ATS Bullion

This write up of ATS Bullion explains exactly who ATS Bullion are and what they deal in and is worth reading before you decide to buy gold or silver coins from ATS Bullion.

As always, it is prudent to always do one’s own due diligence before buying gold from any gold dealer or mint.

Who are ATS Bullion
ATS Bullion was established when Spink, the oldest coin dealer in the world, was sold by Christies. The new company of ATS Bullion was set up to take over the bullion and modern coin business previously run by Spink.

They are based in the Savoy Court building, next to the Savoy Hotel and just off the Strand.

Their website is: atsbullion.com

They are also associated with Alfred Terry Limited. London a Jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler and Diamond Sales outlet.

Sandra Conway, is the Managing Director of ATS and Linda Warner the Sales Manager. Both come from Spinks

ATS Bullion are members of the BNTA (British Numismatic Trade Association) and dealers accepted for this association have to adhere to a strict code of ethics.

ATS Bullion do not charge any commission but make their profit in the margin between the buying and selling price.

ATS Bullion Products
ATS Bullion products include the following:

Gold Coins
Austrian
100 Corona Dated 1915 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.9802 troy ounce.
4 Ducat Dated 1915 0.986 fine gold. Contains 0.443 troy ounce.
1 Ducat Dated 1915 0.986 fine gold. Contains 0.1107 troy ounce.

Belgium
Belgium 20 Franc 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1867 troy ounce.

French
20 Franc 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1867 troy ounce. Various types available.

German
20 Mark 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.2305 troy ounce. Usually Prussian, but sometimes other German states available at various prices.
10 Mark 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1152 troy ounce. Usually Prussian, but sometimes other German states available at various prices.

Iran
1 Pahlavi 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.2354 troy ounce.
Half Pahlavi 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1177 troy ounce.

Isle of Man St. George reverse 22 carat gold.
£5 Piece. Approx. weight 39.9 g. Contains 1.177 troy ounce fine gold.
£2 Piece Approx. weight 15.96g.Contains 0.47 troy ounce fine gold.
Sovereign St.. Approx. weight 7.98g.Contains 0.2354 troy ounce fine gold.
Half Sovereign Approx. weight 3.99g. Contains 0.1177 troy ounce fine gold.

Italy
0 Lire 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1867 troy ounce.

Mexico
50 Peso 0.900 fine gold. Contains 1.2057 troy ounce.
20 Peso 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.4823 troy ounce.
10 Peso 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.2411 troy ounce.
5 Peso 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1205 troy ounce.
2 1/2 Peso 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.0602 troy ounce.
2 Peso 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.0482 troy ounce.

Netherlands 10 Guilder0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1947 troy ounce.

Russia
10 Rouble 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.2489 troy ounce.
5 Rouble 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1244 troy ounce.

Switzerland
Swiss 20 Franc 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1867 troy ounce.

United States
20 Dollar Liberty head. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.9675 troy ounce.
20 Dollar St.Gaudens. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.9675 troy ounce.
10 Dollar Liberty head. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.4839 troy ounce.
10 Dollar Indian head. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.4839 troy ounce.
5 Dollar Liberty head. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.242 troy ounce.
5 Dollar Indian head. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.242 troy ounce.
2 1/2 Dollar Liberty head. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1289 troy ounce.
2 1/2 Dollar Indian head. 0.900 fine gold. Contains 0.1289 troy ounce.

One Ounce Gold Coins
South African Krugerrand - 22 carat gold. Contains one ounce of fine gold. Pure gold content 31.1035g.
Canadian Maple leaf - 24 carat gold. Contains one troy ounce fine gold. Pure gold content 31.1035g.
UK Britannia - 22 carat gold. Contains one troy ounce fine gold. Pure gold content 31.1035g.
US Eagle - 22 carat gold. Contains one troy ounce fine gold. Pure gold content 31.1035g.
Australian Nugget - 24 carat gold. Contains one troy ounce fine gold. Pure gold content 31.1035g.
Austrian Philharmonika - 24 carat gold. Contains one troy ounce fine gold. Pure gold content 31.1035g.

Silver
Austrian Thaler Silver Coin Dated 1780, but official restrike so minted until recently with the original date of 1780. Obverse Maria Teresa, reverse imperial eagle.
One ounce silver Britannia. Face value £2. Contains one ounce of fine silver. Various dates available - please enquire for details.
One ounce silver United States Eagle. Contains one ounce of fine silver. Various dates available - please enquire for details.
Silver UK Pre-Decimal Coinage. Various denominations of 20th Century circulated currency coins from Half-crown’s down to silver threepences. Please enquire for further details.

Platinum
Australia - One ounce Koala - 0.9995 fineness contains one troy ounce platinum
Canada - One ounce Maple - 0.9995 fineness contains one troy ounce platinum
Isle of Man - One ounce Noble - 0.9995 fineness contains one troy ounce platinum

Gold Bullion Bars

One Kilo Gold Bar 24 carat - 0.9999 Fine. Weight 1000g = 32.15 troy ounces.
One Ounce Gold Bar 24 carat - 0.9999 Fine. Weight 31.1035g.
100 Gram Gold Bar 24 carat. 0.9999 fine. Weight 100g = 3.22 troy ounces.
50 Gram Gold Bar 24 carat. 0.9999 fine. Weight 50g = 1.61 troy ounces.
20 Gram Gold Bar 24 carat. 0.999 fine. Weight 20g = 0.64 troy ounce.
10 Gram Gold Bar 24 carat. 0.999 fine. Weight 10g = 0.32 troy ounce.
5 Gram Gold Bar 24 carat. 0.999 fine. Weight 5g = 0.16 troy ounce.

Silver Bullion Bars
One Kilo Silver Bar 0.9999 Fine silver Weight 1000g = 32.15 troy ounces.
One Ounce Silver Bar 0.9999 Fine silver Weight 31.1035g = 1 troy ounces.

Plus many other commemoratives and medallions in gold and silver.

How to buy gold from ATS Bullion
You cannot buy gold from ATS Bullion over the internet or through their website. It is either in person or by phone.

Despite that, buying gold from ATS is very simple. If you are in London, you can go to their offices and purchase gold over the counter. The ATS Bullion Office is open for trading Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30 pm. Payment can be made by cash, or by debit card. You will need to show some ID when you buy gold or silver over the counter.

It is also very easy to purchase by post. For smaller purchases, ATS Bullion will fix a price over the phone and you can either pay by cheque or debit card. All debit card payments will be subject to a security check and can only be sent to the billing address on your card. ATS Bullion will send your purchase to you by Special delivery as soon as the funds are cleared and your purchase is fully insured until you receive it. ATS Bullion do not accept credit cards due to the merchant charges incurred.

If you want to buy over £5000 worth of gold in one transaction, or if you buy over £10000 in the course of a year, then you will have to supply ATS Bullion with proof of ID to comply with HM Customs and Excise legislation in the UK. This means that ATS Bullion must retain on file a copy of your passport and a copy of a utilities bill showing your home address.

There is no minimum amount however and you can buy as little as one 25 pound coin.

There is no longer any VAT on investment gold coins and bars. The majority of the silver coins ATS Bullion sell would not have VAT on the purchase price to the purchaser. However, very recent silver and base metal issues are generally still subject to VAT - for example the 2003 Royal Mint issues. All silver and platinum bars are still subject to VAT at 17.5 % as well.

Selling gold to ATS Bullion
Here again, the process is very simple. You can either take your gold into their offices with some form of identification or send it by Special Delivery through the Post Office, enclosing a daytime telephone number. ATS Bullion will telephone you on receipt with an up to date price and send you a cheque by return if the price is acceptable. If you decide not to sell for any reason, ATS Bullion will return the gold.

Last Word on ATS Bullion
If you have bought any gold or silver coins or other bullion from atsbullion.com, please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service by atsbullion.com online as well as any complaints and special attention or service given by atsbullion.com online.

Bullion Vault

This write up of Bullion Vault explains exactly who Bullion Vault are and what they deal in and is worth reading before you buy any gold or silver coins from ATS Bullion.

In all transactions with gold or any other precious metal with any gold dealer, mint or custodian, it is a wise move to do your own due diligence and find out as much about them as possible before you buy gold.

Who are Bullion Vault
Bullion Vault is owned by Galmarley Limited which is a registered company in Great Britain.
As at November 2006 the company has 49 shareholders, the CEO is one Paul Tustain and the offices are located in West London (UK). Other people involved in Bullion Vault are:

Alex Edwards: Chief Operations Officer
Kris Jenkins: Chief Technical Officer
Adrian Ash: Head of Research
Catherine Little: Cash Manager
Sonia Franchini: European Operations Executive (German & Italian)
Nittin Saheekoo: European Operations Executive (French)
Robert Nigg: European Operations Executive (German & French)

Galmarley is involved in gold and gold related information technology and owns not only www.BullionVault.com but also www.galmarley.com.

Bullion Vault operates in a similar way to other gold bullion custodian services. It runs a transparent service listing the funds used to start up the company and purchase the gold in the form of bullion bars which are stored.

As a result of feedback on the Galmarley site, an original start up capital of £275,000 ($500,000) was injected into the incorporation of Galmarley Ltd in October 2003, and this funded the early planning and development of the BullionVault service.

After completing software development and just prior to opening for business, in March 2005, a mixture of external and management funding was obtained from shareholders and management and invested to finance the gold bullion inventory which the business needed to operate. A total of £2m was raised.

£1m of that was convertible, redeemable debt owned by the 29 external shareholders. £0.8m was a 7% irredeemable debt invested by management and £0.2m was new equity which was issued at a substantial premium to the nominal value to the same 29 external shareholders.

This £2m enabled the business to acquire the 'float' of gold bars which is at the heart of the way BullionVault works.

How Does Bullion Vault Work
Simplified, Bullion Vault operates on the basis that you can purchase and store gold bullion and bullion vault will act, for a fee, as the custodian. To use BullionVault one needs to open a free account with them. Once this is done you can then buy gold and have it reside in your account. Note that you are buying actual gold which will reside in a vault operated by Via Mat, an independent professional bullion market vault operator selected by Bullion Vault to look after Bullion Vault gold.

Via Mat is a service provider to Bullion Vault and Bullion Vault is a customer of Via Mat. The management and the capital of the two businesses are entirely separate and independent of each other.

Via Mat is one of the largest vault operators and secure transportation businesses. They operate widely in North and South America, Europe and the Far East. In their home country of Switzerland they dominate the business of physical assets custody and transportation. They are the trusted carrier Swiss banknotes, as they travel between the central bank and the various branches of the Swiss banking industry.

Via Mat sends regular bar lists as evidence of the holding currently in their vaults for Billion Vault. This list will detail the individual bars held in the vault. And their assayed gold content.

Each business day Bullion Vault publishes this bar list on their website, as well as the custody lists daily - but with alias names which users can recognise for themselves while they remain meaningless to everyone else.

On can check one’s own holding this way and cross check the custody list totals directly to the bar lists.

There are careful controls to ensure that no one else can access and remove your gold.

There are two set of controls - Public and Private. Public controls exist to make the process of bullion withdrawal transparent.

For any removal of bullion, Bullion Vault must give 2 days’ notice to Via Mat and publish on the Bullion Vault web site's front page a withdrawal is occurring. This publication states the withdrawing user's alias.

Every Bullion Vault user is able to see that the gold being withdrawn is not theirs, and anyone else who wants to check can also see - via the Daily Audit - that the withdrawer owns sufficient gold to make the withdrawal.

Via Mat also has checks in place. In the storage agreement executed between Bullion Vault and Via Mat there is an undertaken to abort the withdrawal if these checks are not satisfied.

As an extra safety precaution - and again as part of the storage agreement - Via Mat will limit to limit the total withdrawal from the vault to 5% of the vaulted total on any one day. This restriction excludes vault-to-vault shipments of course enabling Bullion Vault to ship large quantities of gold internationally if some form of international crisis has caused many customers to want to do this.

Private controls of course are kept secret. They require, among other things, authorisation checks and acknowledgments by multiple individuals in multiple organisations, which make it impossible for a withdrawal to be authorized by a rogue employee.

When you want to buy gold you simply offer funds to buy the gold by wiring funds into the Bullion Vault client account. The gold, owned by bullion vault was already in the vault when you bought it so no shipment of bullion is required to settle your purchase. A simple transfer of ownership occurs for that gold to the value of the funds transferred on the day you made the purchase.
Bullion Vault can also only offer gold they have in the vault already.

As people buy and sell gold on a regular basis, the ownership of a specific segment of the gold bullion in the vault can change

The gold you own is your actual outright gold. It is not pooled gold and is not held in trust. It is actually a slice of a gold bar, or an entire gold bar if you have purchased sufficient gold, and cannot be used by anyone else. It remains your gold until such time as you on sell it. Bullion Vault does not deal in unallocated gold. Bullion Vault simply sells and buys gold to you and stores it on your behalf.

Opening an Account with Bullion Vault
Opening an account with Bullion Vault is a relatively simple procedure.

On simply clicks on the Register link on the front or home page and follows the instructions.

As one is opening an account that can have stored value it is highly advisable to maintain some security measures with the account such as not typing in passwords, using simple passwords or given passwords to others. Using insecure computers such as internet cafes and university computers which are subject to inspection by IT maintenance.

Once you have opened your account you can buy and store gold bullion, or even trade with it, i.e., buy and sell on a regular basis. And even buy and sell with other account holders. One advantage is that you can trade this way with relatively small amounts. Buying and selling where you are dealing in funds transferred between your bank and bullion vault may involve bank fees by your and corresponding banks so this should be kept in mind when buying and selling gold.

Bullion Vault Security
Bullion Vault maintains a compensation fund out of its commission and contributes at a rate of 10% per commission charged, to a maximum of 10 cents per order. The value of the compensation fund is currently capped at $4m, a total maintained under review.

The independent council for adjudicating on formal complaints has the exclusive power to distribute benefits from this fund.

How Much Does Bullion Vault Cost
The fees for storage are relatively mild and include such things as insurance and security of the gold as managed by Via Mat for example.

Who Owns the Gold Held by Bullion Vault
The owner of the gold held by Bullion Vault is the account holders who have purchased the gold. They hold the legal title to the gold bullion.

The Last Word on Bullion Vault
If you have an account at bullionvault.com and have bought, sold or traded gold with another account holder online, please feel free to leave your feedback on the quality of service and products including any bullionvault.com on line complaints and special attention or service given by bullionvault.com