Buying Gold Coins

You can buy either bullion gold coins like the 1 oz american buffalo or historical coins like the french Napoleon 1st 20 francs gold coins. There are pros and cons to both.

Bullion coins are cheaper, usually carrying only a 5% dealer markup. They are also easy to value, since you will typically be able to sell them for spot price (minus a 5-10% dealer fee). However, in the past, the US government has confiscated gold Bullion coins. If they ever re-introduce this, you may lose your investment.

Historical coins carry a premium, ranging from 0 to several thousand percent over the spot price of gold. These coins may appreciate faster than bullion coins, but putting a value on them is more difficult. But they may not be subject to confiscation.

I typically like to buy

Napoleon 1st Gold Coins:
These coins are about 200 years ago and contain 0.186 Oz of gold. These are my favorites. They also come in the 40 franc varieties which are harder to come by.

Lucky Angels French 20 Franc Gold Coins:
These coins were minted in the early 1900s and also contain 0.186 oz of gold. There are numerous myths about how these coins brought good luck to the owners. They make great gifts.

20 Franc Swiss Helvetias:
These beautiful coins were minted before 1935 and also contain 0.186 oz of gold.

British Sovereigns:
These coins were minted all over the British Empire from England to South Africa to India to Australia and carry the faces of various British Monarchs on them. They contain 0.234 oz of gold and are still minted today.

Australian Lunar 1 Oz Gold Series:
These 1oz gold coins are bullion coins but have since attracted a collectors premium. The most popular 1 oz Gold Dragon coin routinely fetches $1000 premium in auction. These beautiful lustrous coins come encased in a tough plastic case.

America Buffalo 1oz gold Coins:
These are the first 99.999% pure gold coins to be minted in the US. They were introduced in 2006 and some people think these bullion coins have a small collectors premium.

American Double Eagle 1 oz gold coins:
Also called the st. Gaudin's gold coin after the designer, these coins have attained great collectors value depending on the age and mintage.

1 Oz Silver Coins:
I'm a big fan of the 1 oz American Eagle, Peace silver dollars, Morgan Silver dollars and the Australian Lunar Series Silver coins. These are relatively inexpensive and make great gifts.