Are You Buying Gold Bullion As Hobby Or Investment?

By Author: Gary Ledger
Total Articles: 15
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The shine of gold is enigmatic and can lure just anybody into buying gold bullion. The US government mints some artistically carved gold coins that can adorn your safe deposit better than the dollar.



Popular US Gold Coins



One of the most popular gold coins among investors is the American Eagle gold. Next are the Maple leafs, Pandas, and more. The classic US gold like Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles is an excellent choice. It trades at bullion value, along with around 8-10 percent for most grades and dates.



One of the noteworthy characteristics of these gold coins is that the metal in them always remains at bullion value. So, if you’re confused between the choice of gold coins and gold bars, choose coins.



Generic Coins v/s Rare Coins



When buying gold bullion, you might come across coins marked either with the Proof or the Mint versions. Both possess same bullion purity and are good investment materials. Both are limited editions, yet both of these exude higher ...
... quality standards.



Should you buy them?



If you’re buying gold more as a hobby than as an investment, the answer is “yes.” These are rare coins and may be harder to sell. But they may add to your coin collection and give you the sense of pride that comes from owning something vintage.



If you’re interested in buying gold bullion purely as an investor, avoid rare coins. Choose generic gold coins like the US Gold Eagle, the Chinese Panda, the Canadian Maple Leaf, and others. These coins, which are issued by government mints, come with premium mark-ups.



The South African Krugerrand generally comes with a lower premium. The bars and ingots issued by some accredited private refineries or European banks have the lowest premiums. The Silver Towne and Engelhard of the US also come under this category. You must buy these only if you intend to buy gold simply to store bullion.



The Ambitious Coin Collector



If the designs and feel of the coins give you the ultimate satisfaction of completing your set of collections, you’re certainly a hard-core coin collector. You must have those rare and beautiful coins in your collection rather than buying gold bullion. Who knows? They might give you incredible profit in case you find another as ambitious a coin collector as you. He may buy the coin at an exorbitant price to complete his collection.

Even if the coin fails to give you a lucrative return and show a decreased value, you may still not feel despondent. Coin collectors usually don’t. Their interest lies in enhancing their collection and admiring the beauty of the carved metal - profit or no profit. For them, owning the rare coin is priceless.

The Ambitious Investor

If you keep track of the “highs” and “lows” in the gold market and want gold only to make money or save for that rainy day, you’re a hard-core investor. Buying gold bullion is the right choice for you. Thanks to reputable websites buying gold, you can easily sell your gold when the price is high and make a profit. Your gold can even save you in times of money crisis.