Question 1

Buying Silver at Christiaan Robert

Accepted Answer

At Christiaan Robert, you can buy physical silver in a variety of sizes from reputable international refiners and mints. Our selection consists of silver bars and silver coins, generally produced in 999 or 999.9 fine silver.

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We offer compact silver bars and coins starting at 1 troy ounce, as well as larger formats such as 100 grams, 250 grams, 10 oz and 1 kilogram. This allows you to choose a format that suits your budget, collecting interests or preference for physical silver.

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Our inventory changes regularly. For each product, we clearly state the weight, purity and producer, so you know what you are buying.

Question 2

Which Silver Bar Is Right for Me?

Accepted Answer

Silver bars are available in many different weights. The most suitable format depends on factors such as your budget, the premium per gram and how much flexibility you would like to retain.

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1 troy ounce (31.1 grams)
An accessible size for buyers who want to purchase physical silver in smaller quantities. One troy ounce is also one of the most widely used international units for precious metals.

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100 gram and 250 gram
Convenient intermediate sizes offering a good balance between physical size, purchase price and flexibility.

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500 gram and 10 troy ounce (311 grams)
Suitable for buyers who want to purchase a larger amount of silver without immediately choosing a full kilogram bar.

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1 kilogram
A popular format for holding larger quantities of physical silver. Kilogram bars generally have a lower production premium per gram than many smaller silver products.

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Smaller products provide greater flexibility if you later want to sell only part of your silver. Larger bars, on the other hand, generally have lower production costs relative to the amount of silver they contain.

Question 3

Silver Bars vs Silver Coins

Accepted Answer

Both silver bars and silver coins contain physical silver, but they have different characteristics.

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Silver bars are primarily focused on weight and silver content. They are available in a wide range of formats, from small minted bars to substantial cast bars weighing 1 kilogram or more.

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Silver coins combine their silver content with a design, year of issue and often an official face value. Well-known silver bullion coins are internationally recognisable, while certain editions may also appeal to collectors.

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Buyers primarily interested in the quantity of physical silver often choose bars. Buyers who also appreciate design, a particular series, year of issue or collectability may prefer silver coins.

Question 4

What Does 999 or 999.9 Silver Mean?

Accepted Answer

The numbers 999 and 999.9 indicate the purity of the silver.

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999 silver consists of at least 99.9% pure silver.

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999.9 silver has a purity of 99.99%.

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Silver products may therefore carry markings such as:

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Ag 999

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Ag 999.9

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or:

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Fine Silver 999.9

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Ag is the chemical symbol for silver

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Both purity levels are commonly used for modern silver bars and bullion coins.

Question 5

Why Is the Price of a Silver Bar Different From the Silver Price?

Accepted Answer

The international silver price represents the market value of silver. The retail price of a physical silver product is generally higher.

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The difference between the metal value and retail price is commonly referred to as the premium.

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The premium may include costs associated with:

refining and production;

casting or minting the bar;

designing and producing coins;

packaging;

transport and insurance;

distribution;

VAT and other applicable taxes;

and margins charged by the producer and retailer.

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Smaller or more elaborate silver products generally carry a higher premium per gram than larger standard bars.

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For collectible products, factors such as mintage, finish, popularity and collectability may also influence the price.

Question 6

Is Silver Exempt From VAT?

Accepted Answer

Unlike investment gold, physical silver is not generally exempt from VAT in the Netherlands.

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New silver bars are generally subject to the standard VAT rate. The applicable VAT is included in the retail price displayed with the product.

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Certain silver coins may, depending on the product, its origin and the way it was acquired, be subject to a different VAT treatment such as the margin scheme.

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The tax treatment can therefore vary between individual silver products. At Christiaan Robert, the applicable consumer price is clearly displayed with each product.

Question 7

How Is Silver Shipped?

Accepted Answer

Orders containing physical silver are carefully and discreetly packaged and shipped insured by Christiaan Robert.

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Silver bars and coins can become relatively heavy in larger quantities. Our packaging therefore takes both the value and weight of the order into account, helping to protect the products while in transit.

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For current shipping methods, conditions and delivery times, please consult our delivery and shipping information.