Sales Tax on Gold and Silver in Arizona
Arizona's state transaction privilege tax excludes precious metal bullion and monetized bullion. City taxes can still apply, including to numismatic coins.
The short answer
Arizona does not charge state transaction privilege tax on the retail sale of precious metal bullion or monetized bullion. That exclusion comes from A.R.S. 42-5061(A)(21). City privilege taxes are separate and can apply, including to coins sold primarily for their numismatic value.
What qualifies as bullion
“Precious metal bullion” means a precious metal — gold, silver, platinum, rhodium or palladium — that has been smelted or refined so its value depends on its contents and not its form. A bar or round whose price tracks the metal content fits this description.
“Monetized bullion” means coins and other forms of money made from gold, silver or other metals that have been, or are, used as a medium of exchange in any state, the United States or a foreign nation. That covers legal-tender coins sold for their metal value.
What does not qualify
Coins or other forms of money sold for manufacture into jewelry or works of art remain subject to the tax. The statute sets no dollar threshold, so the exclusion is not tied to a minimum purchase amount.
Local taxes
City privilege taxes follow the Model City Tax Code, and cities can treat coins differently from the state. The Town of Duncan’s adopted code (Sec. 17-460(c)(3) and 17-460.5) excludes sales of platinum, bullion or monetized bullion, except minted or manufactured coins transferred or acquired primarily for their numismatic value. Under that code, a coin counts as numismatic if its price is at least twice its metal value and, for a legal-tender coin, at least twice its face value. City tax can therefore apply to numismatic coins even though the state excludes bullion.
| Purchase | State transaction privilege tax |
|---|---|
| Precious metal bullion (gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, palladium) | Excluded |
| Monetized bullion (coins and money used as a medium of exchange) | Excluded |
| Coins or money bought for manufacture into jewelry or works of art | Taxable |
| Numismatic coins under a city code such as Duncan’s | City tax can apply |
What buyers commonly get wrong
A common mistake is assuming the state exclusion settles the whole question. City privilege taxes are imposed under their own codes, and at least one Arizona town taxes coins acquired primarily for numismatic value. A coin bought for its collectible premium is not the same as bullion bought for its metal content.
Another mistake is treating the exclusion as limited to large purchases. The statute contains no dollar threshold.
A third is assuming any coin is covered. Coins or other money bought for manufacture into jewelry or works of art are taxable.
A fourth is overlooking the metal list. The definition names gold, silver, platinum, rhodium and palladium; it is not a general exclusion for anything sold as an investment.
Checking before a purchase
The rule was checked in October 2026 and can change with new legislation. Confirm the current treatment with the Arizona Department of Revenue and with the city where the sale occurs before a large purchase. For general background on how precious metals are taxed, see sales tax on gold.
Official sources: A.R.S. 42-5061 and the Town of Duncan tax code.
For how the rule applies to a specific transaction, consult a tax professional or your own preparer.
Common questions
Does Arizona charge sales tax on gold and silver bullion?
No. The state transaction privilege tax excludes the sale of precious metal bullion and monetized bullion under A.R.S. 42-5061(A)(21). City privilege taxes are separate and can apply.
Are gold and silver coins exempt in Arizona?
Coins used as a medium of exchange are monetized bullion and are excluded from the state tax. Coins or other money sold for manufacture into jewelry or works of art remain taxable, and city codes can tax coins acquired primarily for numismatic value.
Is there a minimum purchase amount for the Arizona bullion exclusion?
No. The statute sets no dollar threshold, so the exclusion is not tied to a minimum purchase amount.
Do Arizona city taxes apply to bullion and coins?
City privilege taxes follow the Model City Tax Code and can differ from the state rule. The Town of Duncan's code excludes platinum, bullion and monetized bullion but not coins acquired primarily for their numismatic value, which are defined by price relative to metal value and face value.
Read next
- Sales Tax on Gold and Silver in Nevada Nevada generally taxes gold and silver bullion and collector coins. Learn what qualifies for the medium-of-exchange exception and how NAC 372.170 applies.
- Sales Tax on Gold and Silver in Connecticut Connecticut exempts gold and silver bullion and rare coins from sales tax, but only when the retailer's total sale is $1,000 or more. The rule changes July 1, 2027.
- Sales Tax on Gold and Silver in Kentucky Kentucky exempts currency and bullion from sales tax, including gold and silver bars and coins. Jewelry and collectibles stay taxable. Rule checked October 2026.
- Gold Capital Loss: Can a Loss on Selling Gold Be Deducted? Learn how a loss on selling gold is treated for tax purposes. Understand the difference between personal-use and investment gold, and what the IRS allows.
- Platinum and Palladium: Tax Rules and Rates Learn how platinum and palladium are taxed: collectibles rates, capital gains, IRA rules, and reporting thresholds. Rates are set by statute and can change.