You can start with as little as $30 for a one-ounce silver round or $200 for a 1/10 oz gold coin. While larger purchases have lower premiums, starting small and building gradually is better than not starting at all.

For experienced collectors with deep knowledge, patience, and disposable income, select numismatics can appreciate. However, this requires years of study, significant capital, and acceptance of illiquidity. For 99% of investors seeking precious metals exposure, bullion is superior.

Simple: profit margins. Dealers make 3-6% on bullion but 30-100% on numismatics. A salesperson earning commission can make 10-20x more selling you numismatics. The incentive structure explains the pressure tactics.

Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins (Saints, Liberties) trade at modest premiums over melt value and offer a middle ground. They're more liquid than true numismatics but carry 10-20% premiums versus 3-6% for modern bullion. Fine for experienced buyers, unnecessary for beginners.

Buy from reputable dealers to avoid fakes. For verification: check weight (should match exactly), measure dimensions, perform the magnet test (gold/silver aren't magnetic), and use the ping test (genuine coins ring distinctively). When in doubt, have them tested by a local coin shop.

Regular bullion offers better value. Proof coins are mirror-finished collector versions with 20-40% premiums that rarely recover on resale. They're beautiful but poor investments. Stick to standard bullion for investment purposes.

Both have merits. Gold is more portable, stable, and prestigious. Silver is more affordable, has industrial demand, and historically shows higher volatility (bigger gains in bull markets). Many investors choose 70% gold, 30% silver for balanced exposure.

Use a TL-rated safe bolted to concrete, hidden from plain view. Don't tell anyone about your holdings. Consider decoy locations. Split holdings between multiple locations. For amounts over $10,000, professional storage is safer and often required for insurance.

Yes, through a Self-Directed IRA with an approved custodian. Only certain bullion coins and bars meeting fineness standards qualify. Numismatics generally don't qualify. Metals must be stored in an approved depository, not at home. Consider fees versus traditional IRA investments.

Historically, precious metals initially drop with other assets as investors raise cash, then outperform during recovery as central banks print money. Gold particularly shines during currency crises and high inflation. Don't buy for short-term gains; buy for long-term wealth preservation.

Financial advisors typically recommend 5-15% in precious metals for diversification. Some experts like Jim Rickards suggest up to 10%, while others like Ray Dalio recommend 5-10%. Your allocation depends on your risk tolerance, age, and economic outlook.

Bullion is taxed as a collectible with a maximum 28% federal capital gains rate for holdings over one year. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income. Some states add their own taxes. Keep detailed records of purchase dates and prices. Consult a tax professional for strategies.

Cash purchases over $10,000 require dealer reporting via Form 8300. Credit card and check purchases have no reporting requirements. Sales of 25+ ounces of gold or 1,000+ ounces of silver trigger Form 1099-B reporting. Regular bullion purchases have no reporting requirements.

Allocated storage means specific coins/bars are segregated in your name—you own exact pieces. Unallocated means you own a share of a pool. Allocated costs more but eliminates counterparty risk. For significant holdings, always choose allocated storage.

Executive Order 6102 occurred during the Great Depression under the gold standard. Today's fiat currency system makes confiscation unlikely and politically impossible. No developed nation has confiscated gold since. This fear is primarily used to sell overpriced numismatics.

Coins offer better liquidity, recognition, and smaller denominations. Bars have lower premiums on large purchases. For investments under $50,000, coins are preferable. For larger amounts, mixing both makes sense. Always choose recognized refiners for bars.

You have multiple options: local coin shops (immediate cash but lower prices), online dealers (better prices, 1-2 week process), peer-to-peer (best prices but requires caution), or dealer buyback programs. Always get multiple quotes. Expect to receive 1-3% below spot price.

While legitimate bullion, exotic foreign coins often have higher premiums and lower liquidity in Western markets. Stick to internationally recognized coins: American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, British Britannias, Austrian Philharmonics, and South African Krugerrands for best liquidity.