Buying Silver in Truro, Cornwall
A practical guide for Truro residents interested in purchasing silver bullion. This page explains your realistic options, from online dealers who deliver to Cornwall to understanding what's available locally.
Quick Summary
- Most Truro residents buy silver online from established UK dealers with insured delivery
- No dedicated bullion dealers operate physical premises in Truro
- Investment silver (coins meeting specific criteria) is VAT-free in the UK
- Delivery to TR postcodes is available from all major UK bullion dealers
About Truro
Truro is Cornwall's only city and serves as the county's administrative centre. With a population of approximately 22,000, it's a compact cathedral city known for Truro Cathedral, its Georgian architecture, and a thriving independent retail scene. The city centre hosts a mix of national chains and local businesses, particularly around Lemon Quay and the historic Pannier Market.
While Truro functions as Cornwall's commercial hub, the precious metals retail sector remains limited—reflecting the broader reality that dedicated bullion dealers tend to concentrate in larger metropolitan areas. However, Truro residents have excellent access to reputable online dealers who provide fully insured delivery throughout Cornwall.
Physical Bullion Dealers in Truro
There are currently no dedicated precious metals dealers with physical premises in Truro. This reflects a broader pattern in the UK bullion market—specialist bullion dealing requires larger population catchments to be viable, and physical retailers tend to concentrate in major cities.
Local jewellers and pawnbrokers:
Truro has local jewellers and pawnbrokers in and around the city centre. These businesses typically focus on jewellery retail, valuation, or scrap gold buying rather than the sale of recognised bullion coins or bars.
- Jewellers occasionally stock pre-owned silver items, but these are typically jewellery rather than investment-grade bullion
- Antique shops in the city centre may have collectible silver coins, though premiums are often higher than bullion dealers and authenticity varies
- Coin collectors' fairs occasionally visit the region, but these focus on numismatic (collectible) coins rather than bullion
Prices, product availability, and services at jewellers and pawnbrokers differ significantly from specialist bullion dealers.
For investment-grade silver bullion at competitive prices, online purchase with delivery remains the most practical option for Truro residents.
Online Dealers Serving Truro
The following established UK bullion dealers offer delivery to Cornwall. All are well-established businesses with track records of reliable service. This is not an exhaustive list, nor a recommendation—conduct your own research before purchasing.
BullionByPost
Birmingham-based • Established 2008
One of the UK's largest online bullion dealers. Offers a wide range of silver coins and bars with next-day insured delivery available to most UK addresses. Known for competitive pricing on popular products.
Atkinsons Bullion & Coins
Birmingham-based • Family business since 1979
Long-established family business offering both bullion and numismatic coins. Provides telephone ordering alongside online, which some buyers prefer. Known for knowledgeable customer service.
The Royal Mint
Llantrisant, Wales • Official UK Mint
The official producer of UK coinage, selling directly to the public. Offers Britannia coins and other Royal Mint products. Prices are sometimes higher than third-party dealers, but some buyers value purchasing directly from the source.
Chards
Blackpool-based • Family business since 1964
One of the UK's longest-established coin and bullion dealers. Offers an extensive catalogue including less common items. Website is comprehensive but can feel dated compared to newer competitors.
Hatton Garden Metals
London-based • Established in Hatton Garden district
Based in London's historic jewellery quarter. Offers competitive pricing, particularly on larger purchases. London location means some buyers in the South East collect in person, though delivery is available nationwide.
Delivery to Truro and Cornwall
All major UK bullion dealers deliver to TR postcodes without issue. Key considerations:
Insurance & Tracking
Reputable dealers use fully insured, tracked delivery services. Royal Mail Special Delivery and specialist couriers are common. Always check that your order value is covered by the dealer's insurance.
Signature Required
Precious metals deliveries require a signature. You may need to arrange collection from a sorting office if you're not home. Some dealers offer delivery to workplaces.
Delivery Times
Next-day delivery is available but Cornwall can occasionally experience delays, particularly during peak periods or adverse weather. Allow 2-3 working days to be safe.
Discreet Packaging
Dealers use plain packaging with no indication of contents. Sender names are typically neutral business names rather than anything obviously related to precious metals.
VAT on Silver in the UK
Understanding VAT is essential when buying silver, as it significantly affects pricing:
VAT-Free Silver (Investment Coins)
Certain silver coins qualify as "investment gold/silver" and are exempt from VAT. These include UK Silver Britannia coins, Canadian Maple Leafs, and other coins meeting specific criteria (legal tender, minimum purity, struck after 1800).
VAT-free coins typically offer better value for investors, though premiums over spot price vary.
Silver Subject to VAT (20%)
Silver bars, rounds, and non-qualifying coins are subject to standard 20% VAT. This makes bars less attractive for UK buyers compared to VAT-free coins, despite their typically lower premiums before tax.
Practical Tips for Truro Buyers
Compare prices across dealers
Premiums over spot price vary significantly between dealers and products. A few minutes comparing can save meaningful amounts, especially on larger purchases.
Factor in delivery costs
Some dealers offer free delivery above certain thresholds. Others charge flat fees. Include delivery when comparing total costs.
Consider storage and security
Silver is bulky relative to its value. A meaningful investment requires secure storage. Home safes, bank safety deposit boxes, or dealer storage services are options to consider.
Keep purchase records
Maintain invoices and proof of purchase. These are important for insurance purposes and may be relevant for Capital Gains Tax calculations if you later sell at a profit (CGT-exempt Britannia coins are an exception).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy silver in person anywhere in Truro?
There are no dedicated bullion dealers with shops in Truro. While jewellers and pawnbrokers occasionally have silver items, these are typically not investment-grade bullion and may carry significant premiums. For competitive pricing on investment silver, online dealers with delivery are the practical choice.
Is it safe to have silver delivered to my home?
Reputable dealers use fully insured delivery services with plain, discreet packaging. The risk lies with the dealer until you sign for the package. If a delivery goes missing or arrives damaged, you should be covered by the dealer's insurance—always verify this before purchasing.
What's the nearest physical bullion dealer to Truro?
The nearest significant bullion dealers with physical premises are in larger cities outside Cornwall—Plymouth, Exeter, or Bristol being the closest major options, though even these have limited physical retail. Given the distances involved, online purchasing is generally more practical and often offers better pricing regardless.
Should I buy coins or bars?
For UK buyers, VAT-free investment coins (like Silver Britannias) are often more cost-effective than bars, which attract 20% VAT. Coins also offer easier divisibility when selling. Bars may have lower percentage premiums before VAT, but the tax typically makes coins the better value for most buyers.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Precious metals prices fluctuate and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. The dealers mentioned are examples of established UK businesses and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation.
Last reviewed: January 2026