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Last Updated on December 23, 2023
Investing in precious metals offers a potentially lucrative and secure way to diversify your investment portfolio, hedge against economic instability, and build wealth for the future.
Among the many companies that deal in this sphere, Monument Metals has carved a niche for itself, offering a range of services that cater to both small-scale collectors and large-scale investors.
This article reviews Monument Metals in detail, covering their product range, their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) services, their customer service quality, and ratings and reviews on BBB and Trustpilot.
What is Monument Metals?
Established in 2014, Monument Metals is a leading dealer in the precious metals industry, renowned for its competitive pricing, customer-centric approach, and wide variety of offerings.
The company aims to be the lowest cost online retailer of precious metals and rare coins, striving to offer a simplified purchasing experience that pairs well with their industry expertise.
Headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, Monument Metals services customers both nationwide and internationally.
Monument Metals Products
Monument Metals’ product selection offers an excellent range of precious metals and numismatic products suitable for both investors and collectors. Their focus on a diverse inventory ensures customers can find items that meet their specific investment or collecting needs.
Gold
Gold has been a consistent store of value and an investment favorite throughout history. Monument Metals offers a comprehensive selection of gold bullion products, including coins, bars, and rounds, which provide investors with a multitude of options to add gold to their portfolios. They stock renowned coin options such as American Gold Eagles and Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, and Austrian Philharmonics. They also carry gold bars in various sizes, from one gram to one kilogram, sourced from top mints and refiners globally, such as the Royal Canadian Mint and PAMP Suisse.
Silver
Silver, often considered the more affordable cousin to gold, is another precious metal that Monument Metals specializes in. The company provides a wide range of silver coins like American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, Australian Silver Kangaroos, and more. Moreover, silver bars and rounds from notable mints and refineries are available in various sizes, making it possible for any investor or collector to find something that suits their budget and interests.
Platinum
Though not as widely known as gold and silver, platinum is another attractive investment option. Its scarcity and use in various industrial applications make it valuable and a potential diversifier for a precious metals portfolio. Monument Metals stocks an array of platinum coins and bars from around the world, such as the American Platinum Eagle and the Austrian Philharmonic.
Palladium
Palladium, similar to platinum, is less known but is becoming increasingly popular among precious metal investors due to its rarity and demand in industrial applications. Monument Metals offers palladium bars and coins, including the Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf.
Pre-1933 Coins
Collectors who have a fascination with historical items will appreciate Monument Metals’ offering of Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. These coins provide a tangible link to the past and offer additional value due to their rarity and historical significance, making them highly sought after by numismatists.
Copper
In recent years, copper has been gaining recognition as an investment. Although it’s not traditionally considered a precious metal, its rising use in green technology and infrastructure makes it a potentially attractive addition to a diversified portfolio. Monument Metals offers copper rounds and bars that allow investors to take advantage of this trend.
Deals
Monument Metals periodically offers deals and discounts, such as lower premiums on certain products, bulk pricing discounts, and special promotions. These deals provide an excellent opportunity for investors and collectors to add to their holdings at discounted prices, making precious metals investing more accessible.
In summary, the broad range of products that Monument Metals offers ensures that there is something for every investor or collector, regardless of their budget or preferences. Whether one is new to precious metals investing or a seasoned veteran, they are likely to find products that meet their specific needs with Monument Metals.
Monument Metals IRA
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) provide a tax-advantaged way for individuals to save for retirement. While most people are familiar with traditional IRAs that invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, not everyone knows about the possibility of investing in precious metals through a self-directed IRA. Monument Metals facilitates such investments, allowing individuals to diversify their retirement savings with physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
How to Open an Account
Opening a precious metals IRA with Monument Metals involves a two-step process. First, you must establish a self-directed IRA through a custodian who permits precious metals investments. This type of IRA gives you the freedom to choose alternative investments like precious metals, not just the traditional stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
Monument Metals can provide a list of recommended custodians who specialize in self-directed precious metals IRAs. You would then work with the custodian to set up the IRA account, which involves providing personal information, choosing a funding method (like a rollover from an existing IRA or a fresh contribution), and selecting your desired investments.
After your self-directed IRA is established, you can begin purchasing precious metals from Monument Metals. The company offers a variety of IRA-eligible products, including specific gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars. Your selected items will then be shipped directly to an approved storage facility.
Fees
Investing in a Monument Metals IRA incurs certain fees, which can vary depending on the custodian you choose. These fees often include an initial setup fee, annual account maintenance fee, storage fee, and possibly transaction fees. The setup fee is a one-time charge for opening the account, while the maintenance fee covers the ongoing administrative costs of managing the IRA.
Storage fees are for the secure storage of your precious metals at an approved depository. These fees are generally charged annually and may be based on the total value or the weight of the metals in your IRA. Transaction fees, if applicable, are charged each time you make a purchase or sale within your IRA. For detailed information on the fee structure, it’s recommended to contact the custodian and Monument Metals directly.
Storage
When it comes to storing the precious metals in your IRA, Monument Metals uses IRS-approved depositories. These facilities specialize in storing precious metals, employing state-of-the-art security measures such as 24/7 surveillance, timed locks, vibration, motion, and sound detectors, and advanced alarm systems.
It’s important to note that while the metals are in your IRA, you cannot take physical possession of them; this is considered a distribution and could be subject to taxes and penalties. Instead, the metals must be held by a third-party custodian until you reach the age at which you can take distributions from your IRA.
In conclusion, Monument Metals offers a straightforward, secure, and compliant way for individuals to include precious metals in their retirement portfolios. This service not only provides a greater level of portfolio diversification but also allows individuals to hedge against potential economic downturns and inflation using tangible, physical assets.
Monument Metals Customer Service
Monument Metals has a robust customer service team that is dedicated to ensuring a positive customer experience. They offer support through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat. The team is highly knowledgeable and ready to assist with any inquiries or issues that may arise.
Monument Metals Reviews and Ratings
BBB
Monument Metals is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating, which is the highest possible rating. This reflects the company’s commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining transparency in their business practices.
Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, Monument Metals has an excellent rating. Numerous customer reviews highlight the company’s competitive pricing, fast shipping, and exceptional customer service.
Pros and Cons
Like any business, Monument Metals has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Wide variety of precious metals products
- Competitive pricing
- High-quality customer service
- Excellent BBB and Trustpilot ratings
- Secure storage options for IRA investments
Cons:
- Potential investors must set up a self-directed IRA through a custodian before making a purchase
- Lack of specific fee information on the website
Other Factors to Consider About Monument Metals
Choosing the right precious metals dealer requires careful consideration of many factors beyond product offerings and pricing. The company’s reputation, its commitment to customer service, and its stance on educating its customers are all critical factors to consider when deciding to invest with them.
Reputation
Reputation plays a key role in selecting a precious metals dealer. A company like Monument Metals, with a solid track record, is often a safer bet than a newer, unproven dealer. Monument Metals has built a strong reputation in the industry since its inception in 2014. Its accreditation and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and excellent ratings on Trustpilot further testify to its credibility and customer satisfaction.
Customer Service
Outstanding customer service is another crucial factor to consider. Monument Metals’ customer service is available through various channels, including telephone, email, and live chat. They have a team of knowledgeable professionals who can guide you through your precious metals investment journey, whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting.
Education
The world of precious metals investment can be complicated, particularly for newcomers. Companies that emphasize customer education often make the investment process smoother and more transparent. Monument Metals operates with this principle at the forefront, offering an educational blog on their website. This resource covers a wide range of topics related to precious metals, investing, and the economy, providing valuable insights to their customers.
Payment Methods and Shipping
Monument Metals accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, bank wires, checks, and even cryptocurrencies. Such flexibility caters to a broader range of customers and makes the purchasing process more convenient. In terms of shipping, the company offers secure, insured shipping and free shipping for orders over a certain amount.
Buyback Policy
A reputable dealer should offer a fair and transparent buyback policy, and Monument Metals does precisely that. The company is committed to buying back any precious metal products they sell, at competitive market rates, making it easier for investors to liquidate their holdings when needed.
In conclusion, the various aspects of Monument Metals — its reputation, customer service, educational resources, flexible payment methods, shipping policies, and buyback program — all contribute to the company’s standing as a reliable and customer-centric precious metals dealer. These factors set Monument Metals apart and make them a worthy consideration for anyone looking to invest in precious metals.
Final Thoughts
Monument Metals is a reputable dealer in the precious metals industry, offering a diverse range of products and robust IRA services. With an excellent track record in customer service, high ratings on review platforms, and competitive pricing, the company provides a compelling choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals. However, as always, prospective investors should perform their own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making significant investment decisions.
