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Investing in Physical Gold: A Complete Guide for 2025

Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, security, and long-term value. In uncertain economic times, investors often turn to physical gold to hedge against inflation, diversify portfolios, and preserve purchasing power. This guide explores everything you need to know about investing in physical gold in the United States—its benefits, types, risks, storage options, and how to choose the best gold dealers for your investment goals.

Why Invest in Physical Gold?

Physical gold is a tangible asset that offers several unique benefits:

  • Inflation Hedge: Gold maintains its value when currency loses purchasing power.
  • Tangible Asset: Unlike stocks or bonds, you can physically hold gold.
  • Wealth Preservation: Historically, gold holds value during economic downturns.
  • Portfolio Diversification: Reduces risk by balancing traditional financial assets.
  • No Counterparty Risk: Unlike paper investments, gold ownership doesn’t rely on a third party.

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Forms of Physical Gold You Can Buy

When investing in physical gold, you’ll find several options:

1. Gold Bullion Bars

  • Available in sizes from 1 gram to 1 kilogram or more
  • Lower premium over spot price
  • Popular among high-volume investors

2. Gold Coins

  • Issued by government mints (e.g., U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint)
  • Common coins: American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand
  • Highly liquid and easy to resell

3. Gold Rounds

  • Similar in size and shape to coins but produced by private mints
  • Not legal tender but often cheaper than coins

4. Gold Jewelry (limited investment use)

  • Can be worn and collected, but typically comes with high markups
  • Not ideal for serious investors

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Understanding Gold Purity and Weight

Gold is measured in karats and fineness:

  • 24K (99.9%): Pure gold, commonly used in bullion bars and some coins
  • 22K (91.6%): Used in American Gold Eagles
  • Weight is measured in troy ounces (1 troy ounce = 31.1 grams)

Where to Buy Physical Gold in the USA?

You have two main options for purchasing physical gold:

1. Online Precious Metals Dealers

  • Reputable names: APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion, Goldco
  • Wide selection and competitive pricing
  • Doorstep delivery with insurance

2. Local Gold and Coin Shops

  • Offers personal interaction and immediate possession
  • Good for small quantity purchases
  • Compare local dealer prices with online listings

Always verify that your dealer is accredited by organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG).

Costs Involved in Buying Gold

Beyond the spot price of gold, investors should account for:

  • Premiums: The markup over spot price, typically 2–10%
  • Shipping & Insurance: Especially for large online orders
  • Storage Fees: If using a vault or depository service
  • Sales Tax: Depends on your state (some states are tax-exempt for gold)

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Storing Your Physical Gold Safely

Proper storage is critical to protect your investment:

1. Home Safe

  • Offers quick access
  • Choose a fireproof, waterproof safe
  • May require additional insurance

2. Bank Safety Deposit Box

  • High security
  • Limited access outside banking hours
  • Not insured by the bank

3. Professional Vault or Depository

  • Fully insured and monitored
  • Ideal for large investments
  • Examples: Brinks, Delaware Depository, Loomis

Selling Physical Gold

When it’s time to liquidate your gold, you can sell through:

  • Reputable online dealers
  • Local coin shops
  • Gold buying companies (beware of lowball offers)

Tips:

  • Know the current spot price
  • Get multiple offers
  • Retain original packaging and certificates for better resale value

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Tax Implications of Owning Physical Gold

In the U.S., physical gold is considered a collectible by the IRS.

  • Gains are taxed at up to 28% if held for more than one year
  • Short-term gains taxed as ordinary income
  • You must report capital gains on your tax return

Consult with a tax advisor to understand your specific obligations.

Physical Gold vs. Gold ETFs and Digital Gold

FeaturePhysical GoldGold ETFs / Digital Gold
OwnershipYou own real goldYou own a share or digital right
Storage RequiredYesNo
LiquidityMediumHigh
Counterparty RiskNoneYes
PrivacyHighLower

 

Best Practices When Buying Physical Gold

  • Research the Dealer: Only buy from reputable, well-reviewed sources
  • Get Documentation: Certificates of authenticity, receipts, and serial numbers
  • Plan for Storage: Secure your investment from day one
  • Track Market Prices: Monitor spot prices and buy during dips
  • Buy in Small Quantities at First: Especially if you’re a beginner

 

Final Thoughts

Investing in physical gold remains a time-tested strategy for wealth preservation and financial diversification. While it doesn’t pay interest or dividends, gold offers unmatched security and serves as a powerful hedge during economic uncertainty.

The gold IRA companies we list on our site are legitimate and trusted companies. Every type of investment has risks associated. It’s important to understand these risks when you invest in gold or other precious metals before you make any transaction.

To get the most up-to-date and accurate prices, you can request a quote directly from the gold IRA company of your choice. You can visit their website where a Free Quote button is usually available.

Yes. This is a common scenario that gold IRA companies help their customers with. Aside from 401(k), you can also roll over traditional IRA, Roth IRA, TSP accounts, 457, 403(b), and pensions into gold IRA.

There are some gold IRA companies that will let you see the precious metals at an approved depository. Because these precious metals are owned by the IRA, you cannot liquidate them until you reach 59 ½ years old. Retirees usually receive their assets through physical precious metals or cash payments.