Whether you’re a seasoned bullion buyer looking to extend your investments or just getting started with precious metals investments, gold coins can be a smart purchase. The good news is there are many options to explore when you want to buy gold coins. Here’s a rundown of the more common ways to buy gold coins and what to consider with each option.

Local Coin Dealers

Taking immediate possession is one of the top perks of buying gold coins from San Diego gold coin dealers. You also won’t have to worry about shipping fees. On the reverse side, premiums tend to be higher. Also, general coin dealers usually offer a random mix of coins along with whatever gold ones they happen to have on hand, so the selection could be limited.

Online Dealers

Online dealers normally require up-front payment for all purchases. What this does is put you in a position where you’ll be counting on the seller to send you what you purchased. To be fair, this usually isn’t an issue with a reputable online dealer. However, there’s still some risk involved with purchasing gold coins this way.

Online Sellers

This is a broader category that includes anyone selling gold coins online, which could include individuals listing coins on online auction sites. While you could score some great deals from honest sellers, there’s still a lot of risk involved here. For one thing, it’s not easy to verify you’re really getting what’s listed. Plus, there’s the risk of the seller “disappearing” after a purchase is made.

Coin Collectors

Some gold coin collectors are willing to sell select coins, and it’s entirely possible to get some really great coins this way. The caveat here is that collectors aren’t generally all that keen on haggling over prices. More often than not, you’ll have to agree to pay the collector’s asking price.

Auctions

We’re talking about official auctions here, not online auction sites like eBay. Yes, you could very well find some top-quality gold coins this way. The main drawback is you’ll be bidding against other buyers for the same gold coins, so the markup could be significant.

Friends/Family Members

If you have a friend or family member with a substantial stash of gold coins, he or she may be willing to part with some of his or her collection. The risk with this option is that whoever is selling you the gold coins may not have proper documentation and may insist on a price that’s far above the coins’ actual value.

Precious Metals Firms

Precious metals firms are different from local dealers in that they deal exclusively with precious metals. This often means a greater variety of gold coin selections. There will still be a markup, but reputable firms are usually transparent about such details. What’s more, the documentation of purity and value is often reliable. Another bonus here is that it’s not out of the ordinary for some precious metals firms to offer deals on bulk purchases.

Whether they’re looking to purchase silver bars or gold coins, San Diego collectors know they can trust the reliable professionals at First National Bullion. We can answer all your questions and help you find all the information you need to decide whether precious metals are the right investment for you. Give one of our experienced dealers a call today at 858-666-6570.

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.