Investment Rarities Inc. (IRI): A Pioneer in Bullion Brokerage
Investment Rarities Inc. (IRI) is one of the original and longest-standing precious metals brokerage firms in the United States, founded in 1972 by Jim Cook. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, IRI was a pioneer in the business of selling bullion directly to the public, building its reputation through decades of radio and print advertising long before the internet age.
Unlike modern e-commerce sites, IRI has traditionally operated on a broker-based model. Clients work with a personal account representative who provides market information, quotes prices, and executes trades over the phone. This high-touch, relationship-driven approach appeals to an older demographic of investors who prefer personalized service and guidance over the impersonal nature of an online shopping cart.
IRI is known for its "no-frills" approach, focusing on selling popular, low-premium bullion products. They built their name on making the "big three" silver coins—the American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, and Austrian Silver Philharmonic—available at competitive, bulk-rate pricing.
The company is also a major dealer in U.S. gold coins and other gold bullion products. While they have adapted to the digital age with a website, their core business remains rooted in the classic brokerage model. For over 50 years, Investment Rarities has been a consistent and reliable source for investors seeking to acquire physical precious metals through a trusted, established firm.
To learn more about this veteran company's business model, check out the detailed review on Raremetalblog.