Gold Bullion: The Global Currency You Can Hold

Protect your wealth with a time-tested asset that stands strong in any financial climate.

Why buy gold bullion?

When you invest in gold bullion, you're buying an asset class with unique advantages:

Wealth protection: An investment in gold holds an intrinsic value that's stood the test of time. While currencies have come and gone, gold has had value for hundreds of years. It's your protection against inflation, preserving purchasing power when paper money loses value.

Portfolio diversification: Adding gold and other precious metals to your investment mix means you're not putting all your eggs in one basket. Gold typically moves independently of stocks and bonds, helping smooth out your portfolio's overall performance. This can be especially beneficial during market downturns when other assets may struggle.

Privacy: In a world of increasing financial surveillance, gold bullion offers a level of privacy that's hard to match. Within legal limits, you can buy, hold, and sell gold without it showing up on financial statements or requiring reporting to government agencies.

Liquidity: Need to convert your gold to cash quickly? No problem. The global gold market operates 24/7, with buyers and sellers in every corner of the world. No matter where you are in the world, you can easily sell your gold at fair market prices.

No counterparty risk: When you hold physical gold, its value doesn't depend on whether any company stays solvent or the government keeps its promises. It's just you and your gold – no middlemen, no fine print.

Tangible asset: There's something reassuring about holding real wealth in your hands. You can store your gold in a safe at home, in a bank vault, or with a specialized storage service. This direct control means you're not at the mercy of digital systems or financial institutions.

Potential for growth: Many people buy gold bullion as a defensive asset but it can also offer significant upside. During periods of geopolitical tension, currency crises, or economic uncertainty, gold prices historically spike. This means your "insurance policy" could potentially become a profitable investment in its own right.

Currency hedge: Are you worried about the long-term strength of the dollar? When the U.S. dollar weakens, gold prices often rise. This means gold can protect your wealth when the dollar loses value. It's like a financial seesaw - as one goes down, the other tends to go up. This relationship helps balance out currency risks in your investment portfolio.

Limited supply: The world's gold supply grows slowly and steadily. There's only so much gold on Earth; finding and mining new gold takes time and effort. This natural limit on supply helps gold keep its value over time. In contrast, governments can print more paper money whenever they want, which can lead to inflation and loss of purchasing power.

Generational wealth transfer: Planning your legacy? Gold can be an excellent vehicle for passing wealth to your heirs. It's easily divisible, doesn't degrade over time, and avoids many of the complex legal processes associated with transferring other assets. Your grandchildren could hold the same gold coins you buy today.

Ready to add the protective power of gold to your investment strategy? Contact Swiss America today to get started.

How to buy gold bullion in 3 easy steps

You can buy gold coins and gold bullion bars from Swiss America. It's easy to get started in just 3 steps:

Step 1: Call us for a consultation: Our expert advisors will answer your questions and help you choose the right gold products for your needs.

Step 2: Place your order: Once you've decided on which gold bullion coins or bars you want to buy, we'll guide you through the simple ordering process and help you get the best value for your investment.

Step 3. Receive your gold: Your precious metal coins or bars ship safely and directly to you or a secure storage facility.

Protect your wealth and financial future. Call Swiss America today to begin protecting your portfolio with gold bullion bars or coins.

Types of gold bullion

Here are the main types of gold bullion you can invest in:

Gold coins

Government-minted coins are popular for their recognizability and liquidity. Common options include:

American Gold Eagle: This is the official gold bullion coin of the United States, featuring Lady Liberty on the front.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: This product is known for its high purity (99.99% gold) and iconic maple leaf design.
South African Krugerrand: The first modern bullion coin, it's widely recognized and traded globally.
Austrian Gold Philharmonic: Europe's most popular gold coin, featuring musical instruments in its design.

These coins typically come in various sizes, from 1/10 oz to 1 oz, allowing for flexible investing.

Gold bars

Bars are a cost-effective way to buy larger amounts of gold. They come in various sizes:

1 oz bars: A popular choice for many individual investors. These offer a good balance of affordability and value, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers.

10 oz bars: Offer a good balance between value and manageability. These bars are popular among investors looking to acquire a larger amount of gold without the higher price tag of kilo bars.

1 kilo bars (32.15 oz): Serious investors prefer these bars for their lower premium over spot price. These large bars offer cost savings per ounce compared to smaller units.

400 oz bars: These are the standard "Good Delivery" bars traded by central banks and major financial institutions. These massive gold bars, weighing about 27.5 pounds (12.4 kg), are the backbone of the global wholesale gold market.

Government mints and private refiners produce gold bars. Well-known brands include PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, and Perth Mint.

Gold rounds

These are coin-shaped pieces produced by private mints. Gold rounds are often cheaper than government-issued coins but may be slightly less liquid. This is because government-issued coins are more widely recognized and trusted, especially by casual buyers. Since private mints produce rounds, they might require more verification when selling.

What to look for in gold bullion products

When buying physical gold, here are key factors to consider:

Purity: Look for gold products with high purity. Pure gold is 99.9% (24 karat), which you'll find in many bars and some coins like Canadian Gold Maple Leafs. American Gold Eagles are 91.7% pure (22 karat) and made with a small amount of other metals for durability. More gold content per ounce means higher purity, but the market widely accepts both purities.
Recognized brands: Stick to well-known government mints or established private refiners. Their products are widely recognized and easier to resell. Examples include the U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Perth Mint, PAMP Suisse, and Credit Suisse. These trusted brands ensure authenticity and smoother transactions when it's time to sell.
Premiums: Compare the price to the current spot price of gold. The premium is the amount you pay above the raw gold value. All bullion products have some premium over spot, but this varies by product type and seller. Bars typically have lower premiums than coins, and larger items usually have lower premiums than smaller ones.
IRA eligibility: If you're buying for a precious metals IRA, ensure the products meet IRS requirements for purity and approved types. Generally, gold must be at least 99.5% pure to qualify for an IRA. The Swiss America team can advise you on eligible precious metal options.
Storage requirements: Think about how you'll store your gold. Smaller products are easier to store at home, while larger bars require professional storage solutions.

Popular gold bullion coins

Some of the most well-known gold bullion coins are:

American Gold Eagle

The American Gold Eagle is produced by the United States Mint. Its front features Lady Liberty holding a torch and olive branch, with the Capitol building in the background. This iconic coin consists of 22-karat gold (91.67% pure), with the remaining alloy added for durability.

Australian Gold Kangaroo

The Australian Gold Kangaroo, minted by the Perth Mint, showcases a detailed kangaroo design on its front that changes annually. The reverse consistently depicts Queen Elizabeth II. These coins consist of 99.99% pure gold, offering investors a higher purity option.

Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint produces the Gold Maple Leaf coin. Its front displays a detailed maple leaf, while the back features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The Gold Maple Leaf, known for its exceptional purity, consists of 99.99% pure gold. Some special editions even reach 99.999% purity.

South African Gold Krugerrand

The South African Gold Krugerrand, first minted in 1967, bears the image of Paul Kruger, a former South African president, on its front. The reverse features a springbok antelope, a national symbol of South Africa. Krugerrands consist of 22-karat gold (91.67% pure), chosen for durability and rich color.

Gold prices

The prices of gold bars or coins include a few key components:

Spot price: The current market rate for immediate gold trades. It's the pricing foundation but not the final amount you'll pay or receive. You'll pay above the gold spot price to cover additional costs when you buy gold. And then, when you sell, you'll typically get slightly less than the spot price.
Face value vs. real value: Gold coins have a face value, but this is usually far below their actual gold content worth. For example, a gold coin might have a $50 face value, but its real value depends on its gold content and the current spot price.
Product type: Bars usually have lower premiums than coins, but coins offer more recognizability and easier divisibility.

Choosing a reputable dealer

Criteria to look for in a gold bullion dealer include:

Longevity: Work with a company that's been in business for decades. A long track record points to a company's stability and reliability in the precious metals market.
Industry affiliations: Look for membership in respected coin and bullion industry organizations. These associations have strict ethical standards and practices for their members.
Customer feedback: Check for positive reviews and testimonials from past clients. While no business has perfect reviews, a pattern of satisfied customers is a good sign.
Customer service: Look for companies who offer personalized guidance and are willing to answer your questions without high-pressure sales tactics.

Gold bullion: FAQs

Is it worth buying gold bullion?

Gold bullion can be a valuable investment for wealth preservation and portfolio diversification. It's globally recognized and has maintained value over centuries. Many investors choose gold as a tangible asset to hedge against economic uncertainty and balance their investment mix.

How do beginners buy gold?

Beginners can easily start buying gold through Swiss America. We offer expert guidance to help you choose the right gold products for your needs. Our team will walk you through the purchasing process, explain storage options, and make sure you understand your investment. Contact us to get started with your first gold purchase.

Can I buy $100 in gold?

Yes, you can invest $100 in gold. While this amount won't buy a full ounce of gold, you have several options. You can purchase fractional gold coins, small bars or gold rounds from private mints. Swiss America can help you find the best options for your budget, regardless of the amount you're looking to invest.

Is gold bullion 100% gold?

Not always. Pure gold bullion is 99.9% gold (24 karat). However, some popular gold coins are 91.67% gold (22 karat) for increased durability. The gold content is listed on the product.