February 2, 2026
Dear Customers,
We wanted to share a quick follow-up as market conditions continue to normalize. With the extreme volatility in precious metals prices lately, we know many customers are looking for clarity and reliable execution.
As wholesalers come back online, we’re seeing premiums improve significantly across the board. While processing time can still vary by product type and volume, overall conditions are stabilizing compared to the past few weeks.
What hasn’t changed: Lone Star Coins remains open and actively buying, and we will continue to pay the most competitive, executable prices in our market while prioritizing straightforward, reliable service. Our customers remain our #1 priority, and we’ll keep you updated as conditions evolve.
Sincerely, Lone Star Coins
January 29, 2026
Dear Customers,
We are writing to provide a clear and direct update on current market conditions and how they affect our buying program.
The precious metals market is experiencing an unusual imbalance. Over the last several weeks, there has been a significant increase in supply from sellers and a sharp contraction in demand from refineries/wholesalers. To put this into perspective: in the past eight weeks alone, we have purchased more silver from the public than we have in most comparable periods in our 40-year history. While we welcome this activity, the imbalance between sellers and buyers has created stress throughout the supply chain.
At the same time, several major refiners that support dealers nationwide have either paused buying entirely or are offering substantially lower pricing — in some cases well below spot — and, more importantly, are no longer providing price locks or prompt payment. Instead, these refineries have moved to a system where metal is priced only at the time payment is issued, and payment timelines have extended materially. For example, silver payment timelines are now estimated at 5–8 weeks, and gold at 10–15 business days.
At the wholesale level, refineries and wholesalers are currently flooded with silver. Volumes coming in from dealers nationwide have far exceeded their processing capacity, vault space, and capital availability. As a result, many have either sharply reduced buy prices, suspended price locks, or temporarily closed their doors to additional purchasing altogether while they work through existing inventory and backlogs.
This is not a demand issue for silver long term, but a short-term congestion issue across the refining and wholesale pipeline as firms catch up.
Furthermore, the suspension of price locking and extended payment timelines has also materially impacted gold buy-backs, as dealers are now exposed to market movement for days or weeks after purchase while still paying customers immediately. This added risk and capital strain has necessarily flowed through to pricing.
At Lone Star Coins, we pride ourselves on funding payments to customers immediately. When our downstream partners delay payment or reduce pricing, it directly impacts our ability to offer competitive buy-back pricing while continuing to operate responsibly.
As a result, we have adjusted our buy-back prices. This was a difficult but necessary decision. Historically, our buy-back rates have been the strongest in the San Antonio market and competitive nationally. However, the current market structure leaves us with limited alternatives if we are to maintain liquidity and same-day settlement.
What has not changed:
(i) We continue to buy precious metals, while most local dealers have paused purchasing.
(ii) We continue to offer same-day payment without extended waiting periods.
(iii) We do not impose minimum sell-order thresholds.
(iv) We remain committed to providing real, local liquidity to our community.
Some national e-commerce firms may promote higher theoretical buy-back prices, but many require large minimum volumes and do not pay until metal is processed weeks later. In contrast, we believe same-day settlement remains a core service worth preserving for our customers.
Our business exists because of the trust you place in us. We are committed to navigating these market challenges with integrity and transparency. We appreciate your continued support and will keep you informed as conditions evolve.
Sincerely, Lone Star Coins
