The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word BULLION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
U
L
L
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result BULLION
- Investor number one set up gold reserves, perhaps
- Taurus and Leo overlapping? That’s great fortune, almost certainly
- Two big beasts clash for the gold
- Two strong males overlapping, raw material for future sovereigns?
- Speculator in taking over gold bars
- Target centre, one touching gold perhaps
- Edict, one on valuable metal that must be stored
- Taurus and Leo displaying common character? Solid gold!
- Like a market sometimes, one about to offer precious metals
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "precious metals" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case precious metals = bullion.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BULLION mean?
BULLION noun- A bulk quantity of precious metal, usually gold or silver, assessed by weight and typically cast as ingots.
- Base or uncurrent coin.
- Showy metallic ornament, as of gold, silver, or copper, on bridles, saddles, etc.
- A heavy twisted fringe, made of fine gold or silver wire and used for epaulets; also, any heavy twisted fringe whose cords are prominent.