Blanchard and Company is a legend in the precious metals world. Founded in 1975, just one year after it became legal for Americans to own gold again, the company was started by James Blanchard III—one of the activists who fought to restore gold ownership rights.
That's serious pedigree. Blanchard literally helped create the modern gold investment market in America. But 50 years later, does their expertise still translate to the best value for investors?
Historical Footnote
From 1933 to 1974, it was illegal for U.S. citizens to own gold bullion. James Blanchard led the successful campaign to overturn this ban. Blanchard and Company was one of the first dealers to open after legalization.
The Numismatic Focus: Blessing or Curse?
Here's where things get complicated. Blanchard specializes in numismatic coins—rare, collectible coins valued for more than just their metal content. They have deep expertise in this area, probably more than any other Gold IRA company.
But for most IRA investors, numismatic coins are the wrong choice.
Numismatics vs. Bullion: The Key Difference
- • Bullion (Gold Eagles, bars): Priced based on gold content. You pay a small premium (5-8%). Value tracks gold prices.
- • Numismatics (rare coins): Priced based on collector value. Premiums can be 30-100%+. Value is speculative.
For retirement investing, bullion is generally the safer choice. Numismatics add speculation on top of already-volatile gold.
This doesn't mean numismatics are a scam—serious collectors can do well with them. But if you're opening a Gold IRA for retirement diversification, you want straightforward bullion, not collector's items.
Blanchard does sell bullion products, but it's not their specialty. If you work with them, you'll need to be clear about what you want.
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- • Unmatched history and expertise (50 years)
- • A+ BBB rating
- • Best-in-class for numismatic knowledge
- • Buyback guarantee on purchases
- • Genuine educational resources (not just sales)
Weaknesses
- • Heavy numismatic focus (higher risk)
- • Website and marketing feel dated
- • Not optimized for bullion-only buyers
- • Pricing less transparent than competitors
Who Should Use Blanchard Gold?
Blanchard Gold makes sense if:
- You're interested in rare coins: If numismatics genuinely appeal to you (beyond just gold investing), Blanchard's expertise is valuable
- You value heritage: Working with a company that helped create the industry has intangible appeal for some
- You know exactly what you want: If you can navigate their numismatic focus and stick to bullion, they're still a legitimate option
For most Gold IRA investors—those who want simple, cost-effective exposure to gold prices—companies like Goldco or Augusta will be a better fit. They focus on bullion and make the process straightforward.
Blanchard is a respected company with real expertise. But their specialty doesn't align with what most retirement investors need.