How to Choose Between Gold Coins vs Bars

How to Choose Between Gold Coins vs Bars
Posted on October 10, 2023 by BOLD Precious Metals
Deciding whether to invest in gold bars or coins is a common question among investors. It is essential to consider which one to invest in, regardless of whether you are new to bullion investment. There is no definitive right or wrong answer; therefore, conducting your research is advisable. Whether to invest in  gold bullion bars  or coins will depend on the needs and circumstances of the individual investor. 

Additionally, trends may vary over time depending on market conditions. This article will discuss several factors you should consider when choosing between gold coins or bars for your investment.

Gold Coins vs Bars

There are a few things to know about before you decide to purchase gold bars or gold coins. Two of the most popular forms of gold that investors purchase are coins and bars. You must buy them through a trustworthy dealer like BOLD Precious Metals to ensure the gold you buy is high quality and reliable.

If you purchase gold as bars or coins, you must have a place to store it. Your gold coins and bars can be protected from loss or theft if you have a secure place to store them. You may pay banks and vaults to store your gold for you, or you can keep it safe at home.  

Let's compare gold coins and gold bars in the below table: 

compare gold coins and gold bars

Why Should You Invest in Gold Coins and Bars?

Investing in gold can help you stabilize your wealth during unpredictable economic times. This precious metal is a valuable addition to your financial portfolio because it has been used as money for thousands of years worldwide. 

Investing in physical  gold coins  and bars is a wise choice as it allows you to diversify your gold holdings and provides a secure means of safeguarding your investment. You can sell your gold bars and coins for a profit if you have them for a long time and the price of gold rises.

Best Gold Coins to Buy

BOLD Precious Metals offers a wide range of popular gold coins for investment, including:

1) American Gold Eagle Coins

The  American Gold Eagle coins  produced by the United States Mint are widely recognized and in high demand. These 22-karat gold coins feature Lady Liberty on the front, and, depending on the year of production, either a nesting bald eagle or a bald eagle's head is featured on the back side of the coin. American Eagle gold coins are legal tender and IRA-eligible. 

2) American Gold Buffalo

The  American gold Buffalo coin , issued by the United States Mint, is another popular choice among investors and collectors. It is fashioned after James Earle Fraser's well-known 1913 Buffalo Nickel, which has a Native American chief's profile on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse.

3) South African Gold Krugerrand Coins

The South African  gold Krugerrand  is among the world's oldest and most reputable gold bullion coins. The South African Mint initially manufactured these Krugerrand coins in 1967, made of 22-karat gold. Due to their lower purity, they are more resilient than coins made of 24-karat metal and a fantastic choice for individuals concerned about their investment's longevity.

Paul Kruger, the first president of the South African Republic, is depicted on the obverse of the South African gold Krugerrand coin.  A springbok antelope is featured on the reverse. 

4) Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins

Since 1979, the Royal Canadian Mint has produced the  Canadian gold Maple Leaf , a 24-karat gold coin. This coin was once the only competitor to the South African gold Krugerrand and is still considered one of the world's most popular and purest gold bullion coins. The coin's obverse side features a maple leaf, while the reverse side displays Queen Elizabeth II's portrait.

These coins are available in 1 oz and fractional sizes, allowing you to diversify your portfolio according to your budget.

Best Gold Bars to Buy

1) PAMP Suisse Gold Bars

PAMP offers a variety of gold bars that come in different sizes ranging from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. They also provide 1 ounce and 10 ounce denominations. All  PAMP gold bars  are made of .9999 fine, investment-grade gold bullion. Gold bullion bars must have a minimum fineness of .999 to be considered investment grade.

PAMP has created a fascinating array of gold bars, each boasting unique designs like "Fortuna" that draw inspiration from Roman goddesses. Other bars are of lunar motifs and zodiac signs, which are carefully packaged and tailored to suit their size and style. The presence of an individual serial number and an accompanying certificate sets each of these bars apart. Among PAMP's impressive collection of gold bars, the 1-ounce "Fortuna" gold bar stands out as the most coveted.

Collectors and investors, who appreciate both PAMP's exceptional craftsmanship in producing bullion products and the imaginative elements woven into their designs, actively seek these distinctive bars.

2) Valcambi Gold Bars

Globally recognized,  Valcambi  Suisse produces diverse gold and silver bullion. Investors interested in precious metals find the gold bars highly sought after as they are sold at a slight premium over the current market price. 

Each gold bar has the Valcambi emblem, weight, purity, and a unique serial number. The Combi bars are the best-selling items on BOLD Precious Metals, among many gold bars. 

Valcambi offers cast and minted gold bars ranging from 1 gram to 500 grams. The popular sizes among minted bars include the 1 oz size and all Combi bars.

3) Argor Heraeus Gold Bars

Argor Heraeus gold bars  deliver exceptional quality, meeting strict purity, weight, and design standards. The bars are made of the highest level of purity available in the market, .9999 pure gold, ensuring that investors receive the value they paid for.

Argor Heraeus offers unique and attention-grabbing investment options with their Kinebars and Lunar Rabbit gold bars. The Kinebars, with their elaborate design and advanced security features, provide an asset and an art piece that appeals to collectors and investors.

On the other hand, Lunar Rabbit gold bars pay tribute to the Chinese zodiac and its symbolism, making them culturally relevant while retaining their intrinsic value. 

Whether you are attracted to the sophisticated look of Kinebars or the cultural significance of Lunar Rabbit gold bars, both options provide a tangible and timeless way to diversify portfolios and own a piece of precious metal history.

4) Geiger Edelmetalle Gold Bars

Geiger Edelmetalle  manufactures gold bars with a purity level of .9999 fine gold. The bars are usually square-shaped, which makes them stackable, a popular option among investors. These bars are considered of "investment grade" quality and are highly sought after by those who wish to preserve their wealth long-term or hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation.

Geiger Edelmetalle provides several security features for their gold bars, including a unique DNA security feature that allows buyers to authenticate their bars using a smartphone app. The bars are sealed in tamper-evident packaging to prevent unauthorized access.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold Coins and Bars

Pros of buying gold bars and coins:

Investing in gold can be advantageous for various reasons:

1)They're tangible

It is possible to physically hold and examine a gold bar or coin as an investment, which is not the case with traditional assets like stocks and bonds. Coin enthusiasts can particularly appreciate the gratification of discovering and showcasing physical coins.

2)They're universally recognized.

Gold has been used as a widely accepted currency for many centuries globally. You can sell your gold bars or coins anytime and receive a reasonable price, regardless of location.

3)They're easy to buy

Even novice investors can grasp the simple process of purchasing gold bars and coins. Whether you prefer the convenience of finding a trustworthy online dealer like BOLD from the comfort of your home or the reassurance of inspecting your options in person by visiting a local dealer, both options are readily available.

4)They're highly liquid.

A highly liquid asset, physical gold is simple to buy and sell for cash. Many purchasers are on the market; you can sell gold bars and coins anytime.  While holding onto your gold investment for the long term is generally advisable, it can provide a sense of reassurance that it can serve as a backup funding source in a financial emergency.

Cons of buying gold bars and coins:

Considering the following disadvantages of gold bars and coins is also essential.

1) You'll pay a premium.

It is important to note that the production, packaging, and shipment of gold coins and bars can result in high premiums, mainly if they are rare or carry historical significance. But rest assured, BOLD offers all the gold coins and bars at the lowest online premiums.

2) You must store it securely.

Keeping your investment secure is of utmost importance, whether in a fire-resistant safe at home or a safe deposit box at a bank. Your amount of physical gold will determine the storage costs, which can decrease your total returns.

3) You should buy Insurance.

In the event of theft or damage to your safe, your homeowner's insurance may not cover your entire investment. Additionally, safe deposit boxes at the bank usually need to be ensured, which increases your investment expenses.

4) There are scams out there.

As gold is highly sought after, unscrupulous individuals aim to exploit investors. It is essential to be vigilant for warning signs of a possible scam, select a trustworthy dealer to purchase gold from, and  learn how to accurately assess the purity and legitimacy of a bar or coin.  You can check our 'Investing Guide' for a deeper understanding.

Gold Bars vs Coins: Which is Better for Investment?

The best decision will depend on your preferences and investment goals. Suppose you have a significant amount of money to invest. In that case, consider purchasing gold bars with lower premiums to maximize your investment returns. However, ensure that storage and insurance costs do not affect your potential profit. 

If you are a collector or prefer liquidity and the flexibility to sell in small amounts, coins may be a more suitable option. Nevertheless, gold is a valuable asset that can positively contribute to your investment portfolio. 

Therefore, conducting thorough research, identifying your investment objectives, and seeking guidance from an advisor tailored to your situation is essential.

Conclusion

Acquiring physical gold is an excellent approach to enjoying the advantages of gold as an asset. It's a concrete investment that's easy to purchase and sell, a dependable store of value, and can be easily converted into cash. However, it's necessary to consider all the aspects of acquiring physical gold to make an informed decision. 

Diversifying your gold holdings with various coins and bars is also a potential option. Assess the benefits against the overall expenses (including storage and insurance), and select BOLD, a reliable dealer to buy popular gold coins and bars at reasonable prices.


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