Company Overview
APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. They operate from a 50,000+ square foot facility and have served over 1.5 million customers since inception.
What sets APMEX apart is their massive product catalog. With over 20,000 different precious metals products, they offer everything from basic silver rounds to rare numismatic coins. If it is made of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, chances are APMEX stocks it.
Pros and Cons
The Good
- Largest product selection in the industry (20,000+ items)
- Established reputation with 24 years in business
- A+ BBB rating with minimal complaints
- IRA-eligible products available
- Excellent website with detailed product information
- Secure checkout and insured shipping
- Strong buyback program
The Bad
- Higher premiums than discount competitors
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- IRA services through third-party partners
- Customer service wait times during busy periods
Pricing & Premiums
Let us be direct: APMEX is not the cheapest option. Their premiums on common silver products like American Silver Eagles or generic rounds typically run 3-7% higher than competitors like SD Bullion or JM Bullion.
However, APMEX justifies higher prices with:
- Unmatched product variety and availability
- Rigorous authentication for all products
- Detailed product descriptions and photos
- Reliable inventory on popular items
For budget-conscious stackers buying common bullion, other dealers offer better value. But for collectors seeking specific coins or varieties, APMEX often has items no one else stocks.
Premium Comparison (Approximate)
Example: American Silver Eagle premiums over spot
Product Selection
This is where APMEX truly shines. Their silver inventory includes:
- Government Coins: American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, Austrian Philharmonics, British Britannias, and dozens more from mints worldwide
- Silver Rounds: Generic rounds, branded rounds, and specialty designs
- Silver Bars: From 1 oz to 100 oz bars from major refiners
- Junk Silver: Pre-1965 US coins, 90% silver bags
- Rare Coins: Numismatic pieces, limited editions, graded coins
- IRA-Eligible: Products meeting IRS purity requirements
Whether you collect World coins, want specific mint years, or need a bulk order of generic silver, APMEX likely has it in stock.
Shipping & Delivery
APMEX ships via UPS with full insurance. Orders over $199 qualify for free shipping. Most orders ship within 1-3 business days, with delivery in 3-5 days depending on location. Discreet packaging ensures no one knows what is inside.
Buyback Program
APMEX offers a competitive buyback program. They will purchase back precious metals you previously bought or acquired elsewhere. Prices are typically near spot for standard bullion, with premiums for rare or collectible pieces.
The process is straightforward: get a quote online, ship your metals, receive payment once verified. APMEX pays via check or ACH transfer.
Customer Service
APMEX offers phone support (800-375-9006), email, and live chat during business hours. Reviews generally praise their knowledgeable staff, though wait times can be long during market volatility or sales events.
IRA Services
APMEX sells plenty of IRA-eligible silver products, but they are not an IRA custodian themselves. They partner with third-party custodians like Equity Trust and GoldStar Trust to facilitate precious metals IRAs.
For Silver IRA Accounts
If your primary goal is a Silver IRA, consider working with a company that specializes in precious metals retirement accounts. Augusta Precious Metals offers an education-first approach with lifetime customer support, making the IRA setup process much smoother than coordinating between a dealer and separate custodian.
Find Your Perfect IRA MatchFinal Verdict
APMEX is the gold standard (pun intended) for product selection. If you need variety, rare items, or just want to browse the largest catalog in the industry, APMEX delivers.
However, if you are simply stacking common silver bullion and want the best price per ounce, consider SD Bullion or JM Bullion instead. And for Silver IRA accounts, specialized providers like Augusta Precious Metals offer a more integrated experience.
Best for: Collectors, variety seekers, and anyone who values selection over price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APMEX a legitimate silver dealer?
Yes, APMEX is one of the most established and reputable precious metals dealers in the United States. Founded in 2000, they have an A+ BBB rating and have served millions of customers.
Does APMEX have good prices on silver?
APMEX prices tend to be slightly higher than discount dealers like SD Bullion or JM Bullion. However, APMEX justifies this with the largest selection in the industry and excellent customer service.
Does APMEX offer IRA services?
APMEX sells IRA-eligible precious metals products, but they partner with third-party custodians for IRA administration. For a more integrated Silver IRA experience, consider specialists like Augusta Precious Metals.
How fast does APMEX ship silver orders?
APMEX typically processes orders within 1-3 business days. Once shipped, delivery usually takes 3-5 business days via insured carriers. Free shipping is available on orders over $199.
Does APMEX buy back silver?
Yes, APMEX has a buyback program where they purchase precious metals from customers. They typically pay competitive rates near spot price for standard bullion products.