Gold investors have many options to choose from. The growth of ETFs and stocks associated with physical bullion and mining has given buyers new options to diversify their portfolio. As the cryptocurrency world continues to grow, some even opt to buy gold coin online.
But many still prefer physical gold bars when it comes to buying the yellow metal. Gold bars are recognized across the world, look impressive in a safe or deposit box, and are liquid enough to be bought and sold by just about every dealer (and many everyday citizens) who have enough cash.
While most gold bars look alluring at first glance, the bar's quality will greatly determine the buying price and the ease a person will be able to sell it. Those interested in adding bars to an IRA or 401K need to pay extra attention to the type of gold bar they are buying, as the U.S. IRS stipulates specific purity requirements for any approved bullion.
Here's a list of some of the best gold bars to purchase, based on notoriety, purity, and ease of liquidity.
Credit Suisse Gold Bars
Gold bars from Credit Suisse remain some of the world's most popular and well-known bullion options. These bars are simple and feature a unique serial number that allows buyers to directly reference and confirm the manufacturing process and bar's quality. These bars are IRA-approved as they are .9999 fine gold. Credit Suisse bars are very liquid and easy to move as dealers worldwide appreciate and respect their high quality.
Perth Mint Gold Bars
The Australian Perth Mint is a well-known manufacturer of gold bars that range from 1/2 oz all the way to 1,000 ounces. Gold bars made by a government mint are of particular allure to collectors and investors, as they have the full faith and backing of a national government. The bars are a common choice for bullion enthusiasts due to their design - featuring a kangaroo - and since they are sealed in tamper-proof material. This makes Perth Mint Gold Bars attractive to look at and offers peace of mind to buyers that their investment has not been manipulated.
Valcambi Gold Bar
The Valcambi gold bar makes the list due to its unique and creative design. The Swiss company making each bar decided to issue them in 50-gram denominations and have each bar be physically divisible into one-gram options. This makes the bar easy to carry around and versatile for investors who want to sell incremental amounts of gold while needed. The Valcambi gold bar is also IRA-approved as it's.9999 fine and is roughly the size of a credit card.
Understanding Gold Bar Sizing And Other Factors
Gold bullion buyers should understand the different sizes of bars and their pros and cons. In general, larger bars will have a lower premium over spot per ounce. This makes these bars cheaper than smaller counterparts on a cost-per-ounce basis.
However, larger gold bars are often faked more than smaller ones since it is not usually financially lucrative enough to fake smaller bars. Larger gold bars might also be harder to sell to an average dealer, who might not have the cash or assets on hand to make an equal exchange.
Some collectors choose to purchase cast bars as they are cheaper to manufacture. These bars are stamped with the refiner's weight and purity. Gold minted bars are fabricated during a process where a machine hits the bar. Choosing between both largely comes down to personal preference. Cast bars look more 'unique' as they can vary in aesthetics even though they are laid out the same, while minted bars often feature fancier designs.
Buying Gold Bars As An Investment
Gold remains one of the best investments due to the yellow metal's rarity, stability, and allure. Buying a gold bar in any amount is a smart way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against inflation.
