Buying and Investing in Gold Bullion and Coins

Gold has been used for centuries as a way to preserve purchasing power and as a way to buy goods and services. More recently, investors have bought gold bullion and coins to diversify retirement portfolios and hard-asset holdings.

Because gold has fewer industrial uses than several other precious metals, its price is often driven by supply and demand, investor sentiment, monetary policy, and broader economic conditions.

Investors who buy physical gold can choose bullion bars, bullion coins, or a mix of both. Bars can be efficient for larger allocations, while coins may be easier to recognize, divide, and resell.

Physical ownership also requires practical decisions about delivery, insurance, and storage. Those decisions should be made before a purchase so the investment fits the buyer's risk tolerance and long-term plan.