Gold Bullion

An alternative to Gold Coins for investment is Bullion.
Bullion is a term for Gold coins ingots or other forms of gold that are intended to be traded for commercial purposes or investment.
(Gold also has industrial uses)

Bullion dealers exist to buy and sell gold internationally.

To buy or sell from a gold dealer you will need to open an account and the company will arrange this.

If you are buying or selling large quantities of Gold you will have to satisfy the Bullion dealer that you are not laundering money by buying and selling gold.

 The Government of one European country printed and distributed through its Banks and Post Offices a warning brochure listing all the ways that were illegal for transferring money around the world.
Gold of course was one of them. The brochure was being used as a money laundering manual .

Gold smuggling is a serious problem to Governments as most Countries rely on Gold supplies to keep their currency stable.
Please be aware that it is a serious criminal offence to trade gold between or into some countries - notably India.

Gold ingots are available in various sizes by weight.
In some countries it is in Metric sizes and in others in Ounces and Pounds.

Gold usually trades in inverse proportion to the US Dollar.
Many investors use Gold as a hedge against depreciation of their funds. That way if the value of the US Dollar falls,the value of the Gold portfolio rises and the investor is partially protected.

Popular Coins for Investors are  South African Krugerrands,British Sovereigns,Canadian Maple Leafs,
Chinese Pandas and US Eagles. Eagles are avaailable in different sizes by nominal value.
(Although Eagles are known by face value ($10,$20 etc) the gold content is far in excess of that value.)

Please note that Chinese Gold and  Silver Pandas are being faked so please be careful if you buy directly from China.
 
Gold certificates are also bought and sold.

Bullion coins and Ingots are available in Gold Platinum or silver.
There is a difference in buying and selling prices which is the bullion dealers profit and expenses.

How do you sell Gold Coins ?
Single items are best sold through eBay.
Larger quantity of bullion coins can be sold to a bullion dealer

If you are selling through ebay then insist on either Paypal or paymet by Bank transfer. Your Bank will advise you of the best way to protect yourself.
Fraudsters do use stolen cheques or Bank Drafts.

Money transfer companies should be treated with caution.

Please see eBays advice on money transfers.

Collectors Gold coins are also valuable and can be professionally graded for condition.There are profesional grading services who will grade coins and then seal them into a tamper-proof container.
If you are buying a valuable coins it would preferably have already been graded.

The smaller investor has a problem. Usually many Bullion Dealers only service the larger clients. He or she has to rely on coin dealers or  the Internet to buy or sell bullion or collectors coins.

This site offers Gold Bullion and Coins for that purpose

If you purchase Gold from Vendors in auctions or buy it now sales you are covered by PAYPAL if you use
their services up to $ 500 per transaction. It is a wise thing to do.

What do you do with bullion when you have purchased it ?
That depends on why you are holding it.
Some collectors keep some at home in safes or secure hiding places.This is common in France.It is also the best way to keep money in times of war.
Banks or other Safe Deposit Services are the most secure place to keep valuables but you must satisfy yourself that your valuables are not only secure but also insured against loss or theft. Some private Safety Deposits set limits on valuables and you should be aware of this before you accept their services

Butch Cassidy replied when asked why he robbed Banks .He replied - That is where they keep the money

This article is not intended to be used for financial advice. It is for information only.
You should always seek professional advice on investing money.