3. Osborne Mint

• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

• Produces: Silver rounds, commemorative coins, custom minting

• Overview: The oldest private mint in the U.S. (established in 1835). Offers both custom and stock bullion products. Supplies to private labels, political campaigns, and collectors. Well-known in numismatic circles and capable of investment-quality production.

4. Bison Bullion

• Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

• Produces: Hand-poured .999 silver bars

• Overview: Specializes in rustic, poured silver bullion with unique textures and custom stamps. Favored by stackers for its raw, artisanal style. While it meets purity standards, resale value may vary due to lack of mass distribution.

5. MK Barz & Bullion

• Location: Los Angeles, California

• Produces: Hand-poured silver bars and art rounds

• Overview: Focused on artistic and limited-run bullion for collectors. Produces .999 fine silver pieces in unique shapes and designs. IRA eligibility is case-by-case due to lack of standardized forms.

6. Highland Mint (and BullionWorks Subsidiary)

• Location: Melbourne, Florida

• Produces: Silver and gold bars, medallions, sports memorabilia

• Overview: Known for minting officially licensed sports products, but also produces investment-grade bullion. Has a subsidiary (BullionWorks) involved in bulk silver and gold bar production.

7. Atlantic Precious Metals (North American Mint affiliate)

• Location: Rochester, New York

• Produces: Blanks, bullion rounds, contract minting

• Overview: Operates as a private label and contract mint for other bullion brands. Offers both custom minting and investment-quality blanks. Mostly business-to-business focused.

8. APMEX (Private Mint Division)

• Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Produces: APMEX-branded bars and rounds in silver and gold

• Overview: While APMEX is primarily a retailer, it offers its own line of bullion through partnerships with contract mints. Products are investment-grade and often IRA-eligible.

9. Hero Bullion (Private Label Products)

• Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

• Produces: Custom-branded rounds and bars (via partners)

• Overview: Hero Bullion is a retailer but also offers exclusive products minted through private mint partners. Their branded rounds are typically .999 silver, designed for stackers and small investors.

10. Elemetal Mint (Formerly Operating as Private Mint)

• Location: Ohio (Operations suspended, but still seen in market)

• Produces: Silver bars and rounds

• Overview: Formerly one of the largest private mints until regulatory and legal troubles led to a shutdown. Their products still circulate in the secondary market and are often investment-grade.

So What Makes a Private Mint Legitimate?

Private mints are essentially manufacturers of metal products (typically bullion) that adhere to certain industry standards rather than regulatory ones. Here's what distinguishes a credible, investment-grade private mint:

1. Business Registration & Compliance

• They must be legally registered businesses in their operating states.
• Comply with federal laws (e.g., anti-money laundering via FinCEN if applicable).
• File standard business licenses and taxes — like any manufacturing company.

2. Precious Metals Industry Accreditations (Optional but Important)

• Some are certified or approved by:
  • LBMA (London Bullion Market Association)
  • COMEX/CME Group
  • ISO 9001 certification for quality management

These credentials are not required to operate but add trust, especially for institutional use or IRA approval.

3. IRA Custodian Approval

• For a product to be IRA-eligible, it must meet IRS standards and be accepted by an IRS-approved custodian.
• Custodians often vet private mint products on purity, reputation, and documentation.
• There is no central list of “approved mints,” but top mints are accepted across multiple custodians.

So How Can You Vet a Private Mint?

There are several way to determine if a private mint is reputable, but make sure you do your due diligence including checking with local Better Business Bureau and other online sources. Social media and Google Reviews are excellent way to check on peoples opinion of a business.

What is Refiners vs. Private Mints in Precious Metals

In the world of precious metals, it’s important to distinguish between private mints and private refiners, as they play different but complementary roles in the supply chain. While both contribute significantly to the availability of bullion products, understanding their differences can help investors better assess the quality, collectability, and resale value of what they purchase.

Private mints specialize in the design, manufacturing, and branding of bullion items such as rounds, coins, and bars. They take refined metal and create finished products often marked with their unique logos, designs, and sometimes serial numbers. These products are intended not only as investments but also, in many cases, as collectible pieces that appeal to buyers looking for aesthetic or thematic value. The craftsmanship and branding of private mints tend to add a layer of trust and market recognition, which can enhance liquidity and resale potential.

Private refiners, on the other hand, focus primarily on the purification and assaying of precious metals. Their core business is to transform raw or recycled metal into high-purity bullion. Many refiners produce generic bars stamped with their hallmark or refinery logo, certifying metal content and purity. Unlike mints, refiners rarely produce rounds or coins with elaborate designs; their products are often simpler bars aimed strictly at bullion investors seeking pure metal at competitive prices.

This distinction matters because refiner bars and private mint products serve different investor needs. Refinery bars are often valued for their melt value and purity but may lack the collectible appeal and broader market acceptance that branded mint rounds enjoy. Private mint products, especially those from reputable mints with consistent quality control and recognizable branding, may trade at a premium and be more readily accepted by dealers and custodians, including for IRA eligibility.

For investors, understanding whether a product originates from a refiner or a mint can influence both purchasing decisions and expectations for resale. Refinery bars might be more cost-effective for bulk purchases focused solely on metal content, while private mint rounds may be preferred for portfolio diversification and ease of liquidation.

In sum, both private refiners and private mints play vital roles in the precious metals ecosystem. Knowing the difference—and how each fits your investment goals—equips you to build a more informed, balanced bullion portfolio.

Final Thoughts from a Lifetime in the Metals Industry

After more than five decades studying and writing about precious metals, I can say with confidence that private mints play a vital — yet often underappreciated — role in the world of bullion investing. While they may lack the official stamp of sovereign authority, they bring innovation, accessibility, and affordability to the table in ways that government mints simply can’t match.

Private mints, especially those we've outlined here, are capable of producing investment-quality rounds, bars, and coins with exceptional purity and craftsmanship. They offer variety, competitive pricing, and often more flexibility in design and product options. And while not all private mint products are IRA-approved, many meet or exceed the IRS’s minimum fineness standards — making them worthy candidates for long-term, tax-advantaged portfolios when approved by a custodian.

The key to making informed decisions in this space is understanding what makes a mint — and its products — reputable. Look beyond the branding. Examine purity, consistency, reputation, and how widely a product is accepted in the market. When you do, you’ll find that many U.S. private mints are producing metals that stack up right alongside the most trusted government-issued bullion.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned stacker, the takeaway is this: don't overlook private mints. They are not only legitimate — they are a cornerstone of modern bullion investing. Armed with the right knowledge, you can take advantage of their value, diversity, and quality to build a smarter, more balanced metals portfolio.

Pros and Cons of Private Mints

✅ 10 Pros of Private Mints

1. Lower Premiums Over Spot
   Private mints typically offer bullion at lower premiums compared to sovereign mints due to fewer regulatory costs and higher production flexibility.

2. Greater Design Variety
   With no requirement to follow government templates, private mints can produce creative, commemorative, and custom designs that appeal to both investors and collectors.

3. High-Purity Products
   Many private mints produce .999 or .9999 fine silver and gold bullion, meeting or exceeding investment-grade standards.

4. Custom and Small-Batch Options
   Investors and businesses can order custom-branded rounds and bars, making private mints a go-to for personalized bullion or corporate gifts.

5. Faster Production and Availability
   Without bureaucratic bottlenecks, private mints can respond quickly to market demand and release new products faster than sovereign mints.

6. Accessible Entry Point for New Investors
   Because of lower costs and flexibility in sizes (from 1 gram to 100+ oz), private mints make bullion investing more accessible.

7. Innovative Packaging and Presentation
   Many private mints offer unique packaging or presentation options (e.g., capsules, gift boxes), adding appeal without driving up costs significantly.

8. Decentralized Supply Sources
   In times of high demand or sovereign mint delays, private mints help maintain availability in the market.

9. Diverse Product Lines
   Many private mints offer a range of metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) and forms (rounds, bars, shot, wafers), giving investors broad options.

10. Collector Crossover Appeal
    Some private mints create pieces with dual appeal — collectible designs backed by investment-grade metal content.

⚠️ 10 Cons of Private Mints

1. No Legal Tender Status
   Private mint products are not legal currency, which may impact perceived legitimacy among new investors or international buyers.

2. Variable Recognition in Secondary Markets
   Some lesser-known private mints have limited recognition, which can affect resale value or dealer buyback ease.

3. Not All Products Are IRA-Eligible
   While many meet purity standards, not all private mint forms (e.g., poured bars, art rounds) are accepted in self-directed IRAs.

4. Inconsistent Quality Among Smaller Mints
   While many are excellent, some smaller operations may lack rigorous quality control, resulting in inconsistent weights or finishes.

5. Limited Security Features
   Compared to sovereign mints (which may use micro-engraving, UV ink, or serialized bars), private mints often provide fewer anti-counterfeit measures.

6. Lack of Government Backing
   There is no guarantee from a national treasury, which means buyers rely on market demand and melt value, not face value.

7. Marketing-Heavy Products May Inflate Perception
   Some private mints emphasize marketing or “collectibility” over actual metal content or investment value.

8. Smaller Dealer Networks
   Some products may not be accepted by all bullion dealers, particularly if the mint is regional or niche.

9. Less Transparency About Mint Operations
   Smaller or lesser-known mints may not publish refining processes, sourcing, or assay details publicly.

10. Potential for Confusion With “Official-Sounding” Names
    Mints like “Texas State Mint” may sound governmental but are private — potentially misleading to newcomers.