Buying gold bullion in 2026 means choosing between coins, bars and rounds, picking a reputable dealer, and deciding whether to take physical delivery or hold the metal in an IRA.
Coins, Bars or Rounds?
Sovereign coins (American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf) carry a higher premium but are easy to resell. Bars from mints like PAMP Suisse or Valcambi have the lowest premium per ounce. Rounds are privately minted coin-shaped pieces, cheaper than sovereign coins but less liquid.
Where to Buy
For new buyers, established national dealers like APMEX, JM Bullion and SD Bullion offer transparent pricing and reliable shipping. For larger purchases or IRAs, work with a dedicated IRA specialist like Noble Gold. Local coin shops are useful for cash transactions and to inspect coins in person.
Premiums to Expect
Premium = price above the spot value of the metal. Typical premiums: gold bars 2-5% over spot, gold sovereign coins 5-8%, silver bars 8-15%, silver coins 15-25%. Premiums spike when demand spikes -- during the 2020 and 2024 runs, silver coin premiums hit 50%+.
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