Top Gold Investments
Purchasing gold starts with understanding the type of gold that suits your goals. Physical gold is typically available in several popular forms, primarily used for wealth preservation. The two most common gold assets are gold bars and gold coins.
While both are made from the same precious metal, the similarities largely end there. People often choose gold bars for different reasons than gold coins, as they are produced differently and influenced by distinct market factors. These differences can cause price variations, making one option more appealing than the other depending on individual preferences and investment strategies.
Gold Bars
Gold bars are one of the most recognizable forms of physical gold. If you’ve seen stacks of gold bars in movies, they’re quite similar to the real-world bars you can purchase today.
People choose to buy gold bars for several reasons:
- Lower Premiums: Gold bars generally have lower premiums compared to coins of the same weight.
- Simplicity: Bars are easy to value and straightforward to understand.
- Liquidity: Buying and selling gold bars is a simple process.
- High Value in Compact Form: Significant wealth can be stored in a single bar.
- Ease of Storage: Gold bars are compact and convenient to store.
Additionally, gold bars can be included in a self-directed IRA, offering the potential for wealth growth and serving as an effective strategy for portfolio diversification.
Gold Coins
While gold bars are a popular choice among precious metals buyers, many investors recognize the unique benefits of purchasing gold coins. Even if you already own gold bars, there are situations where gold coins may be the better option.
People choose to buy gold coins for several reasons:
- Higher Liquidity: Gold coins are often easier to sell compared to bars.
- Added Value: Coins can sell for more than their gold content due to factors like rarity, design, and condition.
- Collectability: Many gold coins have collectible appeal, adding another dimension to their value.
- Variety of Sizes: Gold coins are available in various weights, including small and fractional sizes. This flexibility is ideal for buyers looking to start small or invest incrementally. While the smallest gold bars typically weigh 1 oz., coins can be purchased in sizes as small as 1/10 oz.
Like gold bars, gold coins can also be included in a self-directed IRA, making them a valuable asset for wealth growth and portfolio diversification.
Silver Bullion Coins and Bars
Silver is an excellent option for diversifying your investment portfolio. Like gold, silver bullion coins and bars offer many of the same advantages, but with one major difference: affordability. Silver is significantly less expensive than gold, making it an accessible entry point for investors, even those with just a few hundred dollars to spend.
Here’s why people choose to buy silver:
- Wealth Preservation: Like gold, silver is viewed as a safe haven for storing wealth, particularly during times of economic or political uncertainty.
- Inflation Hedge: Silver’s value isn’t tied to any single currency, making it a strong hedge against inflation. During periods of high inflation, silver may even outperform traditional investments like stocks.
- Long-Term Value Growth: Historically, the market price of physical silver coins and bars has increased over time, sometimes even outpacing gold’s price growth.
In summary, for those who want to invest in precious metals but don’t have thousands of dollars to spend, silver bullion coins and bars offer an affordable and strategic way to begin building wealth.
Buying Precious Metals for the First Time
For many, purchasing or receiving gold or silver for the first time is an unforgettable experience. Some turn to physical gold when the stock market takes a downturn, seeking a stable haven for their hard-earned wealth. Others, feeling financially secure, buy gold bars to help build a lasting legacy for future generations. Some may even receive gold or silver bullion coins as a gift to commemorate milestones such as a college graduation or a significant birthday.
Whatever the reason, the first time you hold physical gold or silver in your hands is a moment you’re unlikely to forget.
There are countless reasons to buy precious metals, and the decision to invest in silver or gold will depend on your unique financial goals and situation. At ARC we’re dedicated to helping you understand the benefits of owning gold and other precious metals. Request your free Gold Guide to begin your journey, and call us for personalized answers to your precious metals questions.