Let's be upfront: Blanchard is one of the most historic names in American gold dealing. But "historic" and "best for your retirement" aren't the same thing. Here's what you need to know.
Founded in 1975—just one year after Americans could legally own gold again—Blanchard helped create this entire industry. James Blanchard III, the founder, was one of the people who fought to restore gold ownership rights. That's real pedigree. But after 50 years, does their expertise actually help regular folks like you protect their retirement savings?
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 Rare Coin Question - Read This Carefully
Here's where we need to give you straight talk. Blanchard specializes in numismatic coins—rare, collectible coins valued for more than just their gold content. They know more about rare coins than almost anyone in the business.
But here's the problem: For most folks looking to protect their retirement, rare coins are the wrong choice. Let us explain why.
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 rare coins are a scam—serious collectors can do well. But if you're a retired electrician or nurse looking to protect 30 years of savings, you don't need collector speculation on top of normal gold price movement. You need straightforward bullion.
Harold, a retired pipe fitter from Louisiana, learned this the hard way: "Another company tried to push rare coins on me. The markup was 40%. I would have needed gold to double just to break even. Stick with regular bullion—American Eagles, bars, the stuff that tracks actual gold prices."
Blanchard does sell regular bullion, but it's not their focus. If you work with them, be crystal clear: "I want standard bullion only—no collectibles."
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 actually interested in rare coins as a hobby: Not just as investment, but as collectibles you understand
- You want the historic pedigree: Some folks just feel better working with a company that's been around 50 years
- You can be firm about what you want: If you can say "bullion only" and stick to it, they're still legitimate
For most working folks looking to protect their retirement—people who want straightforward gold exposure without collector risk—companies like Goldco or Augusta are a better fit. They focus on regular bullion and don't try to steer you toward expensive collectibles.
Blanchard is respected with real expertise. But their specialty—rare coins—isn't what most people need when they're trying to protect 30 years of hard-earned savings.