Whether it’s bars, ingots, coins, or rounds, gold in bullion form can be a safe long-term investment. At the same time, physically handling gold bullion does require avoiding situations that could affect its appearance and even lower its value. Below are four tips to keep in mind when handling gold bullion, brought to you by the experienced professionals from First National Bullion. Carlsbad collectors rely on our expertise and extensive knowledge about every aspect of buying, selling, and owning precious metals.

1. Keep Your Gold in a Protective Case, Package, or Container

Even if your gold has a high value, its surface appearance can influence potential buyers if you decide to sell your bullion at some point. Reduce the risk of surface damage by keeping your gold in a protective wrapping, case, or container. There are also clear cases you can purchase to avoid the need to directly handle your physical gold.

2. Prepare the Surface First before Handling Your Gold

Before you handle gold bullion, take some steps to prepare the surface it will rest on to prevent cosmetic damage. Privatebullion.com recommends putting down a soft towel or blanket before you handle your gold. If you’ll be placing it on a smaller table, put something soft on the floor around the table in case you accidentally drop it.

3. Wash & Dry Your Hands First

Oils on your skin can leave marks on some types of gold bullion. This is especially true with gold coins, since they’re lighter than bars and more likely to be handled directly. Use warm water and mild soap or hand sanitizer to wash your hands, and then thoroughly dry them.

4. Hold Your Gold Bullion by the Edges

With smaller forms of gold bullion, such as coins or smaller-sized bars or ingots, hold it by the edges. Use two hands with heavier bars, but still keep your fingers around the edges in a way that allows you to have a firm grip. Another option with handling gold bullion is to wear thin latex gloves. This tends to work well for heavier physical gold, such as bars. However, it can be difficult to handle gold coins with gloves on. Go by how well you’re able to grip your gold to determine if gloves are suitable.

If your gold does get some smudges or a bit of residue on it after you handle it, it’s usually fairly easy to clean it before you put it back where you normally store it. The recommended way to do this, according to Coininvest.com, is to take the following steps:

• Place your gold bullion in water
• Let it soak briefly for a few minutes
• Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently clean away any smudges or residue 

If you have any doubt about how to handle your bullion, call on the experts at First National Bullion and Coin. Whether they need advice on handling precious metals or they’re looking to buy gold bars, Carlsbad residents can trust our reputable dealers. We’re a boutique precious metals firm with a fantastic team of experienced professionals. If you’re looking to add more precious metals to your collection, call us today at 760-253-8072.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.