For the laymen shopper and potential investor in precious metals, navigating the current market can be quite the roller coaster of a ride, which could turn out to be very good or very bad, depending on who you're dealing with and of course, good timing.

For past three years, there has been an unprecedented demand for precious metals, including gold and silver coins and bars. Premiums have been driven up above the (spot) price, due to demand outpacing supply, and time needed for production. Now, since suppliers have caught up, over the holidays, wholesalers have an oversupply of bullion inventory, and premiums are plummeting.

That's because an over-correction is happening now for sales of gold and silver. Interest rates are high. This "fire sale" may continue through February and into March, but then premiums might come back up due to general costs and inflation.