Gold Bullion vs Gold Coins
You've worked decades to build your retirement savings. Now you want to protect it with gold. But should you buy bars or coins? Here's the straight talk on premiums, liquidity, and which makes sense for your situation.
Quick Answer
For most folks protecting their retirement, coins are the better choice. They're easier to sell when you need them, everyone recognizes them, and you can cash out a few at a time instead of all or nothing. If you've got $100,000+ to move, bars can save you some money on markups.
What is Gold Bullion?
Gold bullion refers to gold bars or ingots, typically valued purely for their metal content rather than any collectible value. Bullion bars come in various sizes:
For Gold IRAs, bars must be .995 fine (99.5% pure) or higher and produced by a NYMEX or COMEX-approved refiner or national mint.
What are Gold Coins?
Gold coins are minted by government mints and carry a face value (though their gold value far exceeds it). IRA-approved coins include:
American Gold Eagle
Most popular. 91.67% gold (22 karat). The only IRA-approved coin that doesn't need to be .995 pure due to special IRS exemption.
American Gold Buffalo
99.99% pure gold (24 karat). First pure gold coin minted by the US government.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
99.99% pure. Known for its high purity and intricate security features.
Austrian Gold Philharmonic
99.99% pure. Features the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra design.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Bullion Bars | Gold Coins |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Over Spot | Lower (1-3%) | Higher (3-8%) |
| Liquidity | Good | Excellent |
| Recognition | Requires assay | Instantly recognizable |
| Storage Flexibility | Less flexible (large bars) | More flexible (sell partial) |
| Collectible Value | None | Potential numismatic premium |
| IRA Eligibility | Yes (if .995+ purity) | Yes (specific coins) |
| Best For | Maximum gold per dollar | Flexibility & recognition |
Gold Bullion Bars
Pros
- Lower premiums over spot price
- More gold per dollar invested
- Easier to stack and store large amounts
- Simple pricing (weight x spot price)
Cons
- Less liquid (harder to sell quickly)
- May require assay to verify authenticity
- Less flexible (can't sell half a bar)
- Counterfeits harder to detect
Gold Coins
Pros
- Highly liquid and easily tradeable
- Instantly recognizable worldwide
- Government-backed authenticity
- Flexible (sell one coin at a time)
- Potential numismatic value
Cons
- Higher premiums over spot
- Less gold per dollar invested
- Premiums vary by coin type
Understanding Premiums
The "premium" is how much you pay above the spot price of gold. It covers minting costs, dealer margins, and supply/demand factors.
Typical Premiums (2026)
Note: Premiums fluctuate based on market conditions. During high demand, coin premiums can spike significantly.
Our Recommendation
Choose Coins If...
- You're rolling over $50,000-$100,000 from your 401(k)
- You want flexibility to sell some without liquidating everything
- You value being able to sell quickly if needed
- You're moving to gold for the first time
Choose Bars If...
- You're rolling over $100,000 or more
- You want every dollar buying actual gold
- You're protecting savings you won't touch for 10+ years
- You're not worried about selling in pieces
Pro Tip: Many investors do both—using bars for the bulk of their holdings and coins for flexibility.
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