Apothecaries' system between actual and nominal weight. In the 19th century, most European countries or cities still had at least a "commercial" or "civil" system (such as the English avoirdupois system) for general trading, and a second system (such as the troy system) for precious metals such as gold and silver. The system for precious metals was usually divided in a different way from the commercial system, often using special units such as the carat. More significantly, it was often based on different weight standards. The apothecaries' system often used the same ounces as the precious metals system, although even then the
Taxation of precious metals same "intra-community transaction" rules to all of Europe on a bilateral basis resulting in legally tax-free silver coin availability throughout all of Europe. Precious metals are subject to tax as collectibles, with any profit being taxed at the collectibles capital gains rate. This is normally the standard income tax rate, with metal held over 1 year is subject to a maximum of 28%. Note that many people unfamiliar with the collectibles tax rates (including some well-known websites) incorrectly think that precious metals are taxed at a flat 28% (because they interpret the word "maximum" in "maximum 28% rate"). Taxation of