How Do I Buy Gold Bullion as a Beginner

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Detailed view of gold bullion bars placed on European currency euro banknotes, symbolizing wealth and investment.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of gold bullion bars placed on European currency euro banknotes, symbolizing wealth and investment.

Buying gold bullion as a beginner can be a daunting task, but it's easier than you think. You can start by setting a budget, which is crucial to determine how much gold you can afford to buy.

Gold bullion comes in various forms, such as coins, bars, and rounds, each with its own unique characteristics and pricing. You can choose from popular coins like the American Gold Eagle or the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Gold Bullion as an Investment

Buying Gold Bullion

Buying gold bullion is a relatively simple process, especially with licensed retailers online. You can browse gold bar products on reputable retail websites such as the American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX), JM Bullion, and Wholesale Coins Direct.

To purchase gold bullion, you can choose gold by weight, quantity, and price, making it easy to find the right fit for your investment.

Receiving your gold bullion may require storing it safely to prevent scratches, so it's a good idea to keep it in its original packaging and store it in a home safe or safety deposit box.

Buying

Credit: youtube.com, Buying Gold Bars - Everything You Must Know (Beginner's Guide)

Buying gold bullion can be a straightforward process. One common way to purchase gold bars is through licensed retailers online, such as APMEX, JM Bullion, and Wholesale Coins Direct.

You can choose gold by weight, quantity, and price on these websites. Buying gold bars online may require more research to find reputable dealers.

Online gold retailers can provide lower prices due to their higher volumes. However, you'll need to be cautious and aware of potential scams.

Some online retailers offer discounts for purchasing larger quantities or using specific payment methods, like credit cards or wire transfers. Be sure to choose the most cost-effective option for you.

If you're looking to buy gold bars in person, you can find gold-to-go ATMs in cities like Las Vegas and Dubai. However, be aware that these ATMs often sell gold at inflated prices compared to other retailers.

Online Shopping Benefits

Buying gold online comes with several distinct advantages that many purchasers appreciate.

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Understanding Gold Bullion

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Gold bullion is a physical form of gold, typically made from 22-karat or 24-karat gold.

Gold bullion can be purchased in various forms, including bars, coins, and rounds.

To ensure authenticity, look for hallmarks or stamps from reputable mints or refineries, such as the Royal Canadian Mint or the Perth Mint.

Purity

Investment-quality gold bars should be at least 99.5% pure gold.

The rest of the bar is usually an alloy of silver or copper that makes smelting possible.

Popular mints that produce gold bars include the Royal Canadian Mint, Perth Mint, and Valcambi.

To ensure you're buying the right gold bar, look for the manufacturer's name, weight, and purity, usually expressed as 99.99% stamped on its face.

The ease with which you can liquidate the bars is also an important consideration when buying gold bullion.

A fresh viewpoint: How to Buy Gold Bars in Us

Difference Between Coins and Bars

Gold coins and bars are two popular forms of physical gold investments, but they have some key differences.

Credit: youtube.com, "What is Bullion? A Comprehensive Guide to Precious Metal Bars and Coins"

Gold coins can be more expensive due to their numismatic worth, which is their value as collectibles.

Investors who want to track the gold price may prefer gold coins, but they can skew an investor's portfolio value.

The U.S. Mint's American gold Eagle coin, for example, contains 91.67% gold, but its collector's value makes it more costly than plain gold bullion bars.

Common Physical Assets

Gold bullion is a tangible item you can hold in your hand, and it's a popular choice for investors. The two most common forms of physical gold are bars and coins.

Bars are a straightforward option, often purchased from reputable gold distributors like U.S. Money Reserve. They usually have a purity of 99.5% to 99.9%.

Coins, on the other hand, are often official legal tender and can be held by central banks in their reserves. Gold bullion coins are recognized as pure, with a purity of 99.5% to 99.9%.

If you're selecting physical gold for inclusion in an IRA, it must be considered bullion. Bullion products have a purity of 99.5% to 99.9%.

You can purchase bullion gold from reputable gold distributors, making it easy to hold it in your own reserves.

Choosing a Seller

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It's essential to review websites like the Better Business Bureau and Ripoff Report to learn about a gold seller's reputation. This will help you avoid potential scams and make an informed decision.

Buyers in the U.S. should also do their due diligence before buying gold from sellers abroad, as excessive charges and customs issues may arise.

To ensure you're buying from a reputable seller, look for those who disclose all fees upfront, as this is a sign of transparency and honesty.

Here are some characteristics of a reputable gold distributor:

  • Sell certified products
  • Sell products graded by third parties
  • Insure shipments
  • Have a physical address and active phone number
  • Provide information on their credentials
  • Be affiliated with industry organizations
  • Offer only secure payment methods
  • Have a responsive customer service team
  • Receive positive reviews online
  • Get good ratings in trade journals
  • Have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Online

Online shopping for gold bullion can be a great way to save money, but it requires more research to find a reputable dealer. Be cautious of online retailers with no reputation or poor reviews.

Online stores often offer discounts for buying larger quantities, so consider purchasing more gold than you need if you can afford it. Some retailers also give discounts for specific payment methods, such as credit cards or wire transfers.

Gold and Silver Round Coins and Bullions
Credit: pexels.com, Gold and Silver Round Coins and Bullions

When shopping on eBay or similar auction sites, make sure to review the seller's feedback carefully. Look out for red flags like documented negative feedback on authenticity, excessive shipping and handling fees, or failure to deliver.

To ensure you're getting a fair deal, always check the spot price of gold before making a purchase. Gold-to-go ATMs, which are available in some cities, often sell gold at inflated prices compared to other retailers.

Here are some key things to consider when shopping online:

  • Look for retailers with a solid reputation and transparent pricing.
  • Check for discounts on larger quantities or specific payment methods.
  • Review the seller's feedback on auction sites like eBay.

Comparing Sellers

Buying gold from a reputable dealer is crucial to avoid counterfeits and overpricing. A reputable dealer will disclose all the fees required to close a transaction upfront.

To compare gold bar sellers, you should be aware of gold's spot price, which can be found on finance websites that display stock tickers. This will help you understand the market price and make a more informed decision.

When browsing the bullion market, prices vary significantly as sellers include their desired profit margin plus additional costs such as authentication certificates, shipping and handling, and payment processing fees. A price comparison, including the different sellers' charges, is critical to getting the best price on gold bars.

A fresh viewpoint: Will Banks Buy Gold

Close-up of a gold bar resting on vibrant red velvet, symbolizing wealth and luxury.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a gold bar resting on vibrant red velvet, symbolizing wealth and luxury.

Online gold retailers can provide lower prices due to their higher volumes, but it requires more research to find reputable dealers. Always research the seller's reputation and reviews before making a purchase.

Here's a summary of the key differences between buying from a dealer and buying online:

By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the best seller for your gold investment needs.

Size

Buying gold in smaller, more manageable sizes can make it easier to sell down the road. This is because investors can sell smaller bars one at a time, rather than trying to find a buyer for a larger bar.

For example, if an investor has $14,000 to purchase gold bullion, it's often easier to buy 10 one-ounce bars rather than one 10-ounce bar. This way, they can sell the smaller bars individually if needed.

Investors sometimes save up to buy bars of a more substantial size, but it's worth considering the potential difficulty of selling a larger bar quickly.

Gold jewelry, on the other hand, tends to be sold at a significant price markup due to craftsmanship and retailer costs, making it less appealing as an investment option.

A fresh viewpoint: Gold Stock Buy or Sell

Ways to Sell

Close-up of gold bars on Thai baht banknotes, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of gold bars on Thai baht banknotes, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

If you're looking to sell your bullion, you can do so through The Perth Mint Depository.

You can store your metal in The Perth Mint Depository, which allows you to trade bullion.

The Perth Mint Depository offers a secure and convenient way to store and trade your precious metals.

You can also consider selling your bullion online through The Perth Mint.

The Perth Mint is an internationally respected precious metals specialist, recognised for offering gold, silver and platinum bullion manufactured to the highest standards.

You can rest assured that your bullion will be handled with care and expertise when sold through The Perth Mint.

Coins in Michigan

If you're looking to buy gold bullion coins in Michigan, consider a seller that offers a simple and easy buying process. They will inform you of the items they have in stock along with the current spot prices.

Their daily prices are available by contacting them directly. They also offer a variety of precious metals to invest in.

Explore further: Gold Bullion Prices Today

The Purchase Process

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Buying gold bullion online is a convenient process that can be done from the comfort of your own home. You can browse gold bullion products at reputable online retailers, filtering by weight, quantity, or price.

Customers who purchase larger quantities of online gold are often offered discounts, so it's a good idea to buy in bulk if you can. Some retailers offer discounts for credit card users, while others offer wire transfer discounts - choose the most cost-effective option for you.

You can also place bids on eBay for gold bullion, but be sure to read the seller's feedback before making a purchase.

The Process

Buying gold online is a convenient and secure process, allowing you to browse gold bullion products at your leisure.

You can filter the gold bullion you want to purchase by weight, quantity, or price, making it easy to find the perfect piece.

Customers who purchase larger quantities of online gold are often offered discounts, which can be a great way to save money.

A beautifully detailed gold bar resting on luxurious red velvet, symbolizing wealth and elegance.
Credit: pexels.com, A beautifully detailed gold bar resting on luxurious red velvet, symbolizing wealth and elegance.

Some retailers offer discounts for customers who use a credit card, while others offer wire transfer discounts, so be sure to choose the most cost-effective option for you.

It's essential to read the seller's feedback before you buy gold online, especially if you're considering purchasing from a third-party seller.

Avoid sellers with negative feedback about authenticity, shipping fees, and delivery failures, as this can be a red flag.

You can also place bids on eBay for gold bullion, but be sure to read the seller's feedback carefully before making a purchase.

If you want to purchase gold bars in person, you can use Gold-to-Go ATMs in Las Vegas or Dubai, but be aware that they may sell gold at a higher price than most retailers.

Keep in mind that it's essential to pay attention to the spot price for gold, as ATMs may not always offer the best deal.

Expand your knowledge: Buying Gold Price

What's the Cost?

The price of gold bars can fluctuate based on demand, so it's essential to check the current market rate. As of June 17, 2023, the price of gold bars was $1,961 per ounce.

You'll need to factor in this cost when determining how many gold bars you can afford.

The price of gold bars can change daily, so it's crucial to stay up-to-date on the current market rate.

Purchase in Varying Sizes

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If gold sells for $1,400 an ounce, it's easier to sell gold bullion if you buy smaller bars, like ten 1-ounce bars, rather than one large 10-ounce bar.

You can sell the 1-ounce bars individually if needed, making it a more liquid asset.

Gold bars come in various sizes, including 1-ounce and 10-ounce bars, and sometimes even gram gold bars.

Investors sometimes save money to purchase larger bars than one-gram gold bars because of their smaller size.

Buying physical gold in the form of jewelry is possible, but it's not a strong method of investing in gold due to the significant price markup.

Gold jewelry tends to be sold at a higher price than gold bars or coins because of craftsmanship and retailer costs.

Intriguing read: How Do I Sell Krugerrands

Investment Considerations

As you consider investing in gold bullion, it's essential to understand the investment considerations. Silver tends to be more volatile than gold.

Gold, on the other hand, has a better track record as an anti-inflation hedge, making it a more stable investment option. This means it can help protect your wealth during times of economic uncertainty.

The price of gold is often less closely linked to commercial activity, making it a more reliable choice for investors.

Is a Better Investment Than Silver?

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Gold tends to be more stable than silver, which is a key consideration for investors. This stability makes gold a better option for those seeking a long-term store of value.

Silver's price is more closely linked to commercial activity, which can make it more volatile than gold. This volatility can be a challenge for investors who are sensitive to market fluctuations.

Gold has a better track record as an anti-inflation hedge, which is an important consideration for investors who are concerned about rising prices.

How to Invest

Investing in gold bullion can be a smart move, but it's essential to choose the right option for your needs. If you want to store your gold at home, buying from a dealer is the way to go.

You can also consider opening a gold IRA for retirement savings and a tax break. This option is perfect for those who want to save for the future and benefit from tax advantages.

Credit: youtube.com, Primary Investment Considerations (or First Principles)

If you're not interested in physically storing gold, purchasing gold ETFs is a great alternative. This option allows you to invest in gold without the hassle of storing it.

Here are the three most accessible options for investing in gold bullion, summarized in a table:

Safety and Security

The Perth Mint Depository offers a number of options to let you buy and store precious metals in their secure vaults. This means your gold bullion is safely stored in a secure location, giving you peace of mind.

The Perth Mint Depository offers secure storage for your bullion, giving you confidence in the safety of your investment.

Payment & Shipping

Payment options and shipping methods are crucial when buying gold online. Look for secure payment methods like bank transfers, credit, and debit cards. Some online retailers even offer manual verification of online purchases through a verification system.

U.S. Money Reserve staff manually review all online purchases, and orders may be confirmed by telephone before being processed. This adds an extra layer of protection against potential scams.

Reputable online distributors use insured shipping methods to cover any mishaps during transit. This gives you peace of mind knowing your gold is protected.

Avoid Rip-Offs

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Buying gold bars can be a great investment, but it's essential to avoid rip-offs. Check websites like the Better Business Bureau or Ripoff Report to learn more about a seller's reputation.

Reputable gold sellers should disclose upfront all fees involved in a transaction. This way, you're not caught off guard with surprise charges.

Buyers from the U.S. should research before purchasing gold from sellers overseas. Clearing gold customs can be a hassle, especially if you've bought a large quantity.

Online gold retailers can provide lower prices due to their higher volumes, but it requires more research to find reputable dealers. Be cautious and do your due diligence to avoid scams.

Reviewing the seller's feedback is crucial when shopping for gold on auction websites like eBay. Look out for sellers with documented negative feedback on authenticity, exorbitant shipping and handling fees, and failure to deliver.

Gold-to-go ATMs can be a convenient way to buy gold bars, but be aware that they often sell the precious metal at inflated prices. Make sure you're getting a fair deal.

Secure Storage

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The Perth Mint Depository offers a number of options to let you buy and store precious metals in our secure vaults. You can store your bullion with them, which means your precious metals are kept safe and secure.

The Perth Mint Depository provides secure storage for your bullion, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to buy and sell precious metals as you see fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy gold bullion at my bank?

Yes, some banks in the U.S. sell gold bullion, offering a regulated option for investors. However, their selection may be limited compared to online retailers.

Does the IRS know when you buy gold?

The IRS requires precious metals dealers to report transactions when a consumer buys goods worth $10,000 or more in cash. Additionally, dealers must report sales of specific bullion or coins in certain quantities.

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

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