Frequently asked questions about gold and silver

Looking to buy gold or silver in Switzerland, sell precious metals or arrange professional vault storage? Find answers about transactions, pricing, storage, delivery and account opening. Your written quotation and agreed terms govern each transaction.

Buying gold and silver

How can I buy gold and silver through Aurum Helvetica?

Choose your preferred coins or bars and tell us the quantity or your budget. We confirm availability, required customer documents and your delivery or storage preference before providing a written quotation. Prices and commitments become binding according to the agreed quotation terms. Buy gold in Switzerland.

What is the difference between bars from LBMA-listed refiners and bullion coins?

Bars are produced by refiners, while bullion coins are often issued by sovereign mints with defined weights and fineness. The LBMA Good Delivery List covers accredited refiners and specified large bars for the London market; a small retail bar is not automatically individually LBMA-certified. Compare authenticity, purity, size, premium and resale options.

Is VAT charged on gold and silver purchases in Switzerland?

Qualifying investment gold is exempt from Swiss VAT, subject to requirements including product form, fineness and marking. Silver, platinum and palladium generally attract the standard VAT rate of 8.1% in taxable domestic transactions. An appropriate customs storage procedure can defer import taxation; your quotation specifies the applicable treatment.

Selling precious metals

How do I sell my gold or silver back to Aurum Helvetica?

Tell us the metal, product, manufacturer, quantity and current storage location. We assess the proposed buyback, documents and any transport or authentication requirements before you confirm. Wait for agreed instructions before sending any metals. Sell gold and silver.

How are buyback prices calculated, and when will I receive payment?

Buyback prices reflect the metal price, product, condition and marketability, together with applicable testing or handling costs. The spot price does not necessarily equal your net proceeds. Price fixing, deductions and the expected payment timeframe are agreed in advance; settlement depends on receipt, verification and release of the metals.

Storage and security

How does allocated, high-security storage work in Switzerland?

Allocated, segregated storage assigns identified physical holdings to you and keeps them separately under the storage agreement. Aurum Helvetica coordinates Swiss storage through Loomis International. Ownership, holding records and release procedures are governed by the storage documents. Secure gold storage in Switzerland.

What are the advantages of duty-free storage for silver, platinum and palladium?

An appropriate bonded or open customs warehouse can hold non-imported metals under the relevant customs procedure without immediate Swiss import tax. This can offer a cash-flow advantage for silver, platinum and palladium. Release into Swiss domestic circulation may trigger tax, while exports follow destination-country rules. Availability, eligibility and costs must be confirmed beforehand.

Are my stored precious metals fully insured and independently audited?

Coverage depends on your storage agreement, including valuation, insured risks, exclusions and deductibles. Ask which inventory controls apply and whether independent verification and reports are provided. A holding statement is not automatically an independent audit report; the available evidence should be expressly agreed.

Delivery and pickup

How is delivery handled and insured within Switzerland and internationally?

Aurum Helvetica can arrange insured precious-metals transport for eligible shipments. Destination, coverage, charges, customs documents and transfer of risk are agreed before dispatch. International delivery depends on the route, local requirements and carrier capabilities; taxes and clearance charges must be clarified separately.

Can I collect my purchased precious metals in person?

Collection requires advance confirmation of the location, appointment and release procedure. Payment must be completed and identification or authorisation checks satisfied. Do not travel without a confirmed appointment; vault locations have additional access rules.

Fees and pricing transparency

How current are spot prices, and what transaction fees apply?

Spot prices are market references and may be delayed depending on the source and refresh interval. Coin and bar prices also reflect product premiums and applicable costs. Your quotation specifies the total price, currency, taxes, stated charges and validity; delivery and storage are included or charged separately as quoted.

Are there ongoing storage fees, and how are they billed?

Professional storage carries recurring fees under your agreement. The calculation basis, valuation date, billing frequency, minimum charges and deposit or withdrawal fees are agreed before you sign. Request a quotation tailored to your holdings. Storage and fee quotation.

Account opening and compliance

What documents are required to open an account?

Depending on your profile and transaction, we request valid identification and, where required, proof of address and information about beneficial ownership and source of assets. Additional information may be required under applicable Swiss anti-money-laundering rules and risk checks. We provide the specific requirements during onboarding.

Can corporate and institutional clients open an account?

Yes, Aurum Helvetica also serves corporate and professional clients, subject to acceptance and checks. Typical documents include registration records, signing authorities, identification of representatives and beneficial-owner information. Tell us about your organisation and intended activity so we can specify the documents required.

Have another question? Tell us the product, quantity and your preferred delivery or storage arrangement. We will explain the next steps and can prepare a written quotation.

Request a personal quotation