A Guide to Physical Gold as an Investment

The spot price and cost of physical gold

Investing in physical gold is often oversimplified, and the misconceptions can begin with pricing.

A spot price by definition is the cost of immediate delivery, and is a way to gauge the legitimacy of an ask or retail price. A retail price is an amount that includes a markup, or premium. Unfortunately, some investors don't realize until they make their first purchase that the spot price is not what one actually pays for physical gold.

In addition to premiums, there are numerous other expenses investors should be prepared to pay when purchasing pure gold, including shipping, handling and insurance. There may also be processing fees to own the yellow metal or fees for small lot purchases. In some instances, prices may be higher for individuals who choose to pay with a credit card. Then again, gold prices are sometimes lower for those purchasing larger quantities.

Physical gold products to consider

Physical gold investors are generally looking for items that are 0.999 fine. Several products fit this description, and one of the most preferred is gold bullion coins, such as the South African Krugerrand or the American Gold Eagle.

Another option is gold rounds, which are similar to coins, but are not legal tender. Both gold coins and gold rounds come in various sizes, usually ranging from 1/10 ounce to 1 ounce, though other less common sizes are available.

Gold bars are another popular option. They also come in a variety of sizes, and as choices can range from a 1 gram bar to 400 ounce bar, this category of products can accommodate a range of investors.

When the objective is to get the most metal for the least money, it’s generally best to shop for gold rounds and gold bars, which tend to be cheaper than gold coins of the same weight. The premium for gold coins is higher because of the credibility that comes from being fabricated by government mints.

Another factor that may need to be considered is the amount to be invested. Bars may be the best option for large investments since bigger sizes are available. Further, it is often easier to manage large products than it is to manage an array of smaller gold items. However, physical gold investors also need to give forethought to when they may want to sell their gold. Large products will require liquidating a more sizeable portion of one’s gold portfolio, and such products may be more difficult to sell in some instances.

Individuals making ongoing or significant investments may want to consider purchasing gold in various weights.

Gold ETFs and other alternatives to physical gold

Investors should clearly understand that purchasing physical metal is not the only way to gain exposure to the gold market. The popularity of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) underscores how easily people can get into the gold market without actually owning physical gold.

Gold ETFs provide exposure to the metal’s price by offering investors the opportunity to purchase shares that represent a quantity of gold. Neither that nor the fact that an ETF is physically backed brings an individual any closer to gold ownership. A gold ETF is not a vehicle to acquire gold.

There are, however, some programs designed to allow investors to diversify their portfolios without requiring that they take possession of the yellow metal or arrange for its storage and protection. Before investing in such a program, investors should become very familiar with the terms.

For one thing, it is important to ensure that taking possession of metal is possible. Since it is not uncommon for the rules to include withdrawal minimums, investors should make sure they are comfortable with any such requirements. Other important details are the cited risks and costs, as well as the circumstances under which the gold is kept and the process for confirming its existence and taking possession of the metal.

How and when to sell physical gold

Just as buying gold often provides investors with a pricing wakeup call, investors who decide to sell are also sometimes surprised at the prices they receive. That is because the buyback price, or bid, is lower than the asking price. The difference between the two is referred to as the spread, and it is a loss that the seller initially bears.

For example, if an investor pays C$1,733 for a 1 ounce Canadian Maple Leaf and decides to sell it back the same day, the buying price may only be C$1,693.

Furthermore, there are usually other costs involved with selling gold, including shipping, insurance and liquidation fees. Some businesses have minimum purchase requirements, and depending upon payment arrangements, it may be necessary for the investor to pay bank wire fees or postage to receive a check.

Individuals who want to sell their gold quickly may consider “we buy gold” businesses as a convenient alternative. While these businesses can serve as a quick source of liquidity, they are usually not the best option. Often their underlying business strategy involves making lower-than-average offers.

The reality is that, given the spread and the costs associated with acquiring and selling gold, a sharp price move is generally needed to turn a profit. Investors are encouraged to consider building positions in physical gold as a long-term investment, possibly even for retirement savings.