Since gold has continued to be stable and valuable for many, many years, any of the bullion investment options would be excellent choices. Here, though, let us discuss two in specific. The two that will be discussed are US gold coins, and they both offer excellent investment value.

The gold American Buffalo coin is unique for one very specific reason. This is the first and only coin offered by the US mint that is made from 24 karat gold, meaning it has a purity of .9999, the highest available. As far as design, the coin includes the profile of a Native American on the front and the American bison on the back. Collectors may find this coin familiar since it is designed with the same images of the Buffalo Nickel. The coins include one troy ounce of gold, and come in an easy to collect size very similar to a half dollar coin.

As with any investment coins from the US Mint, the American Buffalo is backed by the American government for authenticity and purity. In addition, it is made from United States gold and minted in the country as well.

The gold American Eagle is also unique. While the purity as not as high of a level as the Buffalo coin, this option is available in a number of sizes to meet each investor’s needs. The item includes 22 karat gold for a purity of .9167. In design, the coin includes the images of Lady Liberty and the bald eagle, a design very similar to silver dollar coins.

As with the Buffalo coin, the gold American Eagle includes gold mined in the country. The coin is available in four sizes, ranging from one ounce to one tenth of an ounce.

When you make the decision to invest in this precious metal, do not let the choices confuse you. When gold coins pique your interest, consider one of these two United States bullion coins.

Nevertheless, gifts of gold continued to be circulated, all the way until the days of King Croesus, who issued the first official gold coin release.  These were the first coins standardized for purity and content and made not for collecting, but for general distribution throughout the land.  Eventually gold became currency because of its exceptional qualities and wide production.

It wasn’t until the 20^th century that gold became relegated to an investment commodity.  Now in the 21^st century gold is increasing in popularity again.  Why the comeback?  Because gold is easy to trade and has a history of retaining its value despite all political or economic turmoil.

Gold coins refer to coins that are mostly made of pure gold (though no coins commonly distributed are 100%).  These coins are not used for currency, but retain value for one of two reasons: for their history popularity (collectability) or their bullion content.  You don’t always find a coin that has both factors—but when you do it’s a major news story.

As recently as 2002, a rare $20 1933 Double Eagle coin sold for over seven million dollars.  While there were almost half a million coins issued, most of them were surrendered and melted down.  This rare coin is proof that there are still collectibles out there today!

While the only way to see an increase in the value of paper money is to gain interest so that you acquire more of it, the rules of dealing with gold coins are different.  Every gold coin holds a certain amount of value due to the gold that comprises it and the demand for this precious metal all over the world.  Buying gold coins also entails purchasing coins that will have a stated face value.  This means that the coins will never be worth less than this amount in the country that issued them.  Last, gold coins can gain value when they become rare or hard to get.  Whether you have a coin that was struck with a rare error or simply one that is hard to come by, the value will certainly be much higher than the face value.

When buying gold coins can offer so many ways to maintain and even gain value, it is easy to see why so many investors use them to supplement their portfolios.  Some investors choose to maintain a majority of their savings in this form, eliminating the inherent risks that come with trading and buying stocks.  Losing investment value can be devastating for people saving money to retire or to provide for their loved ones, and finding a method that allows you to retain value in almost any circumstance is highly important.

Buying gold coins is simply an intelligent way to invest.  While stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and CDs certainly have a place in most portfolios, it is recommended that everyone maintain assets that can hold their value during a recession.  Taking the chance to lose all or most of your savings in the event of an economic crisis is a gamble that nobody should take and investing in these coins is a great way to ensure that you are as protected as possible.

On the reverse side of the coin, we see an eagle soaring above its nest, bringing an olive branch to its mate and hatchlings.  The reverse image was designed by Miley Busiek.  Besides the images, what makes this coin unique?  It is a gold coin officially authorized by the U.S. government.  It is guaranteed to have the exact amount of gold content.  It comes in multiple sizes including one tenth of an ounce, one fourth of an ounce, one-half of an ounce and one ounce.

The market value of gold American Eagle coins is somewhat higher than its bullion value, though not by much.  Although the coin series has legal worth, $5, $10, $25, and $50 respectively, these coins are worth bullion price to collectors.  Their actual price will be determined by the current price of gold, silver, or other precious metals.  For example, the price of gold is currently $1,200 per one troy ounce.  Thus, the coin will be sold at a price higher than $1,200 or until the price increases or decreases.

Gold American Eagle coins come in different sizes and thus their price is partly determined by their gold content.  The 1/10^th coin is 16.50 mm and 1.19 mm in size, which makes .1091 troy ounces in total.  On the other hand, the one troy oz coin is 32.70 mm by 2.87 mm and worth one full troy ounce.  If you are collecting these coins then try looking for proof versions, which are of slightly higher value, because of their lack of distribution, and because of their minting location.

There is a chance that these coins could increase in value as time goes on, well beyond the bullion price.  Not only are they bound to increase because of the rarity of gold; but they may also increase in collectable value because of their special interest to American coin collectors.  Talk to your coin collector (or visit a dealer website) for more information on gold American Eagle coins.

First, carefully analyze your sources.  In the beginning, your primary goal is to assemble a large quantity of above-average coins.  You are not avoiding coins in circulation; you are merely avoiding worthless coins.  You may be able to find coins in circulation that are worth something above face value.  Use this as your starting “capital” so you can buy something worthwhile.

The most important factors that will determine a coin’s worth (meaning whether or not you buy these gold coins) are: the condition of the coin; the historical significance of the coin; the beauty or aesthetic value of the coin; the popularity of the coin; and rarity of its release.  Having one of these qualities may be enough for you to sell a coin for much higher than its face value.  Having all of these qualities is a sure sign of a keeper.

Try to remember as you buy gold coins that some pieces will appreciate in the short term and some in the long term.  You have to study the market to determine which coins are likely to temporarily increase in price and then stall, from the coins that are destined to slowly appreciate in worth.  There are also some coins that may actually fall below their face value, if they are extremely unpopular or excessively circulated.

Try to avoid gimmicky coins that don’t have a real market.  Some coins, even old coins, have only limited value because they don’t have anything else besides age setting them apart from mass coinage.  It’s not enough for a coin to be old—it must have historical value.  It must also be in good, collectible condition.

When you buy gold coins, remember that anything could potentially be a collector’s item.  It’s best to research the market, research the coin (what the dealer is saying about it) and then try to predict whether market interest will grow.  Some coins are popular for odd reasons: some coins with minted mistakes are considered valuable.  Coins identified with certain regions or even national regimes are considered collector’s items.

When in doubt, ask around the coin collecting community.  You may have a collector’s item on your hands so never be too hasty when it comes to throwing coins away!

It is even possible to purchase an American Eagle gold bullion proof set that contains all four examples of the coins in the various weights. The different weights of the coins represent different face values. The one ounce coin has a face value of fifty dollars, while the half ounce coin has a twenty-five dollar face value. The subsequent coins also have different face values. The quarter ounce coin, for example, has a face value of ten dollars and the one-tenth ounce coin has a five dollar face value.

Before buying your first American Eagle gold coins, there are a few facts that you may wish to know. First, while these coins are no doubt a beautiful keepsake and collectible they are also completely legal tender.

All gold coins are comprised of various quantities of gold. Due to the fact that gold is such a soft material, it is impossible to purchase a gold coin that is 100% gold. If a coin were to be minted with 100% gold, it would be too easily bent and damaged. American Eagle gold coins, like most other gold coins, are comprised of a mixture of 91.67% gold and other materials to make the coin less susceptible to damage. The weight and the content for each of the gold proof coins is backed by the United States government, so you need have no concerns in that regard.

The design of the coin is considered by many to be a masterpiece. On the obverse, or the front of the coin, you will see the image of Lady Liberty, complete with an olive branch in her left hand. On the reverse, or the back of the coin, you will see an eagle carrying an olive branch as he flies high above a female eagle in the nest with her hatchlings.

American Eagle gold coins are the ideal choice for adding to an investment, building an investment or presenting as a gift.

Simply put, when it comes to buying gold coins you want the very best.  This means that you should seek out the best company, the best prices, the best service, and the best coins.  The key to successful investing is always to have the best investment possible, and that begins by working with the best dealers.  Choosing a company with decades of experience and a reputation as the best and most trustworthy in the business is always going to be the very best place for you to start.

Choosing a company does not have to be difficult, and you certainly do not have to pick from the meager selection available in most cities.  When you use the Internet, you will find yourself with access to the best dealers in the nation as well as an easy means of contacting a representative who will work with you personally to ensure that your experience buying gold coins is beneficial, easy, and offers you all that you are looking for.  Investing should always be made as simple as possible, and when you are able to trust the company you work with, it certainly can be.

Buying gold coins only from a reputable and trusted dealer means that you will never have to worry about counterfeits or bad deals.  A reliable company will always offer the very latest gold prices as well as deals that help you get more for your money.  Investing is a very crucial element of protecting your future as well as providing for your future generations.  Take the time to look for a company with the best investment quality coins possible as well as a history of excellent service.  The time spent will be well worth the effort and you will find that your portfolio is able to grow much more quickly when you are getting the best possible deals.

One of the ways that you can do this is to buy gold coin investments. Gold is a safe investment, and it is one of the most commonly sought after precious metals. Historically, gold has been used as a currency, and it stays strong even when the rest of the economy struggles.

You will be able to find companies that offer coins for investment purposes. Some of the most common types of coins available are the American Gold Buffalos and the American Gold Eagles. These bullion coins receive backing from the government so you know they are a safe investment, and they will never be worth less than their face value. Because the value of gold is going up, you will find that your coins are worth far more than their face value. As the price continues to go up, you will be able to watch your investment rise in value too.

When you are going to buy gold coins, you should make sure that you only deal with a company that has a good name in the business and that will be able to offer you the coins that you want. When it comes to investment purposes, your best bets will likely be the bullion coins. You will also be able to find rare coins, but in order to make them worth the time and money as an investment you will need to study the worth of the rare coins. The bullion coins are simply easier.

Do not risk all of your money in the stock market. While you might want to invest some o your money in stocks or real estate, you should still place a chunk of your investment money into gold coins. They are easy to buy and store and the coins will make a great addition to any investor’s portfolio.