It’s already common knowledge that gold is one of the most precious metals out there. Even centuries ago, gold still found its way as the metal with the highest value in any treasury. That’s why you’ll see some people stocking up on jewelry nowadays. As long as they’re made of authentic metals and stones, appraisers everywhere will prove just how valuable they are.
However, as precious as gold is, it does take many forms, jewelry being one of them. But other than that, gold takes on the form of bars and coins. And despite how they both still retain high value, you’ll learn that this change in form can influence some elements of gold and affect its worth. Therefore, if you’re planning to invest in gold, you need to decide whether gold bars or coins are better for you.
Should You Invest In Gold Bars?
Gold bars are simply that: a block made of pure gold. They don’t have any date that indicates when they were made. The only thing you need to know that determines whether a gold bar’s authentic or fake is its stamps. With its stamps, you’ll see the manufacturer, registration number, purity, and so on. Since you only have these features to watch out for, it’s relatively easy to buy one.
Considering how gold doesn’t have any intricate details or particular designs, there’s no need to handle it like a piece of glass. Because of its size, it’ll be easy to build up your precious metal portfolio. After all, as mentioned earlier, gold bars don’t have a lot of features.
Unlike the details you can see on coins, gold bars were made with far less effort. So, if you’re wondering how much does a gold bar weigh, only a few gold coins could amount to an average gold bar since gold bars are much more valuable the heavier they are.
And it helps how they have four corners and flat surfaces, making it easier to stack for storage. However, despite gold bars having no elaborate features, that doesn’t mean you should be careless with them. As gold is still a valuable material, it’s highly recommended you store it somewhere far from the public eye. So, where else can you store it, except for a high-quality safe?
Although, as much value as its weight contains, gold bars don’t have that much liquidity. Given how this form of gold can only be afforded by larger investors, it’s only inevitable for it to circulate among them. Thus, if you’re planning on selling it to your peers for quick liquidity, you’re unlikely to get any since buyers still need to buy the entire gold bar.
What About Gold Coins?
Compared with a solid gold bar, gold coins are much smaller. But that doesn’t lower their value at all. If anything, their value is likely to increase the longer you own one. Considering how the government mints all coins with a face value stamped on them, making a habit of collecting them will be extremely beneficial for you in the long run.
This form of gold is highly recommended for those curious about investing in precious metals. Since gold coins come in a small size, you can invest at a smaller price compared to what you would for a gold bar. What’s more, gold coins boast price stability. Their price remains stable even during a global financial crisis. That’s why a lot of people tend to buy gold in times of crisis, thereby causing a soaring gold price.
Unlike gold bars, coins are inlaid by a pattern exclusive to their locality. Since the government mints them instead of private organizations, these coins are one way to express a country’s culture. For this reason, you can consider a gold coin as a valuable piece of history that coin collectors would die to have. However, gold coins are smaller pieces, so the volume you have to trade or sell is much more than gold bars.
But there’s no need to worry. Gold coin manufacturers are much more common, unlike legitimate manufacturers that are harder to look for in some countries. Hence, you won’t have a hard time scouring the internet to figure out whether an overseas manufacturer is legitimate.
Which Is Better?
Admittedly, both gold bars and coins are ideal for those interested in gold. However, if growing your own wealth is your main goal, investing in gold coins is much more appealing. Considering how pieces of history age like fine wine, the coins you’ll collect will hold greater value later on.
Furthermore, in view of how vast the golden coin market is compared with the ones that circulate golden bars, it’s safe to say you’re guaranteed opportunities to liquidate since there are many coin collectors across the world.