This is rather self-explanatory.
Gold stacks in smaller square footage to silver.
Know where you will safely hide your bullion before you buy it. Bars stack easiest. Mint cases of coins maybe a close second dependent upon the type. Sadly silver Eagle coin mint case are like Cadillacs, if space is an issue, drop the green box.
Can you cut ties to mint cases? Yes for those would be very easy to fake, so yes cut ties and inspect your bullion always. Then stow it away in a safe place.
| Bars | Rounds | Coins | |
| Lowest Cost | Best | Better | O.K. |
| Privacy Buy / Sell | O.K. | O.K. | Best |
| Recognition / 2-way Market Liquidity | O.K. | O.K. | Best |
| Legal Tender | – | – | Best |
| International Transport | Better | O.K. | Best |
| Currency Crisis Hedge | O.K. | Better | Best |
| Susceptibility to Counterfeit | O.K. | Fair | Better |
| Speed of Sale | O.K. | O.K. | Best |
| Stackability | Best | O.K. | O.K. |
The next article in our Beginners’ Guide to Buying Physical Bullion will discuss how to choose the correct bullion dealer.
» Choosing Your Trusted Bullion Dealer