Investing in gold coins can be a solid choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio and potentially earn a profit. Gold coins have been a store of value for centuries, and their value tends to increase during times of economic uncertainty.
One of the most popular types of gold coins is the American Gold Eagle, which is made of 22-karat gold and features Lady Liberty on the obverse.
Investing in gold coins is a tangible asset, meaning you can hold it in your hand and see its value.
Why Invest in Gold Coins
Investing in gold coins can be a smart way to diversify your portfolio, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Many financial advisors recommend keeping anywhere from 5% to 10% of your portfolio in gold.
Gold coins, like other forms of gold, offer a hedge against inflation and economic disaster. History has shown that during economic slowdowns, from the Great Depression to the COVID-19 pandemic, gold appreciates in value.
Individuals can invest in gold coins in two main ways: physical gold or gold securities. Physical gold coins can be purchased directly, while gold securities, such as ETFs, provide a more liquid option.
Gold coins can be a defensive store of value, attracting investors when they perceive threats to the economy. This is because gold is generally not highly correlated to other assets, making it a diversifier.
Here are some key benefits of investing in gold coins:
Gold coins often perform differently from stocks and bonds, making them a potential hedge against economic downturns. This is especially important for investors who want to protect their portfolios from major losses in other financial assets.
Ways to Buy Gold Coins
If you're looking to buy gold coins, you've got several options. You can buy minted coins from governments, which are recognized and widely circulated.
These coins are minted by governments for investors and come in various forms. The prices of these coins are based on their gold content, also known as their "melt value", plus a 1%-5% premium.
The most popular gold coins among buyers are the American Gold Eagle, Australian Gold Nugget, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand. These coins are widely recognized and easily liquidated.
To buy these coins, you can check with major banks, coin dealers, brokerage firms, and precious metal dealers. They usually carry a wide range of minted bullion coins.
Here are some of the most widely recognized gold coins:
- American Gold Eagle
- Australian Gold Nugget
- Canadian Maple Leaf
- South African Krugerrand
Benefits of Gold Coins
Gold coins offer several benefits that make them an attractive investment option. They can serve as a hedge against inflation, as gold's intrinsic value is tied to the cost of living.
One of the advantages of gold coins is their physical durability, meaning they won't deteriorate over time like some other investments. This makes them a virtually indestructible store of value.
Gold coins can also act as a counterweight to stocks, moving in the opposite direction of the stock market. For example, during the 2008 subprime mortgage meltdown, gold's price shot up to $1,000 per ounce.
Their low correlations with other assets, such as stocks and bonds, make gold coins a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio. This means the overall portfolio is less volatile, reducing the risk of significant losses.
Investors like gold coins because they offer a defensive store of value. In uncertain times or socio-political turmoil, gold coins are seen as a safe haven, appealing to individuals concerned about the collapse of global markets.
Here are some key benefits of gold coins at a glance:
Is Gold Coins Taxed
Gold coins are taxed at the collectibles rate of up to 28%, which is higher than the common capital-gains rate of 15%. This is because the IRS treats gold as a collectible, not just another investment.
Gains from gold coins are taxed at a rate of up to 28%, which might make you consider holding them in a tax-efficient vehicle, such as an individual retirement account, or IRA.
Even gold ETFs, which are backed by physical gold, are treated this way, making them subject to the higher collectibles rate.
Collecting and Buying Gold Coins
Collecting and buying gold coins can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to know what you're getting into. Gold coins come in various forms, including minted coins issued by governments for investors.
These coins have a melt value based on their gold content, plus a 1-5% premium. You can find reputable dealers selling these coins in major cities.
Some of the most widely circulated gold coins include the South African Krugerrand, the U.S. American Eagle, and the Canadian Maple Leaf. These coins are available from major banks, coin dealers, brokerage firms, and precious metal dealers.
Investors often prefer minted bullion coins because their prices are available in global financial publications. They're also available in various smaller sizes, making them a more convenient way to invest in gold.
If you're looking to buy gold coins, consider the following:
- American Gold Eagle
- Australian Gold Nugget
- Canadian Maple Leaf
- South African Krugerrand
Old, rare gold coins have a numismatic or "collector's" value above and beyond the underlying value of the gold. To invest strictly in gold, focus on widely circulated coins and leave the rare coins to collectors.
Gold Coins as an Investment
Gold coins are a popular way to invest in gold, and for good reason. They're widely recognized and can be easily bought and sold. Minted coins are minted by governments for investors, and their prices are based on their gold content, or "melt value", plus a 1%-5% premium.
You can buy gold coins from reputable dealers, who can be found with minimal searching and are located in many large cities. Some of the most widely circulated gold coins include the South African Krugerrand, the U.S. American Eagle, and the Canadian Maple Leaf.
Investing in gold coins can be a convenient way to diversify your portfolio, especially if you're new to investing. They're available in various sizes, including one ounce and less, making them a more manageable investment than larger gold bars.
Here are some widely circulated gold coins to consider:
- American Gold Eagle
- Australian Gold Nugget
- Canadian Maple Leaf
- South African Krugerrand
Keep in mind that old, rare gold coins have numismatic or "collector's" value above and beyond the underlying value of the gold. If you're looking to invest strictly in gold, focus on widely circulated coins.
Types of Gold Coins
There are several types of gold coins that investors can buy, but most stick with the most widely circulated and recognized coins. These include the American Gold Eagle, Australian Gold Nugget, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand.
These coins are minted by governments for investors and have a gold content, also known as their "melt value", that determines their price. The prices of these coins are based on their gold content plus a 1%-5% premium.
Minted bullion coins are available from major banks, coin dealers, brokerage firms, and precious metal dealers. You can also find reputable dealers with minimal searching and they are located in many large cities.
Some of the advantages of buying gold coins include that their prices are available in global financial publications and they are often minted in various smaller sizes, making them a more convenient way to invest in gold. Gold coins are also widely recognized and accepted by investors.
The following are some of the widely circulated gold coins that investors often buy:
- American Gold Eagle
- Australian Gold Nugget
- Canadian Maple Leaf
- South African Krugerrand
Sources
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/how-to-invest-in-gold
- https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/how-to-buy-gold
- https://www.bankrate.com/investing/ways-to-buy-sell-gold/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/basics/08/gold-strategies.asp
- https://www.wsj.com/buyside/personal-finance/financial-tips/how-to-buy-gold
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