A Step-by-Step Guide on How Do You Buy Physical Gold

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Person Holding Gold and Silver Round Coins
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Buying physical gold can seem daunting, but it's actually a straightforward process. You can buy physical gold from a variety of sources, including mints, dealers, and online retailers.

First, you need to decide what type of gold you want to buy. The most common types of gold are gold coins, gold bars, and gold rounds. Gold coins are made by governments and are often considered a more secure investment.

To buy physical gold, you'll typically need to provide some personal and financial information. This is usually a one-time process, and you'll be required to fill out a form with your name, address, and social security number.

Before making a purchase, it's essential to research the seller and understand their reputation. Look for sellers that are members of professional organizations, such as the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA).

Types of Gold Investments

If you're looking to buy physical gold, you'll want to consider your options carefully. There are several types of gold investments to choose from.

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You can buy gold bullion, which is the physical metal in the form of bars or coins, valued based on their weight and the current market price of gold. Buying gold bullion is a popular choice for investors.

Investing in gold bullion requires some research to determine the best type of gold to buy. You'll want to consider timing and buy when the price is low for more profit potential.

Buying gold bullion coins like Britanniass and Sovereigns is a good option, as they are in high demand and have a healthy secondary market, making it easier to sell them for a profit. These coins can be purchased at a lower price than proof coins in presentation boxes.

Gold certificates are another option, allowing you to own gold without storing the physical metal. These certificates can be bought and sold like stocks and represent a certain amount of gold.

Purchasing and Receiving

You can choose to receive your physical gold directly at your address or use a secure storage facility. If you opt for delivery, the company will send your coins or bars using fast and discreet methods.

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The delivery process is secure, and you'll receive a review request to share your thoughts on the experience. As a thank you for your feedback, you'll receive a discount code for future purchases.

If you prefer to use a secure storage facility, you'll receive storage documentation proving your ownership and detailing the insured segregated storage at an accredited vault.

Receive Metals to Door

Receiving your metals at your doorstep can be a convenient option. You can opt for fast, secure, and discreet delivery, which is available for those who have chosen to take delivery of their metals at their address.

The delivery process is straightforward, and you can expect to receive your coins or bars without any hassle. You'll even get a review request from the company, and if you're satisfied with your purchase, you'll receive a discount code for future purchases.

If you've chosen to use their secure storage facility, you'll receive storage documentation proving your legal ownership and detailing your gold's insured segregated storage at their accredited vault. This option is a great way to keep your investment safe and secure.

You can learn more about their secure storage option by clicking on the link provided.

5 Ways to Sell

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.

Selling gold can be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to investing. Investors perceive gold as a store of value, so it's essential to consider this when deciding how to sell.

You can sell gold through a traditional exchange, such as a stock exchange or a commodities exchange. However, this method comes with risks, including price fluctuations and market volatility.

Some investors prefer to sell gold through online marketplaces, which can be a more convenient option. But be aware that these platforms often charge fees, which can eat into your profits.

Selling gold to a dealer or a jeweler is another option, but you'll likely get a lower price than if you sold it through a traditional exchange. Gold's perceived value as a hedge against inflation can also impact its price.

Ultimately, the best way to sell gold depends on your personal circumstances and investment goals.

Where to Buy Gold

You can buy physical gold from various sources, including online dealers, local dealers, and even pawn shops. One of the most popular online dealers is APMEX, which offers a wide selection of gold bullion products.

Credit: youtube.com, Ultimate Guide to Buying Physical Gold

To ensure you're getting a fair deal, it's essential to note the gold's spot price, which is the current market price per ounce. You may also want to consider buying gold bars instead of coins, as they tend to be priced based on their gold content alone.

If you're looking for a more hands-on experience, you can visit a local dealer or collector, who may also offer a selection of gold coins and bars. Alternatively, you can try a pawn shop, which may also sell gold bullion products.

If you're in the UK, you can also buy silver and gold from well-known UK coins, such as the gold Sovereign or the gold Britannia, which are Capital Gains Tax-free. These coins can be sourced through online precious metals dealers, at auction, or from areas specialising in precious metals.

Here are some reputable dealers to consider:

  • APMEX
  • JM Bullion
  • TD Canada Trust (in Canada)
  • Canadian Mint (in Canada)

Remember to research and select a reputable dealer that meets your needs and provides the necessary security and insurance for your gold holdings.

Online Purchasing

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Buying gold online can be a convenient and secure way to purchase physical gold. You can buy gold bullion from online dealers such as APMEX or JM Bullion, or even a local dealer or collector.

To ensure a fair deal, note the spot price of gold as you're buying, which is the price per ounce right now in the market. This will help you make an informed decision.

If you're new to buying gold online, it's a good idea to talk to an experienced gold broker who can offer guidance on which gold will best suit your objectives. They can help you navigate the process and ensure you get the best deal.

If you want to buy gold online, you can place an order with the dealer and make a payment with either a card or bank transfer. Some online dealers also offer the option to store your gold in vaults, which can provide an added layer of security.

Here are some online dealers to consider:

  • APMEX
  • JM Bullion
  • TD Precious Metals

When verifying the authenticity of your gold bullion, you can perform some standard tests such as checking the thickness, diameter, and weight against the published specifications, or checking the unique engravings on your gold coin or bar.

Spdr Shares

Credit: youtube.com, Why The Picking Interest In SPDR Gold Shares?

The SPDR Gold Shares ETF, also known as GLD, is a popular option for investing in gold. It was launched on Nov. 18, 2004, and has an expense ratio of 0.40%.

GLD is designed to track the spot price of gold bullion, and it holds 100% physical gold assets in HSBC's vault in London. This means you can rest assured that your investment is backed by actual gold.

As of mid-2024, GLD has a massive total net asset value of more than $64 billion, making it one of the largest gold ETFs on the market.

UK

Buying gold in the UK is a relatively straightforward process, especially with the help of reputable online dealers. You can purchase gold online through their portals with insured delivery as soon as the next day.

Some UK gold dealers have years of experience and can offer valuable guidance on how to buy gold. They also have a basic set of do's and don'ts that you should stick to, so you avoid buying the wrong type of gold at the wrong price.

Credit: youtube.com, What is the BEST Gold to buy? (UK EDITION)

If you're looking to buy gold as an investment, consider sticking to well-known UK coins like the gold Sovereign or the gold Britannia. These coins have the advantage of being Capital Gains Tax-free and offer flexibility to sell small parts of your holding.

You can source these coins through online precious metals dealers, at auction, or from areas specialising in precious metals. Hatton Garden in London features dozens of shops that sell gold and silver bars and silver coins, although the choice of coins may be limited.

The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham offers similar services, making it a great place to explore if you're looking to buy physical gold.

Canadian Banks

Buying gold bullion from a Canadian bank can be a convenient and secure option. You can purchase gold bullion products from TD Canada Trust, a trusted financial institution with over 1000 branches across Canada.

TD Canada Trust is a proud member of the Royal Canadian Mint's BULLION DNA Dealer program, which offers access to anti-counterfeiting technology. This provides peace of mind when buying physical gold.

Credit: youtube.com, Buying Gold in Canada (and Elsewhere) Explained in One Minute

You can place an order online, at a local branch, or purchase immediately at one of the 12 TD foreign exchange centres across Canada. This flexibility makes it easy to buy gold bullion from TD.

If you're worried about having your gold bullion delivered to your front door, you can pick it up from your local branch. This option is available for added convenience.

TD also offers a gold bullion storage option to store your bullion investments in a secure vault. This can provide an extra layer of security for your investments.

Here are some benefits of buying gold bullion from TD:

  • You will have peace of mind that you are buying from a regulated and respected major financial institution.
  • You won’t have to worry about verifying the authenticity of physical gold held by small 3rd party dealers.
  • You can place an order online, at a local branch or purchase immediately at one of the 12 TD foreign exchange centres across Canada.
  • If you feel uncomfortable having your gold bullion delivered to your front door, you can pick it up from your local branch.
  • Selling your gold bullion products back to TD Bank is an easy process using the same receipt you received when you purchased the products.
  • TD has a strong IT infrastructure to ensure your personal information is safe and highly secure.
  • You can also purchase gold bullion products using your existing TD account.

How to Silver

When buying silver, you shouldn't assume you need to buy it from the same place as your gold. Some specialist precious metals dealers offer better prices and options for one metal than another.

It's a good idea to find a dealer who can offer advice on which silver to buy, just like you would for gold. Try to find a dealer who has a track record and offers a buyback guarantee.

You can place your order to buy silver online or over the phone and make payment.

Storing and Protecting

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You may be wondering where to store your gold bullion investment. The options include home storage, bank safe deposit boxes, and professional storage facilities.

Home storage is convenient and offers immediate access to your gold, but it comes with risks like potential theft or damage, which can be mitigated by investing in a sophisticated home security system.

For enhanced security, bank safe deposit boxes are a reliable choice, but they have limitations in accessibility and varying costs depending on the size of the box and the bank's terms.

Professional storage facilities, or vaults, provide the highest level of security, often featuring 24/7 monitoring, armed security, and robust insurance policies.

Here are the key differences between storage options:

Regardless of where you choose to store your gold, implementing effective security measures is essential. Consider installing a modern security system that includes cameras, motion detectors, and alarms for home storage.

Understanding Gold

Gold is a physical commodity that can be purchased in various forms, including bars, coins, and rounds.

To be considered investment-grade, gold bullion must have a minimum purity of 99.5%.

The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold being the purest form.

The popular 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf Coin (2023) has a high purity level of 99.99%.

What Is Bullion?

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

Gold bullion is physical high-purity gold minted into bars, coins or rounds. It's a tangible investment that you can hold in your hands.

To be considered investment-grade, gold bullion should have a minimum purity of 99.5%. Some examples of high-purity gold bullion include the 1 oz TD Gold Bar, which contains 99.99% pure gold.

The 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf Coin (2023) is another example of high-purity gold bullion, with the same purity level of 99.99%.

Investing in gold bullion can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially make some profit.

Purity and Pricing

Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold being the purest form. This means that 24 karat gold is 99.99% pure, as seen in the 1 oz. TD Gold Bar.

The price of gold items depends on their purity, weight, and the current market price, known as the spot price. You usually pay a bit more than the spot price when you buy gold, which includes fees and markups from dealers.

Credit: youtube.com, 24K, 18K, 14K... What does K mean?

To be considered investment grade, gold bullion products must contain a minimum of 99.5% pure gold. This is a crucial factor to consider when investing in gold.

Fine gold of such high purity is also denoted as 24 karats, and it's essential to know these details to make informed purchases and avoid overpaying.

Joan Corwin

Lead Writer

Joan Corwin is a seasoned writer with a passion for covering the intricacies of finance and entrepreneurship. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of business journalism. Her articles have been featured in various publications, providing insightful analysis on topics such as angel investing, equity securities, and corporate finance.

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