Introduction
Let’s be real—investing in precious metals with companies like SD Bullion can feel intimidating. Between market volatility, economic uncertainty, and that voice in your head saying, “Are you sure this isn’t just shiny paperweights?”, it’s not exactly a casual Sunday activity.
When I first stumbled upon SD Bullion, I was looking for a reliable, no-nonsense place to buy gold and silver without feeling like I was getting roped into a sales pitch. A friend recommended them, claiming they had great prices and no fluff. Naturally, I had to see for myself.
What I found was a mix of affordability, transparency, and surprisingly good customer service—something you don’t always get in the bullion world. So in this post, I’m going to share my full experience, what makes SD Bullion stand out, and some tips for anyone curious about stacking precious metals (yes, “stacking” is the cool term).
Who (or What) Is SD Bullion?
For those who aren’t deep into the bullion scene, SD Bullion is an online retailer that sells gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals. They launched in 2012 with a mission to offer the lowest possible prices on metals, and—unlike some competitors—they’ve stuck to that principle.
They started small (literally in a doctor’s office) and grew into one of the largest precious metals dealers in the U.S. That “low overhead, pass the savings to customers” vibe is still part of their brand today.
Some quick facts:
- Founded: 2012
- Headquarters: Ottawa Lake, Michigan
- Products: Gold, silver, platinum coins and bars, IRA-approved bullion, collectible coins, and storage solutions.
- USP: Consistently low prices compared to big names like JM Bullion or APMEX.
Why I Decided to Try SD Bullion
There are dozens of online bullion dealers, so why this one? Honestly, three reasons:
- Pricing – Their prices were consistently lower than other dealers for the same coins and bars.
- No Aggressive Sales Pitches – I didn’t want to deal with pushy “buy now before it’s too late” phone calls.
- Reputation – Their reviews were solid, especially from seasoned stackers who don’t sugarcoat things.
Also, I liked that they offered both newly minted coins and secondary market deals—sometimes you can score a cheaper price if you’re okay with coins that aren’t fresh out of the mint.
The Buying Process: Smooth, but With a Few Things to Know
I’ll walk you through my first order.
- Browsing the Site – The website is straightforward. You can filter by metal type, weight, mint, and price. No flashy gimmicks, just products.
- Prices & Payment – Prices are clearly displayed and update with the market. If you pay by bank wire or check, you get the lowest rate. Credit card or PayPal costs a bit more.
- Checkout Experience – Pretty standard. You pick your payment method, shipping address, and you’re done.
- Shipping – They ship discreetly (your nosy neighbor won’t know you just ordered gold) and packages are fully insured.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying a significant amount, the bank wire option saves the most money.
What I Bought & How It Arrived
For my test run, I went with:
- 10 x 1 oz American Silver Eagles
- 1 x 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
When the package arrived, it was double-boxed, taped like Fort Knox, and everything inside was pristine. The coins were in protective capsules, and there was a packing slip with the order details. No scratches, no surprises—just shiny metal happiness.
Pros of SD Bullion
Here’s where they shine (pun intended):
1. Low Prices Without the Hype
They consistently undercut major competitors. It’s not dramatic, but when you’re buying multiple ounces, those dollars add up fast.
2. Wide Selection
From common bullion coins to rare collectibles, they’ve got something for every budget and investor type.
3. Discreet, Insured Shipping
Peace of mind is priceless when you’re mailing gold and silver.
4. IRA Options
If you want precious metals in your retirement account, they can help set up a self-directed IRA.
Cons (Because No Company Is Perfect)
I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t mention a few drawbacks:
- Shipping Can Be Slow – Expect 5–10 business days before your order arrives, especially if you pay by check.
- Market Volatility Risk – Once you lock in a price, it’s yours—even if gold drops the next day. (But that’s true everywhere.)
- No In-Person Pickup – Everything’s shipped, so if you like face-to-face transactions, this isn’t your place.
Tips for Buying from SD Bullion
If you decide to give them a try, here are a few personal tips:
- Watch the Spot Price First – Precious metals prices fluctuate daily. Try to buy on a dip.
- Consider Secondary Market Deals – You can save a few bucks per coin if you don’t mind older or mixed-year coins.
- Buy in Bulk for Better Rates – Larger orders usually come with lower premiums.
- Plan Ahead – If you need the metals quickly, pay by bank wire instead of check to speed things up.
SD Bullion vs. Competitors
Here’s how they stack up (pun intended again) against a couple of other big names:
| Feature | SD Bullion | JM Bullion | APMEX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Usually lower | Competitive | Higher premiums |
| Selection | Broad | Broad | Huge inventory |
| Shipping | Discreet, insured | Discreet, insured | Discreet, insured |
| IRA Services | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Website Design | Simple | Sleek | Sleek |
Bottom line: SD Bullion wins on price, but if you’re hunting rare collectibles, APMEX might have more variety.
Is SD Bullion Legit?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Absolutely yes, and I’d buy from them again. They’ve been in business for over a decade, have thousands of positive reviews, and I’ve personally received exactly what I ordered, every time.
They’re also Better Business Bureau accredited and have a solid track record of delivering orders securely.
Why Precious Metals Are Still Worth Considering
Some people see gold and silver as old-school investments—like stocking up on canned beans and building a fallout shelter. But in uncertain economic times, precious metals still serve as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
They’re tangible, hold value over time, and aren’t dependent on the stock market’s mood swings. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about holding a solid gold coin in your hand—it’s like having a piece of history and security rolled into one.
Final Verdict: Would I Recommend SD Bullion?
Yes—if your goal is to buy gold, silver, or platinum at low prices from a reputable dealer without gimmicks, SD Bullion is a fantastic choice.
They’re not flashy, but they deliver on what matters most: price, reliability, and secure delivery. For me, that’s enough to keep them in my list of go-to bullion dealers.
If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into precious metals, start small, do your homework, and maybe give SD Bullion a try. Just be warned—once you start stacking, it’s addictive.
Your Turn:
Have you bought from SD Bullion before? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear if your journey was as smooth as mine.
