FACTS FOR INVESTORS & COLLECTORS TO CONSIDER
International Bullion Exchange LLC. (“IBX”) assists investors and collectors with a full range of numismatic coins, bullion, investment grade diamonds and Precious Metals IRAs. We also provide free information to help collectors and investors choose their acquisitions. Our website contains helpful information such as precious metal spot prices, charts and coin information for our more popular precious metals products. www.internationalbullionexchange.com traces its history to 2004.
When acquiring products from IBX, clients have the option of either taking prompt delivery or storing their acquisitions with a third party storage facility (some restrictions may apply).
We are a recognized leader in the precious metals industry and pride ourselves on excellent service and personalized attention to our clients from around the world.
We offer precious metals, numismatic coins and investment grade diamonds that are fully guaranteed for authenticity.
We are proud of our reputation in the investment community. We invite you to check our credentials and our reputation. We strongly recommend that you conduct your own due diligence before you acquire numismatic coins, precious metals and investment grade coins from any firm. If financing or storing your metals with IBX, please also review IBX’s Account and Storage Agreements which will provide additional important information. We are confident that International Bullion Exchange will be your choice for investment grade coins and diamonds, bullion and Precious Metals IRAs.
FACTS, RISKS AND POLICIES COLLECTORS AND INVESTORS SHOULD KNOW
DIVERSIFICATION. Numismatic coins, precious metals and investment grade diamonds can be an important part of a diversified investment portfolio. We believe that numismatic coins and precious metals are appropriate for 10% to 20% of an investment portfolio. (If you choose to invest more than this amount, you should first consult your independent financial advisor before proceeding with your acquisitions.) Certain individuals or organizations may recommend a different percentage.
HOLDING PERIOD. If you are purchasing numismatic coins, precious metals or investment grade diamonds for investment purposes, they should be considered a long-term investment. We believe that numismatic coins, precious metals and diamonds should be held for at least 3 to 5 years or more to maximize your potential for gains. Any specific holding period may be affected by current market conditions which may require a longer or shorter holding period. See our Risk section for additional information.
OUR PRICES. Our prices are set internally based upon our analysis of a variety of factors and are not necessarily tied to the prices quoted by any other organization. Prices are subject to change based on market conditions. IBX acts as a dealer and generally either owns or uses third party wholesalers for the coins, precious metals and diamonds it buys and sells.
To understand IBX’s pricing, here are definitions of some commonly used terms:
Ask – The ask price is the price IBX sells coins and other precious metals to its clients. The ask price is also known as the selling price.
Bid – The bid price is the price that IBX pays to purchase coins and other precious metals from its clients and members of the general public. The bid price is also known as the buyback price.
Spread. The “spread” refers to the difference between a coin or precious metal’s ask price (i.e., the selling price) and its bid price (i.e., the buyback price). The spread is calculated by subtracting the bid price from the ask price and dividing the difference by the ask price (Ask – Bid)/Ask).
IRA ACCOUNTS. IBX may refer clients to companies that provide trustee and custodian services for Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRA”). IBX only refers to companies that have developed strong reputations and are regulated by the US Government. IBX is independent from and not affiliated with any of these IRA companies. The client is responsible for independently selecting the IRA custodian suitable for the client. IBX does not share or assume responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from a client’s relationship with the IRA custodian.
IBX does not recommend that clients invest more than 10%-20% of their retirement assets/portfolio (which may include a variety of asset classes including IRAs, 401(k)s, real estate, stocks, bonds and other investments) in precious metals and numismatic coins although other organizations and individuals may recommend different percentages. You must determine the proper percentage of precious metals and numismatic coins to allocate in and outside an IRA based upon your individual circumstances.
Only certain bullion coins and bars and proof coins may be held in a precious metals IRA. Many clients choose to purchase proof U.S. coins for their IRAs. The price of proof coins may be affected by factors other than changes in precious metals spot prices.
Tax laws are complex and may change at any time. IBX does not provide tax advice. You should consult with your tax advisor about whether including precious metals in your IRA is right for you.
LIQUIDATION/BUYBACK POLICY. When you decide to sell your metals or diamonds, we appreciate the opportunity to purchase them at our current bid/buyback price. Although you are free to sell to other dealers, we believe it is possible that you will receive a higher net amount by selling to us because we are familiar with the quality and marketability of the items we sell and do not charge any additional fees or commissions other than the 1% liquidation fee on precious metals and diamonds that were originally purchased from IBX. Depending upon market conditions and your original purchase price, you may receive less than what you paid for your metals or diamonds.
The law prohibits us from guaranteeing to repurchase the coins we sell although we have always made buy-sell markets in precious metals and numismatic coins we offer. Therefore, our buyback policy is not a guarantee and is subject to change without notice. It is our policy to offer to repurchase coins sold by us at our current bid/buyback price. While our company is not obligated to do so, we continue to make a market for the coins we sell, have historically done so, and intend to continue to do so in the future.
Liquidation requests may be made to your Account Executive or by calling Client Relations at 800-485-2225. You may also contact Client Relations at info@ibullionexchange.com Please contact Client Relations or your Account Executive for IBX’s packaging and address requirements prior to sending any precious metals, numismatic coins or diamonds to International Bullion Exchange.
DELIVERY. All packages shipped to our clients are insured. Your acquisitions will be delivered within 28 calendar days of receipt of good funds (unless your State requires a different delivery period), and typically in less than 14 days. If a shipment is lost or damaged prior to delivery at your shipping address, at IBX’s option, we will either replace the items or refund your purchase price. Please inspect the shipment thoroughly upon receipt to ensure you have received your actual and entire order. Any variance from your order must be reported within (5) days of receipt of your shipment and you must have all original packing materials intact. Any claim beyond this time period may be denied.
STORAGE. IBX stores client holdings in a depository of its choice and may change depositories without prior notice. IBX may co-mingle your holdings with those of other clients and acknowledges that you own a specific, but undivided interest in such holdings to the extent of the quantity and type you have purchased. A fee is charged for storage. Details and limitations can be found in IBX’s Storage Agreement.
RISK. All investments involve risk – coins, diamonds and bullion are no exception. The precious metals, numismatic coin and diamond markets are speculative, unregulated, can be volatile and prices for these items may rise or fall over time.
IBX generally classifies coins as bullion, semi-numismatic and numismatic. Some coins may fall within more than one category depending on its specific grade or condition. Other dealers and organizations may define these terms or classify these coins differently.
The price of a bullion coin (e.g., Canadian Maple Leaf or South African Krugerrand gold coins) is largely determined by the current spot or market price of bullion. This price fluctuates throughout the trading day.
The price of a semi-numismatic coin (e.g., Swiss 20 Franc, French Rooster and British Sovereign) is based upon the precious metals content along with a premium based upon different factors such as supply and demand. The price fluctuates throughout the trading day principally due to changes in the spot or market price of the precious metal.
The price of a numismatic coin is determined by multiple factors which can and do fluctuate independently from bullion prices. These factors include: the perceived scarcity of the coin, its quality, current demand, market sentiment, and economic factors.
Coins generally have a premium above their precious metal value with bullion coins usually having the lowest premium and other coins having higher premiums. Premiums may increase or decrease based upon current market conditions such as supply and demand. Changes in premiums may affect a coin’s pricing beyond changes in spot prices.
Precious metals, numismatic coins and diamonds can go down as well as up in value. These items may not be suitable for everyone. IBX does not determine the suitability of any specific person to purchase precious metals, numismatic coins or diamonds. You should consult with your independent financial advisor regarding whether such an investment is right for you. You should not acquire any products from IBX if you are not competent or qualified to make your own financial decisions. You should obtain a thorough understanding of the coin and bullion products before you acquire these products as a collector or investor.
The investment value of precious metals and numismatic coins depends in large part on the price you pay. If you are acquiring any of IBX’s products as an investment, you should evaluate its current market value, potential for appreciation and liquidity and consult independent sources regarding these factors. IBX does not guarantee that any client will be able to sell precious metals or numismatic coins at the original purchase price or a higher price in the future. Prices for coins, bullion and diamonds can vary widely among dealers and IBX advises all its customers to do their own due diligence prior to purchasing metals or diamonds from IBX.
Since numismatic coins, precious metals and diamonds can decline in value, you should have adequate cash reserves and disposable income before considering acquiring coins, bullion, diamonds or precious metals.
We believe you should not acquire precious metals with funds generated through early withdrawal from accounts or securities which may result in substantial penalties or fees. You should consult with your independent financial advisor before disposing of any security, annuity, Certificate of Deposit or other investment to acquire diamonds or precious metals.
IBX is not responsible for any changes in tax laws or other statutes which may affect any profit or salability of your coins or currency.
EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. IBX does not recommend exchanging precious metals or numismatic coins (trading one coin or currency for another) unless you fully understand the costs involved in the buy and the sell transactions. Among other things you should consider the spread for each item involved in any exchange transaction (since you must overcome both spreads before you make a profit), and any potential tax consequences of the exchange. We believe no one can tell with certainty that one product is going to outperform another. You should independently decide whether this type of transaction is appropriate for you.
REFUND POLICY. Due to fast moving markets and the inherent volatility associated with precious metals and diamonds, all sales are final. For your protection and convenience, IBX provides clients with the right to a refund on their first order for coins and diamonds without any reason whatsoever for a 10% restocking charge. To receive a refund, the client must notify IBX of his or her cancellation of their first transaction within five (5) calendar days from the date of order. By way of example, if a client’s first order is placed on May 1, the client may cancel the order up to and including May 5. Notices of cancellation may be provided by speaking directly with an Account Executive, calling Client Relations at 800-485-2225, via registered U.S. Mail at 30765 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 139, Malibu, CA 90265 or email to info@ibullionexchange.com. All notices of cancellation must be provided no later than the last day of the refund period. All other transactions are final upon taped confirmation by an IBX representative and are not subject to cancellation. Of course, if an order is received by a client and is at variance with what was tape authorized by the client prior to delivery, IBX will make every effort at no charge to complete the order, or at its option, refund the customer’s money in full.
If you do not pay for your order and do not have a right to cancel, IBX may, at its option, liquidate all or a portion of your stored holdings and apply the proceeds to your unpaid order.
GRADING AND WARRANTIES. Our company uses the numerical Mint State (MS) grading system which rates uncirculated coins from MS-60 to MS–70. Typically, the higher the grade, the more a coin or currency is worth. The grade assigned to a coin reflects its strike, luster, marks, scratches, and overall eye appeal. Grading is a subjective art and subject to the opinion of the person grading the coin or currency. Thus, grading can and does vary from numismatic coin firm to numismatic coin firm, from grading service to grading service, and from expert to expert. A difference of one grade (e.g., MS64 to MS65) can result in a significant change in the valuation of a numismatic coin or currency. Grading standards may continue to change, becoming more or less stringent. Grades and descriptions of numismatic coins and currency are opinions, not statements of fact or guarantees, and are based on standards and interpretations that can and do change over time.
When you acquire a coin or currency from IBX that is independently graded by a third party grading service such as Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), or in the case of diamonds by GIA, IBX relies entirely on the expertise/determination of the grading service. In addition, we rely upon definitions provided by these independent grading services, including definitions of such terms as PCGS’ “First Strike®” which refers to coins packaged and delivered by the U.S. Mint in the 30 day period following the initial sales date of a new product. We do not re-grade or independently evaluate the product’s grade in its sealed holder, although from time to time IBX does remove products from their sealed holder and re-submits them to the grading services. IBX reserves the right to deliver independently graded coins that have been graded by an independent grading service of IBX’s choice such as PCGS or NGC. IBX guarantees that the numismatic coins and precious metals it sells are genuine. IBX expressly disclaims any other warranties with respect to coins or precious metals, express or implied, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
GROWTH PROJECTIONS. IBX may inform clients about forecasts made by third parties regarding the future prices of precious metals or numismatics sold by IBX. In noting these forecasts, IBX will normally consider the following factors:
- Past performance. While past performance may be a useful guide, it cannot guarantee future results. We frequently infer that if numismatic coins, diamonds or precious metals made gains under certain economic conditions in the past, they have the potential to appreciate when similar conditions exist in the future but there are no guarantees that history will repeat itself.
- Economic forecasts. It is impossible to predict future price trends or economic conditions. However, we believe trends may be a useful guide in evaluating the future potential for numismatic coins and precious metals.
- Supply and demand. We believe that fundamental market forces will generally prevail.
There is no assurance that any growth projection will be achieved and it is also possible for prices to decline. We do not guarantee any forecast or projection, but we strive to provide you with analysis that we believe is well reasoned.
You should also know that different market factors may influence the price of a specific coin or currency. For example, the price of a numismatic coin may be affected by such factors as grade, scarcity and demand in the marketplace while the price of a bullion coin is closely tied to the spot market for that coin. Past performance and growth projections for a specific coin or type of coin (or diamond) may not apply to other types of coins that IBX may offer.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION. Telephone calls may be monitored and/or recorded in an effort to assure quality control and policy compliance.
Your privacy is important to us. If at any time you no longer wish to be contacted by an IBX representative, please call or write to us and ask to be placed on our Do Not Call list.
If at any time you receive information that is inconsistent or contrary to the information contained in this booklet or IBX’s Account Agreement, you should immediately contact IBX’s Client Relations Department at 800-485-2225. Please do not proceed with any transaction until your questions or concerns have been fully answered.
Please make all payments payable to International Bullion Exchange. Please do not send cash. Your payment options are: Bank wire, cashier’s check or personal check (personal checks from banks other than Wells Fargo Bank are subject to a hold period). Please do not send money orders or Traveler’s Checks.
Please promptly notify us in writing if you change your address or want to change your account title and include a signature guarantee or notarized letter along with a copy of your driver’s license or a utility bill. Be sure to include your account number and sign all correspondence.
This risk/disclosure booklet is updated periodically. It is the responsibility of the client to keep up to date by either requesting a copy or by checking our website at www.internationalbullionexchange.com.
SUMMARY. We strongly recommend that you acquire a sound understanding of precious metals, coins, investment grade diamonds and their markets before you make your first purchase. Be prepared to invest some time and effort into understanding the market and the grading of your coins or diamonds. IBX advises that you do not commit more than 10% to 20% of your investment funds to numismatic coins, diamonds or precious metals. Manage your future with a diversified portfolio that meets your objectives for safety, liquidity, and growth. Be prepared to hold your coin, bullion and diamond investments for a minimum of 3 to 5 years, recognizing that all markets have their ups and downs. Perform your due diligence and let reason and common sense be your guide.
All trading involves risk of loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
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