Hub · Physical Gold
Physical gold: format, storage, and liquidity.
Choosing a coin over a bar, or a depository over a safe, is not primarily a preference — it changes the premium you pay, the ease of selling, and whether the metal is eligible for an IRA at all.
Coins vs bars
Sovereign-minted coins (American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic) carry higher premiums over spot but are more widely recognized and easier to resell in small increments. Bars — cast or minted, typically produced by refiners like PAMP Suisse or Valcambi — carry lower premiums, especially in larger sizes, at the cost of divisibility.
Purity and certification
IRA-eligible gold must be at least .995 fine (99.5% pure). Reputable bars carry assay certificates and serial numbers; reputable coins are backed by sovereign mints. Verify hallmarks and, for bars, refiner listings on the LBMA Good Delivery register.
Coin vs Bar: at a glance
| Factor | Coins | Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Premium over spot | 3–8% typical | 1–4% typical (larger = lower) |
| Recognition | High — sovereign mint backing | High for LBMA-listed refiners |
| Divisibility | Excellent (1/10 oz to 1 oz) | Limited (1 g to 1 kg+) |
| Resale liquidity | Broadest dealer network | Strong for standard sizes |
| IRA eligibility | Yes, if IRS-approved list | Yes, if .995+ from approved refiner |
Storage: home vs depository
For metal held outside an IRA, home storage is a matter of insurance, discretion, and the quality of your safe. For metal held inside an IRA, home storage is not permitted — the IRS requires an approved depository. See our article on the home storage IRA myth for what the tax court has actually said.
Liquidity considerations
Any physical gold sale involves a spread between what dealers pay (bid) and what they charge (ask). Standardized products — Eagles, Maples, 1 oz bars from major refiners — trade on tighter spreads than obscure private-mint rounds or numismatic coins. When comparing dealers, ask about the buy-back spread, not just the buy-in premium.
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Ready to weigh gold against silver? See the Gold vs Silver comparison hub, or compare storage partners across providers in our company reviews.