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Universal Coin & Bullion is a dealer in precious metals with a headquarters located in Beaumont, Texas. It also provides services to clients who want to set up precious metals IRAs.
Their website has a lot of educational content about precious metals. However, it is not clear whom the company partners with as the IRA custodian.
In addition, there is no information on how Universal Coin & Bullion supports vault storage of precious metals. The company does not offer products in platinum or palladium.
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Background of Universal Coin & Bullion
Universal Coin & Bullion serves the investor as well as the collector in their acquisition of gold and rare coins. They are a leading consultant in numismatic materials and have been recognized in the industry for their award-winning services.
Their areas of specialization include rare coins from the United States, gold and silver bullion coins, and self-directed IRA strategies. Universal Coin & Bullion is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Since its operations launched in 1994, the company has served more than a quarter of a million satisfied customers and has managed over $1.1 billion in business transactions. To get more details on the company, you can contact them at 800-822-4653.
Universal Coin & Bullion Management
President, Dr. Michael Fuljenz
Dr. Fuljenz has earned the reputation as America's Gold Expert. He has won over 60 prominent regional and national awards for his quality work in consumer education and protection in the area of precious metals and rare coins.
His publications and interviews about gold and rare coins have positioned him as the leading authority on the subject matter. The Press Club of Southeast Texas as well as the Numismatic Literary Guild have honored him with the Best of the Year awards.
He is a frequent guest on national and local media broadcasts on personal finance and business, like CNBC and Fox Business Network.
He has been quoted numerous times by The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and through all news media channels including print, broadcasts, and web-based platforms.
His background includes service as a consultant to the U.S. Mint, U.S. Postal service, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Royal Canadian Mint.
He is on the Board of Directors of the Numismatic Literary Guild as well as the Industry Council for Tangible Assets.
Universal Coin and Bullion Products
The company deals in gold and silver bullion, many of which are IRA-approved. Promotion focuses on the gold and silver American Eagle coins, but they do have other options.
These include the Gold American Buffalo, the American Silver Eagle, the Australian Gold Kangaroo, and bars in different weights.
The Select Four Portfolio
Select Four includes the four primary areas of coin that UCB believes have the most promise in rising demand and potential increases in value down the road.
Over the past years, they have curated a collection of highly desirable coins available for their Select Four clients. Some of these coins have experienced significant increases in prices, thus validating UCB's recommendations of coins with the biggest potential.
UCB predicts that coins in the rarest categories will soon see a spike in prices that will surpass the reach of most collectors. These categories include the Half Eagles and the Indian Head Quarter due to their one-of-a-kind incuse design of historical significance.
The buying team of Select Four also curates contemporary coins that have the most promise in becoming future rare commodities.
Several $25 Gold Eagle coins of select dates that they had previously recommended have already earned the status of "rare" in the inventory of other dealers.
Historical performance does not guarantee results in the future. However, many clients who followed Select Four recommendations in the past have enjoyed timely acquisitions of rare coins at a good price before the price shot up with growing demand.
Certification of Gold Products
When grading companies like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) were established, strict standards were implemented in the grading and certification of products to authenticate them.
After a coin is examined, certified, and authenticated by NGS or PCGS, the coin is encapsulated and sealed sonically in a tamper-resistant plastic holder. This is labeled with a serial number, a description, and a grade that is guaranteed.
This is important for investors and collectors because certification by a third party gives the parties involved greater confidence in the coin's authenticity and grade.
When you buy a rare coin, you need to know the coin's grade so you can have an accurate assessment of its market value.
Although collectors and investors follow stringent coin standards, coin grading is still done subjectively and is not an exact science.
UCB encourages you to become better educated in coin investing and collecting by contacting their staff and by making use of the valuable information published on their website.
Coins in Mint State
A coin in Mint State has not been circulated. It is in the same condition as when it was just newly minted. The details of the design should be sharp and distinct. It should be lustrous, but a little bit of dulling is expected.
On the other hand, some coin series will not have all the details struck. These qualities might make the coins more in demand and valuable.
Coins in Mint State can vary in quality, so figuring out the wear on a coin can be challenging. The surfaces of Mint State coins at the lower end have many distracting marks.
Some coins have circulated a little bit but have been cleaned and polished so they are bright and shiny like Mint State, but they are not.
The visual appeal of a coin is subjective to the observer. There is no science behind it.
Common Date Gold Coins
These are gold coins that were produced on certain dates in large quantities every year. So, they are not rare.
Common date coins of high quality can also be slabbed and offered with certificates of authenticity and quality from grading organizations such as the NGC or PCGS.
Because these coins are not rare, they are traded by their coin type and not by their production date. Common date coins might seem ordinary, but they have qualities that make them good investments.
They are not valued by any commemorative or unique properties, but they do have features that make them desirable in the coin and precious metals market. These are often more reliable and predictable as investment options.
Numismatic Guaranty Company
Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) is a coin certification and grading service located in Sarasota, Florida. They are a subsidiary of Certified Collectibles Group, which also owns five other certification services.
The parent company is Blackstone, which is a multibillion-dollar hedge fund based in New York City. NGC has certified over 40 million coins around the world.
NGC authenticates, grades, attributes and encapsulates coins in clear plastic, tamper-proof holders.
FAQ
When I make a purchase, when are prices locked?
The price is locked in at the time you purchase. The exception is for bullion orders submitted by phone, special orders, and large orders. These are locked in when the company received your funds.
For online transactions, for how long is the price locked in?
When you order, payment is due in 5 business days. If the company does not receive a payment within 5 business days, they may cancel your order.
If you are paying by check (personal or cashier's) or money order, you should mail your check on the day of your order and use next-day mail. This will ensure that the company receives payment on time.
To lock in the price, you will need to provide information on a valid credit card.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes. UCB has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you are not happy with your purchase, you can get a full refund by returning the item in its original packaging within 30 days of receipt. This does not apply to bullion or special orders.
Shipping FAQ
How much is shipping?
UCB offers free shipping for online orders of more than $100. Online orders of $100 or less will be charged $10 for shipping.
When is my order shipped?
Phone orders paid by credit card are shipped within 3 to 4 business days from the date of the order. Orders that include presale items may ship at a later date.
Online orders paid by credit card are shipped within 6 to 16 business days from the date of the order. Orders that include presale items may ship at a later date.
Orders paid by personal check are shipped within 11 to 16 business days from the deposit date of the check. Orders that include presale items may ship at a later date.
Orders paid by cashier's check and money orders are shipped within 6 to 11 business days from the deposit date of the check. Orders that include presale items may ship at a later date.
Phone orders paid by bank wire are shipped within 3 to 4 business days from the date UCB's bank receives the wired funds. Orders that include presale items may ship at a later date.
Online orders paid by bank wire are shipped within 5 to 15 business days from the date UCB's bank receives the wired funds. Orders that include presale items may ship at a later date.
Shipments might sometimes experience delays if overwhelming demand or other factors is affecting the product.
How are orders shipped?
Orders are shipped by the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and Federal Express. Most orders will need a signature to confirm delivery.
Can orders be shipped to a P.O. Box?
Currently, orders received online cannot be shipped to a P.O. Box. If you need other shipping options, contact UCB.
Are shipments insured?
Yes, UCB insures all shipments sent by the company for loss or damage during transport.
Market Loss Policy
When you purchase bullion from UCB's online store, you enter into a contract to purchase the item at the agreed-upon price.
If you decide to cancel the order, fail to pay, or default any part of your obligations as a buyer, you agree to be held accountable to UCB for any market losses resulting from it in addition to a $30 cancellation fee.
You will also be responsible for any fees associated with the company collecting the item back from you. All market gains belong to the company. Pending and future orders are held until any market loss amounts and cancellation fees are paid.
Is Universal Coin & Bullion a Scam?
No, Universal Coin and Bullion is not a scam, UCB is legitimate. It has a physical location and a real owner. They have been in business since 1994. If they were not a legitimate company, they would have disappeared long ago.
However, whether they are your best choice for investing in precious metals is a topic for another discussion.
Conclusion
Universal Coin & Bullion has a large inventory of rare coins and precious metals. If you want something unique for your portfolio, you can find it in their online store.
Rare coins offer different benefits depending on the metal. When you are choosing investments, purchase products that are consistent with your investment goals and which will take you there.
The specialists at UCB are experts in their field and have a vast knowledge of the industry. They want to teach you about all of your options so you can make the best decision for your portfolio.
Universal Coin and Bullion is an ok company, but we do not recommend them.
There are much better choices for if you are looking to make cash purchases of precious metals, and definitely better choices for investors that want to protect their savings with a precious metals IRA.
You can get a Free Gold Investors Guide from our top gold and precious metals company recommendation by clicking the link above or you can read our article of the top companies we reviewed this year:
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I started BMOGAM Viewpoints as a way to compile all my views on investing in one place. I own my home, have some real estate, and own a few stocks like most people, but what really drives my interest in investing is I have a strong love of precious metals, especially gold.