Buying physical gold is a popular choice for investors eager to diversify their portfolio and buy into an asset long been seen as valuable.
Gold also does well in times of economic uncertainty, making it attractive for buyers looking for a hedge against volatility or inflation of fiat currencies.
Even the virtual currency world has seen its introduction to the world of gold through cryptocurrencies backed by gold, like GoldCoin.com.
Buying physical gold coins or bars has been the most accessible and easy way for investors to add gold to their portfolios. Many investors wonder which online websites are the best option to buy physical gold safely and securely online.
Keep reading for a list of reputable online sellers of physical gold.
1. APMEX
APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) remains one of the most popular websites for investors and collectors looking to purchase physical gold. The site offers customers a wide array of choices, from new gold bars and coins to historical gold currency and foreign gold coins. Prices are often very competitive due to the massive volume of transactions APMEX carries out on a daily basis. The website also buys gold from customers.
2. Provident Metals
Provident Metals is another popular website dealing with gold coins, bars, and historical coins. Numismatic at Provident Metals are in good standing with the American and Texas Numismatic Association. The website made headlines for its Ron Paul 1/10 oz gold round that managed to sell for around $200 over spot at one point.
3. Golden State Mint
Purchasing from the Golden State Mint reassures buyers, since they are transacting directly with the manufacturer of gold bullion. The team inspects all bars, rounds, and coins before they are mailed out. The Mint offers a variety of products that meet IRS guidelines. All items offered for sale have not ever been in public circulation.
4. Scottsdale Mint
Formerly Scottsdale Silver, the website focuses on selling gold bullion, with an emphasis on artistic and collectible items. The company has become popular due to the creative minting process reflected in many products that have high collectible value.
5. Money Metals Exchange
Founded in 2010, Money Metals Exchange has become one of the top online bullion dealers in existence. Transactions are seamless, and the company offers a variety of gold coins and bars for buyers to choose from. Money Metals Exchange also gives customers a couple of unique options to invest in gold.
The first is through their monthly gold savings plan, where investors select a date to complete a bullion purchase each month. Money Metals then automatically delivers the bullion, or customers can store their gold in the Money Metals Depository.
Participating in the monthly program opens up lower premiums on bullion. Money Metals also offers a number of beginner investment packs, some of which combine gold and silver, to make first-time gold purchases easy.
6. GoldCoin
GoldCoin products (gold bars, coins, and rounds) are all at least 99.5% pure (99.9% with bars) and are sold at competitive market values based on the spot price of the precious metal. Collectors will enjoy GoldCoin’s offering of beautiful gold rounds, where designers have full artistic freedom during the manufacturing process.
How Can Customers Get the Best Prices on Physical Bullion?
People interested in buying gold for investment purposes are often interested in buying as close to spot as possible. To do so, investors should not purchase proof coins since they usually come with an inflated premium.
It is also wise to stay away from fractional gold bullion. Buyers will pay higher markups for bullion that is in a half-ounce or quarter-ounce denomination.
Buyers looking for more liquid physical gold should choose to buy gold coins, like gold American Eagles. These coins are easily able to be recognized and are easier to trade than gold bars. Transaction costs for bars are usually higher than for gold coins.
Alternatively, investors looking to invest in large amounts of physical gold should choose bars. Bullion bars in large amounts will result in lower premiums.
Buying Physical Gold Online
There are several reputable websites to purchase physical gold. Industry-leading companies will offer customers a wide range of gold options, accept multiple payment methods, and securely pack and ship bullion orders.
Customers should do their due diligence and understand the different premiums certain bars and coins have to ensure optimal investment.