Question 1

Buying Copper at Christiaan Robert

Accepted Answer

At Christiaan Robert, you can buy physical copper in a variety of formats from reputable international producers. Our selection consists of copper bars and copper coins, commonly manufactured from copper with a purity of 999 or 999.9.

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Our range includes smaller copper coins and bars as well as larger formats such as 10 troy ounce and 1 kilogram copper bars. Alongside traditional cast bars, we regularly offer distinctive products with their own designs and finishes.

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

Question 2

Which Copper Bar Is Right for Me?

Accepted Answer

Copper bars are available in different weights and finishes. The most suitable format mainly depends on your budget, preferred size and whether you are purchasing the product as a collectible, gift or simply to own physical copper.

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1 troy ounce and smaller formats
Compact copper products are accessible and easy to collect. Because production and packaging costs are spread across a small amount of copper, the price per gram is relatively high.

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10 troy ounce (approximately 311 grams)
A popular intermediate format that provides the substantial feel of physical copper without being as large or heavy as a kilogram bar.

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1 kilogram
An impressive format for those who want to own a larger quantity of physical copper in a single bar. Kilogram bars are available in different styles, including traditional cast bars and more industrial or raw finishes.

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With copper, the design and production method can form an important part of the product itself. A highly finished minted bar, traditional cast bar and raw copper bar can therefore look very different even when they contain the same amount of copper.

Question 3

Copper Bars vs Copper Coins

Accepted Answer

Both copper bars and copper coins primarily consist of physical copper, but they have different characteristics.

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Copper bars focus on the metal itself, its weight and the appearance of a physical bullion-style bar. They are available in many different formats and finishes, ranging from highly finished bars to robust cast products.

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Copper coins are generally smaller and place greater emphasis on design. They are often produced as collectibles, as part of a series or as an affordable version of a design that may also be available in gold or silver.

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Buyers primarily interested in owning a larger piece of physical copper often choose bars. Buyers who value design and collectability may prefer copper coins.

Question 4

What Does 999 or 999.9 Copper Mean?

Accepted Answer

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

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999 copper consists of at least 99.9% copper.

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999.9 copper has a purity of 99.99%.

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Copper products may therefore carry markings such as:

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Cu 999

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Cu 999.9

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or:

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Fine Copper 999.9

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Cu is the chemical symbol for copper.

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The exact purity may vary between producers and individual products. Where available, we clearly state this information in the product specifications.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The international copper price primarily relates to copper as an industrial raw material that is traded in very large quantities. Consequently, the selling price of an individual copper bar is often significantly higher than just the metal value of the copper.

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With a physical copper bar, you also pay for, among other things:

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refining and processing;

casting, striking or milling of the ingot;

design and finish;

packaging;

transport and storage;

insurance;

distribution;

VAT;

and the producer and seller margin.

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These costs are relatively high compared to the raw material value of copper. Especially for smaller, finely finished, or special copper products, the premium above the copper value can be substantial.

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A copper bar should therefore not be judged solely on the current raw material value. The size, manufacturer, design, finish, and any collector's value also determine the selling price.

Question 6

Is Copper Exempt From VAT?

Accepted Answer

No. Physical copper products in the Netherlands do not benefit from the general VAT exemption that applies to qualifying investment gold.

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Regular copper bars and copper coins are generally subject to the standard Dutch 21% VAT rate. The applicable VAT for consumers is included in the retail price displayed with the product on our website.

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Different tax rules can apply in specific circumstances or transactions. The price displayed for the individual product is therefore the relevant consumer price for that order.

Question 7

How Is Copper Shipped?

Accepted Answer

Copper has a much lower value per kilogram than gold or silver, but larger copper bars can require additional care because of their weight.

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Orders from Christiaan Robert are carefully and discreetly packaged and shipped insured. For heavier copper bars, particular attention is given to secure packaging to help protect both the product and its packaging during transport.

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

Question 8

Which Producers Do You Sell?

Accepted Answer

Christiaan Robert offers copper products from several reputable international producers.

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Depending on current availability, our range may include copper bars and copper coins from Germania Mint and Geiger Edelmetalle, as well as products from other producers.

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Our inventory ranges from highly finished bars to robust cast or raw copper bars and distinctive collectible releases.

Where available, each product clearly displays its producer, weight, purity and other relevant specifications.

Question 9

What Should You Look for When Buying Physical Copper?

Accepted Answer

Several characteristics are worth considering when purchasing a copper bar or copper coin.

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Purity
Check the stated purity of the copper. Many modern copper bars are manufactured from 999 or 999.9 copper.

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Weight
Smaller formats are easy to collect and store, while larger bars provide more physical copper in a single product.

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Producer
Established producers generally provide clear specifications and recognisable designs and finishes.

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Price Compared With the Copper Value
The retail price of physical copper products can be considerably higher than their underlying metal value. Production, design, transport, VAT and distribution costs have a relatively large impact on copper products.

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Finish
Cast, minted and raw copper bars can have very different appearances. Small irregularities and variations in colour may be a natural result of the manufacturing process, particularly with cast and raw copper bars.

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Oxidation and Discolouration
Copper naturally reacts with oxygen and moisture. As a result, its surface may darken or develop a patina over time. This is a natural characteristic of copper and does not automatically indicate that the product is damaged.

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Packaging and Storage
If you want to preserve the original appearance for as long as possible, minimise direct contact with bare hands and store the product in a dry, protected environment.

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Shipping
Larger copper bars are heavy. Secure packaging and reliable shipping are therefore particularly important.

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At Christiaan Robert, we aim to clearly describe the characteristics of every copper product, so you know what you are purchasing.