With gold prices on the rise, buying physical gold bars is becoming an increasingly popular investment. But you might question, what is the best gold bar to buy? Finding a reputable and secure retailer to purchase from can be tricky. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best places to buy gold bars online or locally and provide tips on how to choose the right gold bar product for your investment portfolio.
The global gold bar and coin market was valued at over $53 billion in 2021. As geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns loom, demand for physical gold continues to climb. Buying gold bars allows you to hold tangible value in a physical asset.
Well-Known Online Retailers
Purchasing gold bars online from trusted retailers allows you to compare prices and products easily. Reputable online sellers ship discreetly packed and insured gold bars right to your doorstep.
APMEX
Founded in 2001, APMEX is one of the largest online precious metals retailers. They offer an extensive selection of gold bars from the major mints and manufacturers. All their gold products are guaranteed authentic and they have fast shipping times. APMEX is a great option for buying gold bars online.
JM Bullion
JM Bullion deals exclusively in physical precious metals. They have a large inventory of gold bars in various sizes from minted ingots to cast bars. Their website has detailed product descriptions, secure checkout and competitive pricing. Many customers recommend JM Bullion for buying gold bars online.
SD Bullion
SD Bullion is a trusted online dealer with low premiums on their gold bar selection. They offer free insured shipping on all orders and have an easy to use website. SD Bullion has an excellent customer service reputation in the gold industry.
What is the Best Gold Bar to Buy
When looking to buy gold bars, investing in reputable minted and manufactured bars is recommended. The major sovereign mints like the Royal Canadian Mint and Perth Mint produce gold bars with the highest quality. These minted bars will have lower bid/ask spreads when you go to resell your gold.
Local Coin and Bullion Shops
Visiting a local coin shop or bullion dealer allows you to see products in person before purchasing. Reputable local dealers can check authenticity and may offer private transactions.
Sample Local Coin Shop
Your local coin and bullion shop likely carries a variety of gold bar sizes from trusted mints and manufacturers. You can see the products in person and speak with knowledgeable staff. Choose a shop with strong reviews and a good reputation amongst local investors and collectors.
Things to Consider When Buying Gold Bars
Bar Sizes
Gold bars are produced in various weights, typically ranging from 1 gram up to 1 kilo or higher. Smaller gram-sized bars offer flexibility for investors while larger bars have lower premiums per ounce. Consider what size makes sense for your portfolio objectives.
Brand and Reputation
Focus on purchasing bars produced by sovereign government mints or top private mints like PAMP Suisse to ensure authenticity and quality. Avoid sellers offering gold bars with unfamiliar branding.
Certification
Some gold bars will come with an assay card verifying its gold purity content. Opt for bars with proper certification from reputable mints and manufacturers.
Premium Cost
Understand the premium or markup above the current spot gold price when buying gold bars. Compare premiums between dealers and products to get the best deal.
Storage and Security
You’ll need secure storage like a safe, safe deposit box, or specialized segregated or allocated gold storage accounts offered by some dealers.
Conclusion
Purchasing investment-grade gold bars from trusted online retailers or local dealers is a great way to add physical gold to your portfolio. Focus on reputable mints and manufacturers like PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, and Valcambi to avoid counterfeits. Understand gold bar sizes, premium cost, and proper storage. Buying gold bars through secure, insured channels can provide tangible asset diversification.