In my twenty years of investing, I’ve seen gold dealers come and go. CMI Gold & Silver caught my attention—claiming to be among America’s oldest precious metals companies.
But fancy websites and bold promises mean nothing when retirement savings are at stake. This review breaks down everything you need to know about CMI’s legitimacy. The next few minutes reading this could save you thousands in potential investment mistakes.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is CMI Gold & Silver?
- 2 What Products Does CMI Gold & Silver Offer?
- 3 How to Buy and Sell to CMI Gold & Silver
- 4 How Can CMI Gold & Silver Help You Set Up Your Precious Metals IRA?
- 5 Download the CMI Gold & Silver App
- 6 What Can You Learn from Their Blog Section?
- 7 Customer Reviews and Ratings for CMI Gold & Silver
- 8 Pros and Cons of CMI Gold & Silver
- 9 Is CMI Gold & Silver a Legitimate Company?
- 10 Conclusion
What is CMI Gold & Silver?
CMI Gold & Silver Inc. operates from downtown Phoenix, Arizona, with offices situated on the 11th floor at 3800 North Central Avenue in the City Square complex.
While headquartered in Phoenix, their services extend nationwide, reaching customers from Hawaii to Alaska.
The company emerged when silver traded at merely $2.00 per ounce, established by a Phoenix native with deep connections to Arizona’s mining industry.
Launching in 1973, they accurately predicted silver’s value appreciation – witnessing prices surge to $50 per ounce in both 1980 and 2011.
Arizona’s rich mining heritage, particularly in copper and silver, provides an ideal foundation for CMI Gold & Silver Inc.’s operations.
Following the legalization of gold bullion ownership in 1974, they pioneered advocating for gold investments.
Their market insight proved valuable as gold prices climbed from $160 to over $2,200 per ounce, validating their investment guidance.
CMI Gold & Silver Inc. distinguishes itself through its educational approach to investing. Rather than prioritizing sales, they focus on providing advice that maximizes customer returns.
They actively discourage overpriced investments and emphasize teaching clients about precious metals’ risks and benefits. This commitment to transparency sets them apart.
Bill’s Blog, authored by company president Bill Haynes, serves as an educational platform, analyzing global events’ impact on precious metal prices. This resource proves invaluable for investors seeking market insights.
Their customer-centric philosophy particularly stands out. Whether clients aim for profit generation or wealth preservation, CMI Gold & Silver Inc. tailors guidance to individual investment goals.
Bill Haynes: President
Bill Haynes brings 50 years of investment expertise to his role as president of CMI Gold & Silver, with 45 years specifically focused on precious metals.
A University of Colorado graduate, he assumed leadership of CMI Gold & Silver in 1973. His investment philosophy centers on gold and silver as primary hedges against monetary devaluation. He advocates against high-markup collectible coins, prioritizing customer interests over dealer profits.
Through his blog posts, Bill shares valuable market insights. His influential guide, “Myths, Misunderstandings, and Outright Lies,” warns investors about collectible coin risks, serving as essential reading for newcomers.
Given ongoing government monetary expansion for various programs and military operations, Bill emphasizes the growing importance of precious metals investment. His blog continues educating investors about gold and silver’s strategic value.
What Products Does CMI Gold & Silver Offer?
Let’s explore the offerings at CMI Gold and Silver, one of America’s longest-standing precious metals dealers.
Their comprehensive selection encompasses gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, featuring various options suitable for both novice and experienced investors.
Gold
CMI Gold & Silver maintains an extensive collection of gold bars and coins, ensuring customers can select products that match their investment objectives.
Popular gold coins include the American Eagle, South African Gold Krugerrand, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Perth Mint Kangaroo, and Mexican 50 Pesos.
Their unique coin offerings extend to the Hungarian 100 Korona, Austrian 100 Corona and Philharmonic, Gold Buffalo Coins, classic $20 Liberty Gold Coins, and $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle.
For bar enthusiasts, CMI stocks 1-oz Gold Bars, 10-oz Gold Bars, 100-gram Gold Bars, and 1-kilo Gold Bars. The kilo bars boast exceptional .9999 purity, containing 99.99% pure gold.
These larger bars come from prestigious manufacturers like PAMP and the Royal Canadian Mint, recognized worldwide for superior gold quality.
Gold Special: What is it?
CMI Gold & Silver’s Gold Specials provide valuable opportunities based on market prices. These specials combine investment potential with historical significance.
Featured items include the backdated 1/10-oz Austrian Gold Philharmonic and 1-oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, both praised for their high purity levels.
The British Gold One Sovereign stands out with its historical significance, crafted from 22 Karat gold and featuring St. George battling a dragon.
Each sovereign’s obverse displays various English monarchs depending on its minting period. These special offerings maintain competitive pricing above spot rates, allowing customers to secure both investment value and historical pieces.
Silver
CMI Gold & Silver presents diverse silver options suitable for collectors and investors at all levels. Their selection encompasses numerous possibilities.
Available silver coins include American Silver Eagles, Silver Maple Leafs, plus vintage options like Kennedy Half Dollars and Mercury Dimes.
Their bar selection ranges from 10-oz to 100-oz sizes, featuring respected manufacturers like RCM and JM. Large-scale investors can access 1,000-oz bars for substantial investments.
The round collection features popular designs like the 1-oz Buffalo/Indian Head, with additional options from established mints like Sunshine Minting.
Each product represents an opportunity to invest according to individual budgets and preferences, accommodating various investment strategies.
Silver Special: What is it?
CMI Gold & Silver provides exceptional silver deals, offering premium products at competitive rates. Special offerings include:
The 10-oz Provident Silver Bar, containing .999 fine silver, comes protected in plastic. Available primarily in bulk quantities with included shipping, priced at spot plus $1.45 per ounce.
Newcomers might consider the Asahi 100-oz. Silver Beginner Bundle, allowing selection from various Asahi silver products totaling over 100 ounces. This package costs a spot plus $1.65 per ounce, including complimentary discrete shipping.
The 100-oz Academy Silver Bar – Stacker proves ideal for storage efficiency. These secondary market bars might show tarnishing.
This option requires minimum purchase amounts but includes shipping, priced at spot plus $0.25 per ounce.
Special pricing reflects current market conditions, creating opportunities for both new and experienced investors. Their brokers remain available for personalized guidance throughout your purchase process.
Silver Beginner Bundle: Take an Advantage of it!
Asahi offers a bundle starting with 100 ounces of silver. This premium-quality silver comes at an exceptional value, priced just $1.65 above the standard market rate per ounce.
Key Benefits:
- Variety: Build your 100-ounce collection with a mix of 10-ounce bars for convenient storage or 1-ounce bars and rounds for better liquidity options.
- The Price: Benefit from minimal markup, paying only $1.65 over the spot price per ounce.
- It’s All Covered: Complimentary shipping and insurance ensure secure delivery to your doorstep.
Silver prices show significant upward potential during market upswings. Asahi, established in Tokyo in 1952, maintains high industry standards and reliability in precious metals production.
Here’s How it Works
A simple phone consultation helps you select your preferred silver products. After payment, your order ships discreetly at no additional cost.
This bundle presents an excellent opportunity for starting or expanding your precious metals portfolio. It combines quality, value, and investment security, making Asahi’s Silver Beginner Bundle a worthwhile consideration for investors.
Platinum
Platinum attracts many investors with its precious metal appeal. Notable investment options include American Platinum Eagle, Australian Platinum Koalas, and Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf coins.
Government-minted coins carry premium prices due to their legal tender status, adding numismatic value beyond metal content.
Platinum bars offer a straightforward investment approach, typically at lower premiums than coins. These products maintain high purity standards. Platinum Maple Leafs and Perth Mint Platypus coins remain popular and readily available choices.
Leading platinum bar manufacturers include:
- Johnson Matthey
- Credit Suisse
- PAMP Suisse
- Baird & Co.
- Valcambi Suisse
Johnson Matthey produces accessible grouped bars with good marketability. Credit Suisse bars, manufactured by PAMP, maintain a strong market presence and acceptance.
PAMP bars feature secure packaging solutions. Baird & Co. offers 5-oz bars for larger investments, though 10-oz bars remain unavailable in U.S. markets.
Palladium
Palladium investment options include 1-ounce bars and coins. PAMP Suisse produces 1-ounce palladium bars, while Royal Canadian Mint has manufactured 1-ounce Palladium Maple Leaf coins since 2005.
These coins maintain good market availability. While PAMP bars enjoy popularity, government-minted coins often receive preference, though PAMP bars typically offer cost advantages compared to Maple Leaf coins.
How to Buy and Sell to CMI Gold & Silver
Trading precious metals with CMI Gold & Silver follows a straightforward process that ensures secure transactions.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate buying and selling with them:
Buying Process
The buying process at CMI Gold & Silver requires several essential steps to protect your transaction and maximize satisfaction.
- Contacting CMI: Call CMI during brokerage hours to place your order, allowing you to secure market prices at the time of your call.
- Locking in Prices: Your price locks based on market rates when you contact CMI. Remember that prices fluctuate frequently.
- Confirming Payment Method: Select your preferred payment option. CMI accepts checks and bank wire transfers with specific conditions:
# Check:
+ Personal, company or cashier’s checks are acceptable.
+ Orders under $25,000 ship after five business days.
+ Orders over $25,000 ship after ten business days.
# Bank Wire Transfer:
+ Shipment occurs within 24 to 48 hours after payment.
+ Submit the wire transfer before your bank’s deadline. - Payment Confirmation and Invoice: CMI sends a confirmation email with the invoice after receiving payment.
- Shipping of Product: Orders ship after payment clears, with tracking information sent via email. Monitor your shipment using the provided tracking details.
Selling Process
The selling process follows organized steps for smooth transactions:
- Visit Selling Page: Access CMI’s selling page to begin and understand requirements for gold or silver sales.
- Shipping the Product to CMI:
# Same-Day Requirement: Ship items on price lock day.
# Method of Shipment:
+ Use Post office-registered US Mail for secure delivery.
+ Ensure for a minimum $1,000 declared value; CMI covers remaining value up to $150,000. - Locking in Prices: Secure prices during your call to match current market rates.
- Receive Your Payment: CMI processes payment after receiving and verifying items.
Payment Notes
CMI Gold & Silver excludes these payment methods:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Third-party checks
- Foreign bank checks (including Canadian)
- Cash
Shipping, Handling, and Insurance
- Orders below three ounces of gold, platinum, palladium, or 100 ounces of silver incur a $30 fee.
- Free shipping and handling apply to quantities above specified amounts or as noted on special gold and silver pages.
Trading with CMI Gold & Silver maintains security through clear procedures for buying and selling precious metals.
How Can CMI Gold & Silver Help You Set Up Your Precious Metals IRA?
Setting up a precious metals IRA account through CMI Gold & Silver and GoldStar Trust Company offers a straightforward path to incorporate gold, silver, and other metals into your retirement portfolio.
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Get the Forms
You’ll need three essential forms from GoldStar Trust Company:
- GoldStar Trust Traditional IRA Application: Opens your new precious metals IRA.
- GoldStar Trust Precious Metals Investment Direction Form: Specifies your metal selections.
- Cash Transfer Request Form: Facilitates fund transfers from existing retirement accounts.
Clear instructions accompany each form for proper completion.
Step 2: Talk to CMI Gold & Silver
Contact CMI Gold & Silver at 1-800-528-1380 to speak with a broker who will guide you through the forms. Request an IRA packet by mail if downloading forms isn’t convenient.
Step 3: Send in Your Paperwork and Money
Submit completed paperwork with your check to GoldStar Trust Company. The fee structure includes:
- Administrative Fee: Annual 0.08% of account value ($50 minimum, $250 maximum).
- Storage Fee: Annual 0.1% of metals’ value ($90 minimum).
- One-Time Setup Fee: $25.
- Transaction Fee: $40 per metal purchase/sale.
Step 4: Choose Your Metals
After funding your account, select your preferred metals through CMI Gold & Silver. American Gold Eagles are recommended for gold investments.
Additional Information
- Storing Your Metals: GoldStar Trust Company keeps all the precious metals in a secure place called the Delaware Depository Services Corporation. Remember, you’ll pay a storage fee every year based on how much metal you have.
- Adding Money to Your IRA: You can start your GoldStar IRA with $5,000 and add at least $1,000 more anytime. If you’ve got another retirement account, you can easily move money from there to your new precious metals IRA.
Following these steps and working with CMI Gold & Silver will make starting your precious metals IRA straightforward, helping you build a retirement plan that includes valuable metals.
Download the CMI Gold & Silver App
The CMI Gold & Silver App provides real-time precious metal prices and detailed charts on your mobile device.
Available through Apple and Google Play stores, this App tool helps you monitor market movements efficiently.
What Can You Learn from Their Blog Section?
The resource page offers valuable content through articles, blog posts, and recommended reading materials centered on economics, precious metals, and financial topics.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
Blog
The blog section presents diverse stories and information. Notable highlights include interviews with family influencers such as Ron Paul and Bill Haynes, offering valuable perspectives on financial matters.
You’ll discover articles examining Federal Reserve decisions and their effects on gold and silver prices, providing essential insights into market movements.
The section features engaging articles about significant gold discoveries and field reports, including fascinating stories like “The Largest Gold Nugget in the US: The Hand of Faith.”
Content is organized by year and theme, making it simple to locate specific topics, such as the Gold market of 2024.
Articles
This section provides comprehensive coverage of precious metals markets, featuring news, predictions, commentaries on financial issues, and practical trading advice for gold and silver investors.
A convenient print option allows direct printing from the page, while an email subscription service delivers current financial topics to your inbox, helping you stay informed about market trends.
Essential Reading
The Essential Reading section serves as an educational resource, featuring books ranging from beginner guides to advanced scholarly works.
Ron Paul’s “Gold, Peace and Prosperity” stands out as a compelling read, exploring the relationship between stable money and economic prosperity. Books are categorized by difficulty level, accommodating both newcomers and experienced readers.
Amazon purchase links and PDF download options enhance accessibility to these valuable resources. The direct Amazon purchasing option simplifies access to these informative materials.
This comprehensive resource provides valuable insights into economic policies, financial markets, and the precious metals industry.
Customer Reviews and Ratings for CMI Gold & Silver
Customer feedback indicates strong performance from CMI Gold & Silver:
- BBB credentials show an A+ rating with 30 reviews.
- Yelp displays perfect scores across 9 reviews.
- Facebook reveals two-thirds of positive recommendations from nine reviewers.
- Google My Business features 128 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5.
The company receives particular recognition for exceptional service, with Aaron and Dean frequently mentioned for their helpful and honest approach.
Long-term customers, including some with 15-year relationships, praise the company’s professional conduct and trustworthiness in buying and selling transactions.
Newer clients appreciate the guidance provided for bullion market navigation, along with competitive pricing. One isolated negative review mentions unsatisfactory phone service.
What Are Customers Saying About the Company?
CMI Gold & Silver Inc. (CMIGS) garners significant positive feedback:
- Thomas, a 20-year client, credits employee Dean for his continued loyalty, rating CMIGS as exceptional.
- Tom Whiteside expresses complete trust, appreciating their friendly, educational approach compared to traditional banking.
- Christopher Lewis commends Aaron Green and the CMI team for their expertise and approachability.
- Madeleine Roble, new to precious metals, praises Aaron for clear, simple explanations.
- Jeff, a long-term customer, values CMI’s straightforward approach, specifically mentioning positive interactions with Bill regarding purchases.
These testimonials establish CMI’s reputation as a reliable, educational, and customer-friendly presence in precious metals trading.
Pros and Cons of CMI Gold & Silver
A thorough examination reveals notable strengths and potential drawbacks for investors seeking precious metals. This analysis aims to help potential investors make well-informed decisions.
Pros:
- Comprehensive selection of precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
- Buyback program available for gold coins.
- Multiple payment options through bank transfers or checks.
- Price lock feature upon order placement.
- Informative resources about gold IRAs and eligible investments.
- Strong commitment to customer-focused business practices.
- Educational support for newcomers to precious metal investing.
- Established industry presence spanning over five decades.
Cons:
- Limited customer service availability during weekday business hours.
- Website inventory updates can lag behind actual stock levels.
- Return process complications reported by some customers.
- Absence of gold IRA custodial services.
- Limited third-party verification due to no Trustpilot presence.
These factors should guide your decision-making process when considering CMI Gold & Silver as your precious metals dealer, ensuring alignment with your investment goals.
Is CMI Gold & Silver a Legitimate Company?
CMI Gold & Silver Inc. stands as an established precious metals dealer, operating since 1973. Their longevity demonstrates significant industry expertise and reliability.
Customer feedback across online platforms consistently reflects positive experiences and trust. When investing in precious metals, establishing trust with your dealer becomes paramount.
The company maintains high standards for transparency and ethical business practices. Their extensive inventory serves both investors and collectors effectively. Based on thorough research, CMI presents itself as a dependable option for precious metals investment.
Conclusion
CMI Gold & Silver demonstrates reliability as a precious metals investment platform. Their extensive history and diverse investment options position them strongly in the market.
Their educational approach stands out significantly, providing comprehensive information to support informed investment decisions. The company emphasizes customer satisfaction through personalized service and transparent operations.
For those considering precious metals investments, CMI Gold & Silver Inc. represents a credible choice backed by decades of industry experience.
This analysis maintains the original structure while enhancing clarity and readability, focusing on essential information without repetition. The content preserves the informative tone while presenting facts in a more streamlined manner.