Frequently Asked Questions
About Lone Star Coins
What can you tell me about Lone Star Coins?
Lone Star Coins is a family-owned and operated coin & collectible retailer that has been in business for over 40 years. We offer the largest in-stock coin & collectible selection in San Antonio and the surrounding area, ensuring immediate availability for both local and online precious metal/numismatic buyers. Our owner-operated team works without commission and genuinely enjoys building relationships with our customers.
How is your pricing?
Our prices rival those of top national online retailers. If you prefer to see your coin or collectible before purchasing or enjoy the convenience of immediate possession without the wait for shipping, visit us today for competitive pricing and instant access to your investment.
Do you keep coins and collectibles in-stock?
Yes. We offer the largest in-stock coin & collectible selection in San Antonio and the surrounding area, ensuring immediate availability for both local and online precious metal buyers.
Do you offer online retail?
Of course! If you prefer to shop from the comfort of home, we offer fully insured shipments and same-day order fulfillment for orders placed within business hours. Shop with confidence, knowing you’re buying from a trusted retailer with a physical presence in one of the largest cities in the U.S.
How long has Lone Star Coins been around?
Lone Star Coins has been proudly serving the community for over 40 years. We are one of San Antonio’s longest-continuously-operating coin & collectible retailers. We value the strong relationships we’ve built with both customers and local dealers.
Tax Related Questions
Is there sales tax on bullion in Texas?
In Texas, the sale of gold, silver, and platinum bullion or numismatic coins is exempt from sales and use tax. That means, for example, if you buy a gold bar, silver round, or a legal-tender bullion coin within Texas, no state or local sales tax applies.
However, there's a key exception: if the precious metal is incorporated into jewelry or adornment, like a coin set in a bezel or mounted on a chain, it becomes taxable. The tax code specifies that bullion in jewelry form isn’t exempt. So indeed, a coin in a bezel is typically treated like jewelry and subject to the normal state tax (plus local tax), rather than the bullion exemption.
Additionally, palladium bullion is not exempt from sales tax in Texas. In fact, unlike gold, silver, and platinum bullion or coins, palladium bullion (and palladium coins) are specifically taxable when sold in Texas.*
*The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Lone Star Coins is not a tax advisor, accountant, or attorney. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any tax-related information. You are solely responsible for consulting with your own qualified tax professional or legal advisor to determine how any information may apply to your specific circumstances and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Does Lone Star Coins have IRS and/or tax reporting obligations?
As a bullion dealer, we may be required to report certain purchases (from our customers) to the IRS (for example, via IRS Form 1099‑B or related filings) — and there are resources online (including the IRS website) if you’d like more details on when a reporting obligation arises for Lone Star Coins. If a reporting requirement arises, we will let you know directly, as we usually need to collect certain information from you (e.g., your social security number).
Additionally, whenever we receive $10,000 or more in cash (or cash equivalents) in a single transaction or related series, we are obligated to file an IRS Form 8300 — again, there are well-documented resources available online (including the IRS website) if you wish to learn more.*
*The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Lone Star Coins is not a tax advisor, accountant, or attorney. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any tax-related information. You are solely responsible for consulting with your own qualified tax professional or legal advisor to determine how any information may apply to your specific circumstances and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Do I have tax reporting obligations?
We do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice — and we strongly encourage you to consult your own CPA, tax advisor, or accountant to understand your individual obligations. Depending on your specific situation, you may have tax responsibilities related to gains or losses from the sale of precious metals, such as capital gains taxes. There are many resources available online to help you learn more, including directly from the IRS website.*
*The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Lone Star Coins is not a tax advisor, accountant, or attorney. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any tax-related information. You are solely responsible for consulting with your own qualified tax professional or legal advisor to determine how any information may apply to your specific circumstances and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Offerings
What do you sell?
- Silver, gold, platinum and palladium bullion of all types (including, rounds, bars, government-issued and non-government issued).
- Jewelry (bracelets, engagement rings and bands, necklaces, earrings, and more).
- Rolex watches.
- Certified natural diamonds.
- Collectible (graded and non-graded) coins.
- U.S. (and confederate) paper money dated 1930 and older.
- U.S. dimes, quarters, half-dollars and silver dollars dated 1964 or older (commonly known as "junk silver" or "constitutional silver").
- We accommodate sales of all sizes — with one of San Antonio’s largest in-store coin & collectible inventories, shopping with us is no hassle.
Is your inventory in stock or do you have to order it for me?
We are San Antonio’s largest bullion and numismatic coin retailer. We maintain an extensive collection of bullion & numismatic coins in-stock & in-store and are able to fulfill sales of all sizes.
What do you buy?
- All silver, gold, platinum and palladium bullion (including bars, rounds, fractional, government and non-government issued).
- Silver, gold, platinum and/or palladium jewelry of any kind and size.
- U.S. dimes, quarters, half-dollars and silver dollars dated 1964 or older (commonly known as "junk silver" or "constitutional silver").
- Any coins containing silver or gold (including foreign coins).
- Anything containing precious metals (including jewelry, silverware, sterling silver, etc.). We do not, however, purchase platted (gold or silver) items.
- Collectible coins that do not have precious metals that have been graded by either NGC or PCGS.
- U.S. paper money dated 1920 or older (including confederate paper money).
Can I send you a picture of what I'm selling before coming into the store?
Yes, please head over to our Sell to Us page for more information!
How much are you able to buy?
As much as you are willing to sell! We can accommodate transactions of all sizes, ranging from one-off sales to total estate liquidations.
How quickly do you pay?
Immediately. We know how important it is to sell your precious metals and collectibles at appropriate market times. We proudly bank with both Frost Bank and Chase Bank, and are happy to issue a check from your preferred institution.
Do you evaluate error coins or misprint bills?
No. We recommend those seeking such services look to either PCGS or NGC for assistance.
Can I test my precious metals for free (even if I did not purchase them from Lone Star Coins)?
Yes! You're always welcome to drop by and use our metal testing devices, such as our Sigma Metalytics PMVs — totally free of charge!
Do you provide evaluations/appraisals?
Yes. We provide professional and transparent evaluations of your items, including written appraisals for estate purposes.
Will you visit my home (or business or safety deposit box) for an appraisal?
Yes. We are more than happy to accommodate such a request.
¿Hablas español?
Si, hablas español.
Common Purchasing Questions
Should I buy silver rounds or silver bullion?
What Are Silver Rounds?
Silver rounds are privately minted, non-legal tender silver pieces that resemble coins. Unlike government-issued silver bullion coins, rounds have no face value and are not considered official currency. However, they are typically minted with .999 fine silver, making them a high-purity investment option. Additionally:
- Lower Premiums: Since silver rounds are not government-issued, they often have lower premiums over the spot price of silver compared to official bullion coins.
- Variety: Many mints produce silver rounds with unique designs, historical themes, or limited-edition series, which can appeal to collectors.
- Easy to Buy and Sell: Silver rounds are widely recognized and easy to trade among investors and collectors.
- Purity: Most silver rounds are .999 or .9999 pure silver, making them just as valuable in terms of metal content as bullion coins.
What Is Silver Bullion?
Silver bullion refers to silver bars or government-issued silver coins specifically minted for investment purposes. Examples include the American Silver Eagle and the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. Additionally:
- Higher Premiums: Because of their official status and higher demand, silver bullion coins often carry a higher premium over the spot price of silver.
- Government Backing: Coins like the American Silver Eagle are backed by their respective governments, adding a layer of credibility and security.
- Legal Tender: While their intrinsic value far exceeds their face value, silver bullion coins have an official denomination, making them recognized as legal tender.
- High Liquidity: Bullion coins are widely accepted by dealers, making them easy to buy and sell anywhere in the world.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision between silver rounds and silver bullion depends on your investment goals:
- If you’re looking for the lowest cost per ounce of silver, silver rounds are an excellent choice.
- If you want a widely recognized, government-backed asset, silver bullion coins may be the better option.
- If you enjoy collecting unique designs, silver rounds offer a wider variety of artistic and historical themes.
Summary
Both silver rounds and silver bullion have their place in an investor’s portfolio. The best approach may be a mix of both—rounds for cost-effective silver accumulation and bullion coins for added security and recognition. No matter which option you choose, investing in silver remains a time-tested strategy for preserving wealth and diversifying your financial holding
Which is better: alloyed or non-alloyed gold coins (i.e., pure or non-pure gold coins)?
Alloyed or Non-Alloyed Gold Coins
When buying gold coins, you’ll often come across two types: alloyed and non-alloyed (or pure). Both are excellent choices for stacking or investing, and importantly: both contain the exact same amount of gold by weight. The key difference lies in how the coins are made and what metals, if any, are mixed with the gold.
Alloyed Gold Coins
Coins like the American Gold Eagle and the South African Krugerrand are made with gold that’s been alloyed — meaning other metals (like copper or silver) are added for durability. These coins are 22 karats (or 91.67% gold), but they still contain a full troy ounce of pure gold. The added metals increase the coin’s weight and toughness, making them more resistant to wear and handling.
Non-Alloyed (Pure) Gold Coins
Coins like the American Gold Buffalo and the Canadian Maple Leaf are minted using .9999 fine gold, or 24 karats — meaning they are virtually pure gold. They contain the same one troy ounce of gold as their alloyed counterparts, but without added metals. These coins are softer and slightly more prone to scratches, which is worth considering if you plan on frequent handling.
Which Is Better?
Both types have their merits. Alloyed coins may stand up better to wear and tear, especially if you plan on regular handling or transport. Pure gold coins appeal to those who want maximum purity or prefer a more “classic” gold look and feel. In either case, you're getting the same core value: one full ounce of gold. Whichever you choose — you’re stacking smart.
Do you buy...
Do you buy jewelry?
Yes, we buy silver, gold, platinum and/or palladium jewelry of any kind and size.
Do you buy diamonds?
Yes, we buy 1-carat-and-up natural and lab grown stones.
Do you buy silverware?
Yes.
Do you buy paper money?
Yes, we buy U.S. paper money dated 1920 or older (including confederate paper money).
Do you buy U.S. pennies or nickels?
No. We are not currently in the market for pennies or nickels of any kind (including rare error coins or "war" nickels).
Do you buy U.S. misprint bills?
Only if the bill is graded by NGC or PCGS.
Do you buy error coins (e.g., rare or ultra-rare error coins)?
Only if the coin is graded by NGC or PCGS.
Do you buy foreign coins and/or currency?
- We buy foreign coins only if they contain precious metals (e.g., silver, gold, platinum, etc.).
- We do not buy foreign paper money.
Do you buy stamps?
No.
Do you buy guns?
No.