Why Buy Gold?

Gold is one of the most well-known and frequently used assets in world history. It has been a store of value since at least 1500 B.C. when Egypt took advantage of the Gold-bearing regions of Nubia to solidify it as the standard. The first pure Gold coins were struck in Lydia in 560 B.C., setting a precedent for years of money to come.

Today, Gold is no longer used in day-to-day commerce anymore. From the time those first Lydian coins were struck through the early part of the 20th century, Gold coins were circulated worldwide. Since that time, though, paper currency and base metal coins have taken over.

What has not changed is that Gold is still a reliable store of value.

Gold as a Hedge and Store of Value

People buy Gold today because of its proven stability. While the dollar has lost much of its purchasing power because of inflation’s impact over the past century, Gold’s value has stayed relatively consistent. That is what makes Gold the asset of choice for people who want to safeguard their money against economic shocks.

Popular Gold Coins

Buying Gold coins that are portable and investment-quality has been the asset of choice for many investors since the advent of the South African Krugerrand in 1967. The value of Gold is known worldwide and was, for a period, the currency used in international commerce.

The Krugerrand depicted a springbok antelope and South Africa’s first and only president—Paul Kruger—and was the earliest, and still one of the most common, Gold coins. Some other Gold coins beloved by collectors and investors alike are the Gold American Eagle, the Gold Canadian Maple, the Gold Chinese Panda and the Gold Austrian Philharmonic. Some prefer to buy Gold not only for its value but for its collectibility, as well.

The Gold American Eagle has been the most popular Gold bullion coin in the United States ever since the U.S. Mint first debuted it in 1986. For the first time since its release, the U.S. Mint will come out with a new Type 2 design in 2022 that features Lady Liberty holding a torch in one hand and a branch in the other with “Liberty” and 2022 to mark the year. The reverse shows an eagle landing in a nest with its family while it carries a branch, with “1 oz. Fine Gold ~ 50 Dollars” inscribed under “The United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” and “In God We Trust.” American Eagles are a great coin to start with for those looking to buy Gold.

The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf displays one of Canada’s most iconic symbols: the maple leaf. First released in 1979, the Gold Maple Leaf’s annual release has always remained hotly anticipated by investors and collectors. A unique way to verify authenticity is to examine the Maple Leaf to see if it diffracts light. The Royal Canadian Mint engraved a radial line background to add another dimension of brilliance to the coin and as another way to authenticate it. The obverse depicts the profile of Queen Elizabeth II, along with the year and face value, while the reverse shows an enlarged maple leaf with weight and purity. For those who want to buy Gold, this is a classic option to choose.

As a theme with most of these precious coins, the Gold Chinese Panda depicts one of China’s most recognizable mascots: the panda, or giant panda. These coins are perfect for both animal lovers and those who want to buy Gold because the reverse depicts a panda mother and cub playing together in a tree. In comparison, the obverse features Beijing’s Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests in the Temple of Heaven, with “The People’s Republic of China” in Chinese encircling the scene and ending with the year of issue.

The Gold Austrian Philharmonic was first minted in 1989 to celebrate the Vienna Philharmonic, a world-renowned orchestra. Coming in various sizes and values, the Austrian Philharmonic is an excellent coin for those who are new or experienced at buying Gold. The obverse displays The Great Organ in the Golden Hall, found in Vienna’s concert hall, the Musikverein, as well as the year, weight and face value. In contrast, the reverse features instruments, including the cello, violin, harp, Vienna horn and bassoon.

Bullion coins are distinguished from regular coins in that they may have a face value, but if they do, it is nominal, and no one would use it — the Precious Metal value is far higher. All of these coins will have their fineness and the amount of fine Gold-stamped somewhere.

The appeal for many investors is the universal recognition of the design. Gold coins backed by governments are still checked for fineness by buyers to avoid counterfeits, but they are more widely recognized and traded than bars.

Other Forms to Buy Gold In

Gold bars are the other regularly traded form of Gold. These are usually cast and stamped by a private issuing authority and come in many different sizes. The London Good Delivery bar may be the standard for major investors, but it is well out of the average investor’s price range at a minimum of 350 ounces. Most privately-owned bars are around an ounce or two.

Gold is an easily recognized store of value in either form, and the design or issuing authority may confer additional security to the buyer and seller.

Buying and Selling Gold

You can buy Gold in coin, bar, or round form for investment and sell them in several ways.

• Pawnshops: These often have bullion coins and bars, but their premiums tend to be high.
• Jewelry stores: These sometimes buy and sell Gold coins and bars, but it’s not their primary business.
• Coin shops: Coin stores will sometimes stock bullion coins as well as their numismatic selection.
• Online, mail order and phone retailers: These retailers stock and sell Gold around the country, and in some cases, worldwide. Premiums tend to be lower, especially for larger companies.

APMEX is one of the biggest retailers of Gold coins and bars in the country. We can help you find the Gold bar or coin that is right for you.

Mints to Buy Gold From

APMEX has relationships with all the mints listed below and sells their products on their website; however, read on for those interested in learning more about specific mints. Generally, most mints manufacture or sell Gold bullion, so APMEX makes it easier to buy Gold by making products available all in one place.

• U.S. Mint is a branch of the Department of Treasury that issues coinage used for trade and commerce and is also tasked with controlling the movement of bullion.
• The Perth Mint is Australia’s official bullion mint and produces legal tender and Precious Metal bullion.
• Royal Canadian Mint produces all of Canada’s circulated coins as well as unique collectible coins and Precious Metal bullion for those who wish to buy Gold.
• The Royal Mint is owned by Her Majesty’s Treasury and supplies the nation’s coins.
• Mexican Mint is also known as la Casa de Moneda de Mexico and is the oldest mint in the Americas.
• Austrian Mint is located in Vienna and produces Austrian circulated coins and commemorative coins and bullion for those who want to buy Gold.
• The Holy Land Mint of Israel is a private mint that is the only worldwide distributor for the Bank of Israel, and they produce and sell Gold and Silver bullion and genuine and replica ancient coins.
• Central Mint of China is a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the Republic of China and is located in Taiwan. They primarily mint and melt circulating and commemorative coins, as well as medals.
• Credit Suisse is a global investment bank that offers financial services and provides Precious Metal billions.
• Czech Mint has been around for more than a thousand years and mints all Czech circulation coins and Czech commemorative coins, bullion, and unique gift items for those who want to buy Gold for their loved ones.
• Istanbul Gold Refinery Mint provides customers who are looking to buy Gold and Silver with casted and minted bars. The Turkish Mint and Treasury accept their casted bars.
• Argor-Heraeus is a Swiss company that refines Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium for trading, jewelry and industrial use.
• MDM Mint is a German mint that sells numismatics, bullion, Euro coins, German coins and currency, and more.
• New Zealand Mint is a privately-owned company that mints legal tender, Gold bullion and medallions and collectible coins for those who desire to buy Gold.
• PAMP Suisse was originally a minting facility, but it now refines and assays Precious Metal bars and coins and produces legal tender.
• Monnaie de Paris is the oldest running minting institution in the world and strikes euros and world coins.
• Pobjoy Mint is a private mint in Surrey, England that produces bullion, tokens, medals and commemorative pieces for those who want to buy Gold. They also manufacture circulating currency for some British overseas territories like Sierra Leone.
• Royal Dutch Mint was initially owned by the Dutch State but was sold to Belgian Groep Heylen in 2016. The mint strikes coins for the Netherlands and other national banks in the E.U. and manufactures collectible coins, commemorative coins, royal decorations and medals.
• Scottsdale Mint is a privately-owned mint in Arizona that designs and manufactures Precious Metals products used for investing, collecting, and currency.
• Sunshine Minting is a privately-owned Precious Metals mint in Idaho that supplies the U.S. Mint with Silver planchets.
• South African Mint produces circulation and commemorative coins for domestic and international markets.
• Valcambi is one of Switzerland’s largest producers and refiners of Precious Metals.
• Geiger Edelmetalle is a German, family-owned mint that produces Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium and Copper billions.

Buying Gold for Precious Metals IRAs

Did you know? Individuals can buy Gold that is IRA-eligible to place in their IRA account. Precious Metals IRAs—or Gold IRAs—allow people to have more diversified IRA accounts than just paper assets. However, one must have a custodian account from an IRS-approved custodian. After setting up an account, IRA-eligible Gold and other eligible Precious Metals can start going into that account.

APMEX has relationships with five Precious Metals IRA Custodians: The Entrust Group, Goldstar Trust, Kingdom Trust Company, STRATA Trust Company and Equity Institutional. If interested in starting an application, visit APMEX’s Precious Metals IRA webpage.

If you are interested in buying Gold for a Gold IRA account, APMEX has a wide selection of eligible products.

Shop our large assortment of gold bullion products for the perfect addition to your precious metal holding today.