Purchasing precious metals are for those individuals who are looking to safeguard their cash by acquiring physical assets. Stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds are all excellent investment options for investing in gold companies, but when you buy physical gold and silver you own the asset and are not part of any counterparty risks.
A challenge today is finding reputable gold and silver dealers to buy from. You can find online gold dealers that price products and offer individuals an opportunity to purchase one or several gold or silver products at one time. Those buying from online dealers are typically purchasing for home storage.
Investors and individuals looking to diversify a retirement portfolio work with IRA Dealers. These businesses are more focused on the individual buyer walking them through understanding how precious metals are an asset and how they can stabilize a portfolio. They take a more hands-on approach to help investors navigate the self-directed IRA custodian and depository process. Customers like Gold IRA Dealers as there is a more personal relationship taking care to educate and inform.
But who is reputable and who are the scam companies?
Determining which company is best comes with research and conversations. You found our site and our review of Montana Rarities. They are a reputable precious metals dealer but are limited in availability and access. In addition, they don't provide in-depth educational materials for individuals wanting to be more educated on the value of owning precious metals in an IRA.
If you are interested in buying just a few coins, give Montana Rarities a shot, they advertise as having some of the best prices on the internet. But if you are wanting to invest using retirement savings and need to acquire a larger number of IRA Approved Gold and Silver Coins, Rounds, and Bars, then you want to work with a reputable Gold IRA dealer.
Before we get started with our Montana Rarities Review:
As mentioned, it is tough to determine which precious metals dealer has the knowledge and experience necessary to facilitate setting up your Gold IRA. The Plug aims to provide you with as much useful information as possible to shorten your decision-making process. The Best Gold IRA Dealers want to educate and inform their clients. We've broken down a list of the Top Gold and Silver IRA Companies for your review.
Check out The Plug's list of the 5 Best Gold IRA Companies and find out if Montana Rarities made our list!
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Who Is Montana Rarities
When it comes to online precious metals dealers, Montana Rarities is something of a rarity. Most online retailers selling precious metals tout the extensive products they carry including numismatics, rare coins, "junk" silver, and common IRA bullion and proof coins. Not Montana Rarities, they only sell online and only advertise what is available at that time. But, when dealing with the company, they function like a local coin shop that is down the street that you have known for years.
The honesty presented to the public on the website and in person is amazing. Based out of Florence, Montana the business has been selling metals since 2008. Mark, the owner, manages the sales online and talks with customers via phone or email. He is honest on pricing and will recommend going elsewhere if his prices are above other retailers.
Montana Rarities offers bullion Gold, Silver, Platinum, specialty coins, rare coins, and numismatics. The prices online are typically in line with other dealers or lower.
Contact Information:
Montana Rarities
P.O. Box 1221
Missoula MT 59806
Email: sales@montanararities.com
Phone: 406-396-9468
Office Hours: 10 am - 5 pm MST, Monday - Friday
The product in stock is noted as in stock on their website. They do not offer items that they don't have immediate access to. What most companies don't tell you is they source most of their bullion, coins, and bars from wholesalers. Mark does the same. His available products could include items in stock on hand or items he knows he can drop ship from a wholesaler within 2-5 business days.
The website for Montana Rarities is like the business, old-fashioned. They don't have a lot of flair or dramatic effects shouting "buy now" or "almost gone" type of hype. What you see is what you get. Most of your questions can be answered on their website, but contact them via email or phone if you have specific questions.
What Products Does Montana Rarities Sell?
You can find a variety of different bullion, coins, numismatics, and rounds offered at the Montana Rarities website. In addition to the gold and silver products, Montana Rarities has Platinum Bars from Engelhard, Pamp Suisse, Australian, and Canadian Mints.
Not all items are listed, some of the items we found include;
Gold Coins, Bars, and Bullion:
American Gold Eagle $5 Uncirculated 1/10 troy oz
American Gold Eagle $10 Uncirculated 1/4 troy oz
American Gold Eagle $25 Uncirculated 1/2 troy oz
American Gold Eagle $50 Uncirculated 1 troy oz
American Gold Buffalo $50 1 troy oz
Australian Gold Nugget 1/10 troy oz
Australian Gold Nugget 1 troy oz
Austrian Gold Philharmonic 1/10th troy oz
Canadian Gold Bar 5 x 1/10 troy oz
Canadian Gold Maplegramâ„¢ 25 x 1g
Credit Suisse Gold Ingot 1 gram
Perth Mint Gold Bar 1 gram
Pamp Suisse Gold Ingot 1 gram
Valcambi Gold Bar 2.5 gram
Perth Mint Gold Bar 1 troy oz
Valcambi Gold Combibar 10 x 1/10 troy oz
Silver Coins, Rounds, and Bars:
Generic Silver Round 1 troy oz
Buffalo Indian Head Silver Round 1 troy oz
Allasourus Silver Round 1 troy oz
Engelhard Montana "Big Sky Country" Silver Round 1 troy oz
Golden State Mint Aztec Calendar Silver Round 1 troy oz
Scottsdale Mint "Reserve" Round 1 troy oz
Wall Street Silver - This is the Way Silver Round 1 troy oz
Generic Silver Bars 1 troy oz
Monarch Silver Bar 5 gram
Monarch Silver Bar 50 gram
Sunshine Minting Silver Bar 1 troy oz
Sunshine Mint Silver Bar 5 troy oz
Johnson Matthey Struck Silver Bar 10 troy oz
Monarch Precious Metals Silver Bar 10 troy oz
Scottsdale Mint Silver Stacker Bar 1 kilo
How Does Montana Rarities Price Their Bullion
On the website, their prices are considered discount pricing. Mark does not do an extensive amount of advertising, has no showroom or storefront, and works primarily alone. The lack of significant overhead allows him to competitively price the product he has in stock. That being said, there are items he has priced higher than other online retailers. Unfortunately, these items are priced based on his investment and cannot be lowered.
Added Discounts on Purchases:
In addition to the excellent prices for many of the items on the website, you can get additional discounts based on the quantity purchased.
Silver can be discounted between 1.3% and 2.5% up to 999 oz purchased in one transaction. Higher discounts are available if you purchase more.
Gold, Platinum, and Palladium can be discounted between 0.70% and 1.10% when purchasing up to 19.9 oz. If you wish to purchase above 20 oz of fine metals contact the office for additional discounts.
Website Pricing:
Website pricing is based on two factors -
- Cash Price - this is paying with a personal check, money order, cashier check, or wire transfer - the cash price is the best
- Credit Card - choosing a credit card or debit card as a payment option will push your cost up 3-5% from the cash price. This additional charge covers the cost of the C.C. service provider - they encourage you to use a cash option.
Wholesale Pricing:
Montana Rarities offers wholesale pricing. If you are looking to purchase over 10 ounces of gold or 300 ounces of silver you will get wholesale pricing as Montana Rarities will be drop shipping from a metals fulfillment center. Contact MR via email or phone for pricing.
Montana Rarities Shipping Cost and Order Process
Shipping can be the same day for immediate payment or the next day for payments made after noon MST. Personal checks or other checks may require a hold period of up to 10 days from the date payment is received.
Order Processing:
Montana Rarities may contact any individual making an order to confirm identity-reducing fraud. In addition, if orders are made where Montana Rarities cannot fulfill the order those that made the order will be contacted to determine the next steps. Orders can potentially be filled with another item or canceled. The decisions will be up to those that placed the order.
Orders are shipped immediately if in stock and processed by Montana Rarities. Delivery time is typically between 2-4 days. Orders drop-shipped from a precious metals wholesaler are usually shipped within 2-4 days depending on availability and how busy they are.
Shipping Fees:
All orders under $999 will be assessed a shipping and handling fee of $29.
For orders above $1000, there are no shipping and handling charges.
Again, this small-town, small-store attitude is what attracts us to Montana Rarities. Mark states; "A minimum order requirement is not very customer friendly so this is how I balance it. You get to choose- pay the fee, increase the order to be over the threshold, or just not place an order."
Mark's statement is so straightforward. He wants your businesses but, hey go elsewhere if you don't like it.
Shipments are fully insured. Orders are sent via USPS First Class Package and Priority Mail. US Postal Services is used as they allow for the shipping of precious metals whereas some other services do not. Orders over $400 will require a Signature Confirmation on delivery.
Gold and Silver IRAs Explained
A Precious Metals IRA, also known as a Gold IRA, is an investment vehicle specifically designed for retirement savings that allows individuals to hold physical precious metals within their retirement accounts (IRAs).
While traditional IRAs mainly consist of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a Precious Metals IRA offers the unique advantage of including precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
Investing in a Precious Metals IRA is popular among individuals seeking to diversify their retirement portfolios. Precious metals have a historical track record of acting as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Unlike stocks and bonds which can experience significant volatility, precious metals tend to retain their value and even appreciate during uncertain market conditions.
To establish a Precious Metals IRA, it is necessary to work with a reputable custodian or trustee who specializes in these types of accounts. They will provide guidance and support throughout the setup process, including handling the required paperwork. Once your account is active, you can fund it through direct transfers or rollovers from existing retirement accounts.
Once the funds are in your Precious Metals IRA, you have the option to purchase physical precious metals such as gold or silver coins and bars through an approved precious metals dealer designated by your custodian. It is crucial to ensure that the metals meet the quality standards and requirements set by the IRS.
However, it is important to note that Precious Metals IRAs are subject to the same contribution limits and distribution rules as traditional IRAs. Withdrawing funds before reaching the age of 59½ may result in penalties and taxes.
In summary, a Precious Metals IRA offers individuals the opportunity to add physical precious metals to their retirement portfolios, providing potential diversification and a safeguard against economic uncertainty. To begin, seek guidance from a reputable custodian or trustee who will assist you in navigating the process and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
Montana Rarities Precious Metals IRA
As an added option, Montana Rarities offers the convenience and knowledge that comes with working with custodians for SDIRAs. IRA metals are available for purchase and they have the resources necessary to assist in the facilitating of the metals you wish to purchase.
Montana Rarities would be a good option when shopping for metals to place in your IRA. But, make sure you are considering all the factors.
- Montana Rarities is not a gold or silver IRA specialist - meaning they don't have the extensive background and business practices that come with operations between the custodian and the depository.
- Montana Rarities does not offer the extensive education and resources that are typically provided by true IRA dealers.
- Montana Rarities is a small business and therefore could be a problem if they shut down. Mark is already backed off from a full-service online retail store.
- There is no indication of the depth of understanding and knowledge Montana Rarities and their representative brings to the table for retirement accounts and IRA procedures.
- Choosing a Gold or Silver IRA Dealer who will give the best buyback price. Will Montana Rarities buy back the metals you purchase?
- Does Montana Rarities cover the Fees of an SDIRA or offer Free Silver for new accounts being opened? Larger, more established Precious Metals Dealers who work with IRAs offer bonus options.
If you choose to use Montana Rarities for your new self-directed IRA they will put you in contact with Strata Trust Company. Strata Trust Co will be your custodian. They will open the account and help with the paperwork. Once an account is opened and funded Montana Rarities will get a notification and you can then choose the metals you wish for your IRA.
How To Choose the Best Gold and Silver IRA Company
When it comes to choosing the best Gold IRA dealer, there are a few key factors to consider.
First and foremost, reputation is crucial. Look for a company with a solid track record and positive customer reviews. Experience is also important. Opt for a company that has been in the precious metals industry for a significant amount of time and holds the necessary licenses and accreditations.
Storage options matter as well. Ensure that the company has strong relationships with secure and insured storage facilities for your precious metals.
Transparency is another vital aspect to evaluate. The company should be transparent about fees, pricing, and the buying/selling process.
Lastly, customer service is essential. Seek a company that provides responsive and knowledgeable support to address your concerns. By carefully assessing these factors, you can select the best Gold IRA company that aligns with your investment goals and provides a trustworthy platform for safeguarding your retirement savings.
What are the Precious Metals Requirements for an IRA
Choosing a physical metals IRA is a good way to hedge inflation and safeguard your retirement savings. But making the right choice on which bullion to purchase will be most important.
You can hold any gold, silver, platinum, or palladium product that meets the following purity requirements in your SDIRA:
- Gold fineness of .995 or 99.5% pure
- Silver fineness of .999 or 99.9% pure
- Platinum fineness of .9995 or 99.95% pure
- Palladium fineness or .9995 or 99.95% pure
Products not within these minimum range requirements (excluding American Gold Eagles) are not approved for IRA contributions.
Non-approved coins would include pre-1933 gold, gold Krugerrands, and 90% US Silver coins. No collectibles and rare coins are allowed in the IRA.
Check with your custodians for what they allow. Different custodians will have different rules in place for what they will work with. One such requirement may be the mint being ISO 9001 certified.
Final Thoughts on Montana Rarities
When you are searching for an online gold dealer, stop at the Montana Rarities site and check out what is in stock. Analyze and compare pricing against other online dealers and determine if they are a good option for you.
Remember when comparing pricing there are a few things to consider.
- Are you paying with cash or with a credit or debit? When you pay with a C.C. you will be paying a higher price or premium for the item. Pay with cash or a personal check whenever possible to lower your acquisition cost.
- Are you paying shipping and handling fees? Paying for any shipping or handling fees will again increase your acquisition cost and you will never recoup that cost.
- What is the premium for the item you are buying? Comparing the premium price could influence paying a CC fee or shipping. You have to figure out your complete acquisition cost.
Our opinion is yes Montana Rarities should be a call you make to buy precious metals for home storage. They provide quality products and it appears that they are open and honest with their customers.
We however cannot recommend them as a Gold IRA Dealer. It is our opinion that the lack of visibility online, product, and educational materials which are all important and influential when choosing an IRA Dealer to facilitate your IRA gold and silver purchases. You should work with the most reputable and credible gold dealer possible.
Last thought, Montana Rarities is so under the radar they don't have a storefront, they don't have a BBB listing, and they don't have updated reviews from eBay or Facebook. There is little recent information to verify their credibility from customers or recent experiences with those purchasing their retirement IRA.
Find out more about Montana Rarities on their website - Click Here and we'll send you over!
If you want to get more information on Montana Rarities click above.
If you are interested in a Gold IRA - then check out our review on Goldco. They are The Plug's #1 Gold IRA dealer recommendation. Here are our Top 5 Reasons Goldco should be your first call.
- Exceptional White Glove Service
Goldco walks customers through the rollover, step-by-step, to make the process easy
and painless. Direct sales of gold and silver are also offered to help protect and diversify
cash and savings accounts. - Industry Expertise and Resources
Goldco's Wealth Protection Kit is only a small part of a library of excellent guides and
reports available for free to customers and prospective customers. Customers also have
access to Goldco specialists and customer care teams through phone, email, and chat. - Dependable and Trustworthy
Goldco has been a precious metals industry leader for more than a decade. Built on an
unwavering foundation of ethics, Goldco has an A+ rating from the Better Business
Bureau, a Triple A rating from the Business Consumer Alliance, 5-Time INC5000 Winner,
2021 Company of the Year and thousands of positive reviews from customers. - Special Customer Promotions
Goldco offers multiple promotions throughout the year to help its customers maximize
their purchases. Some examples of these promotions include reimbursement of IRA fees
or providing a certain percentage of the transaction back in free silver. - Excellent Buyback Program
Should a customer decide to sell metals purchased from the company, Goldco offers the
best deal possible to ensure each customer is satisfied. Goldco is so confident about its
buyback pricing that the company urges customers to come to Goldco first.
Get Goldco's Wealth Protection Guide - The Essential Guide to Financial Security and get yourself on the road to precious metals ownership. Click the Green Box Below to get started.