When purchasing gold or silver coins or bars, the product itself and its price naturally attract attention. However, the packaging deserves just as much attention. Packaging that remains intact can simplify the process when it comes time to resell, sometimes several years after the purchase. It also helps preserve the condition of the precious metals while they are in your possession.

The sealed pouch serves precisely this purpose. Used by dealers, it combines physical protection with traceability information. But what exactly does it contain? Should you keep the receipt separately? Can you open the pouch to look at your coins, clean them, or sell some of them?

The answers depend on the metal, the product, and the available documentation. Here are the key points to understand the role of the seal and plan for the resale of your investment. The goal is simple: to keep your products well-protected and maintain documentation that clearly traces the terms of their purchase.

Key Takeaways from the Article

• The sealed bag protects coins and bullion from tampering and preserves the necessary information to link the products to their purchase.
• The receipt remains essential: it documents the buyer’s identity, the date, and the purchase price in the event of a future resale.
• It is not recommended to break the seal on gold. For certain silver coins, the conditions may differ.
• The number of coins per bag and packaging options are selected at the time of order, particularly to prepare for sales in multiple installments.
• A product already in your possession can be appraised and then placed under seal, without this process altering its date or purchase price.

What is a sealed bag?

It is a hermetically sealed plastic bag used to package coins or bars. It includes the purchase date, the contents, and the invoice number. This information allows the products to be linked to their proof of purchase.

Why keep your gold in a sealed bag?

The primary benefit is protection. The packaging limits exposure to impacts, scratches, and dirt. It also prevents direct handling of the coins.

This is important for resale: a coin’s condition can affect its premium—that is, the difference between its price and the value of the metal it contains. It is therefore important to keep coins in their sealed packaging. An intact bag helps preserve the characteristics of the purchased product.

Can you open a sealed bag or clean your coins?

For gold, we recommend keeping the bag sealed. Opening bags containing gold coins may affect eligibility for the capital gains tax under the conditions outlined in the regulations.

This same guidance distinguishes silver coins, for which the seal is not presented as a systematically required condition. You must therefore consider the specific product and its supporting documentation, without automatically applying the explanations regarding gold to silver.

As for cleaning, it is not recommended for gold coins: the coin preservation guide explains that it can remove material and create micro-scratches. An investment coin does not need to be polished to a shine to be stored in good condition.

What is the purpose of the tax seal when reselling?

The seal helps establish the link between the metals sold and the purchase invoice: the invoice number printed on the bag allows for this precise reconciliation.

Upon resale, the holder of investment gold or silver may choose between a flat-rate tax of 11.50% of the sale price and taxation of the actual capital gain, provided they can verify the purchase price and date. Under this second regime, the tax rate has been 37.60% since January 1, 2026, with a 5% reduction per year of ownership starting in the third year, leading to a full exemption after 22 years.

Simply affixing the seal is therefore not sufficient: proof of the purchase price and date of acquisition must be retained. The appropriate tax regime depends on the specific circumstances of the case, the amount of the capital gain, and the length of ownership.

Is the receipt inside the bag?

Don’t assume the receipt is inside: check the documents provided at the time of purchase and keep them separate from the packaging. The key point is to be able to cross-reference the receipt, the item descriptions, their quantities, and any identifying marks on the bag. A valid receipt can be used to establish the date and purchase price, but it must pertain to the item actually resold. In the case of a gift or inheritance, the supporting documents must clearly identify the item in question. If the invoice is missing, do not consider the seal as a substitute; gather the other available documents before deciding on a tax treatment.

How many coins can be placed under seal, and at what price?

The packaging guidelines provide for free bags for every five gold coins and every ten silver coins, with adjustments possible based on the quantity ordered, including for a single coin. Additional bags are priced at €3.

The capacity is generally specified for fifteen coins. However, this guideline does not apply to all products: some lots are sold in specialized packaging.

Can I resell only part of a sealed lot?

Yes, it is entirely possible to resell in multiple transactions using the same invoice.

If you plan to make partial sales, ensure you have the appropriate packaging ready at the time of purchase. For a batch that is already sealed, ask the counter staff to specify the return policy before opening the package.

Can I have coins I already own sealed?

Yes, our branches offer an appraisal and sealing service for coins you already own. Seals applied in this context are not dated and, on their own, do not qualify for capital gains tax relief.

This process provides evidence of the authenticity of the items examined. It does not recreate the documentation for a previous purchase. Before reselling, be sure to gather all available documents and keep the packaging in its original condition.