Chards – UK Bullion Dealer Overview

Chards is a UK-based coin and bullion dealer operating from Blackpool, Lancashire. The company has been trading for several decades, positioning itself as a family-run business with a focus on both bullion and numismatics.

They operate primarily through their website but also have physical premises in Blackpool. The business handles both investment bullion and collectible coins, with a notable emphasis on their numismatic offerings.

The company operates under the name Chard (1964) Ltd, reflecting their longer trading history in the UK market.

Chards offers a broad range of products spanning bullion and collectibles:

Gold Products

• Gold bullion coins, including Britannias, Sovereigns, Krugerrands, and other international coins
• Gold bars from various refiners in multiple sizes
• Numismatic and historical gold coins
• Pre-owned and secondary market gold items

Silver Products

• Silver bullion coins from various mints worldwide
• Silver bars in various weights
• Collectible and commemorative silver

Other Products

• Platinum and palladium products
• World coins and numismatic items
• Coin accessories and storage solutions

Their inventory tends to be varied, including both new bullion products and secondary market items. The mix of bullion and numismatics means buyers should be clear about whether they are purchasing for metal content or collectible value.

Chards offers several purchasing options:

• Online ordering: Their website allows browsing and purchasing with delivery across the UK.
• Showroom visits: Their Blackpool premises can be visited in person, allowing customers to view items before purchase.
• Telephone orders: Orders can be placed by phone.

Payment methods include bank transfer and card payments. Bank transfers typically need to clear before dispatch. Delivery is via insured courier with signature required.

They also buy coins and bullion from the public, which partly explains their inventory of secondary market items.

Chards' pricing includes premiums above spot prices, as is standard across the industry. Their premiums reflect their operating model, which includes physical premises and a broad product range.

Pricing considerations:

• Standard bullion products carry typical market premiums
• Numismatic items may carry higher premiums reflecting collectible value
• Secondary market items may be priced differently from new stock
• Prices vary based on product type, size, and availability

The extensive information and educational content on their website is notable, though buyers should still compare prices across dealers before purchasing.

Based on their offerings, Chards may suit:

• Collectors and numismatists: Their broad range of world coins and historical items extends beyond standard bullion.
• Buyers seeking variety: The mix of new and secondary market items provides more options than some dealers.
• Those in the North West: Their Blackpool location may be convenient for buyers in that region who prefer in-person visits.
• Buyers who value educational content: Their website includes extensive information about coins and bullion.

Suitability depends on individual needs. Buyers focused purely on acquiring standard bullion at minimal premiums may wish to compare with dealers who specialise more narrowly in investment-grade products.

Practical points to consider:

• Mixed inventory: The combination of bullion, numismatics, and secondary market items requires buyers to understand what they are purchasing and why.
• Numismatic premiums: Collectible coins carry premiums above their metal value, which may not suit buyers focused on bullion content.
• Website navigation: The extensive inventory and information can make the website more complex to navigate than simpler bullion-focused sites.
• Location: While the Blackpool showroom suits some buyers, most will still order online due to distance.

These are neutral observations to help buyers assess fit with their needs.

Chards occupies a distinctive position in the UK market as a dealer that bridges bullion and numismatics. Their longer trading history and broad inventory differentiate them from newer, more narrowly focused dealers.

Their physical presence in Blackpool provides a geographic base in the North West, complementing their online operations. The combination of showroom and e-commerce reflects a traditional dealer model adapted for modern retail.

The extensive educational content on their website has made them a reference point for information about coins and bullion, separate from their retail operations.