Gold bullion is the core way to hold physical gold, giving you direct metal exposure through simple, recognizable formats like bars, rounds, and coins from well-known mints. This parent category is a solid starting point whether you are just beginning with gold or adding to an existing stack and want a clear view of your main options in one place.
What you can find here
- Gold bars – From small fractional bars to larger weights for efficient stacking and lower premiums per ounce, ideal if you focus on maximizing metal for your money.
- Gold rounds – Private-mint pieces that often come with slightly lower premiums and varied designs, useful when you want flexibility without paying for numismatic features.
- Gold coins – Government-issued bullion such as Maple Leaf, Krugerrand, and American Eagle, combining trusted purity, strong global recognition, and easy resale.
Why investors choose gold bullion
- Store of value: Gold has long been used as a way to preserve purchasing power and hedge currency or market risk over the long term.
- Flexible formats: You can mix classic 1 oz pieces with smaller or larger sizes to match your budget, rebalancing plans, and preferred exit strategy.
- Transparent pricing: Bullion is typically priced at a clear premium over spot, making it straightforward to compare options across different products and mints.
How to buy gold bullion
If you are new to gold or returning after a break, it helps to understand a few basics before you commit significant capital. Start by deciding whether you want the lowest possible premium (often larger bars), maximum recognizability and liquidity (popular 1 oz coins), or a mix of formats for flexibility.
Next, consider how you plan to store your gold - at home, in a safe deposit box, or through a professional storage service - and factor storage, insurance, and access into your decision. Finally, take a moment to compare live prices, check minimums for free shipping or storage, and build your position gradually rather than all at once, so you can average into the market over time.
