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Quality of Gold Bars

As with all purchases, investors must exercise due diligence to insure they purchase high-quality gold bars. While gold is gold, it is not true that all gold bars are of equal quality.

Some investors have been duped into buying forged or counterfeit gold bars. Some forged bars contain less-than-pure gold (most gold bars are 99.99% pure gold, which is often stamped on the bars). Partially-forged bars (especially large bars) may contain a hidden cavity filled with tungsten. Shady operators even sell copper bars coated with a thin layer of gold.

One method to assure the quality of gold bars is to perform a metallurgical assay. However, assays are typically practical only for large individual, institutional or governmental investors due to their costs and the time required to perform them.

For most investors, the best way to assure the quality of a gold bar is to purchase only from a well-known, trusted and established supplier, and to obtain an assay certificate of the gold bar's weight and purity.

Investors can also purchase branded gold bars from trusted names like Credit Suisse, OPM Metals or Perth Mint. Such bars are often stamped with the brand name and/or are sold with anti-forgery devices such as sealed, tamper-proof packages or even holographs to prove their authenticity.

Investors in high-quality gold bars will find it easier to sell them at a fair price.

Other Terms of Sale for Gold Bars

Investors seeking to purchase gold bars have many choices.

Some investors have ready access to local coin shops or jewelry shops which buy and sell gold bars. In some countries, such as Canada, Austria, Switzerland and Argentina, investors can buy and sell gold bars at major banks.

For most investors, the most convenient way to buy gold bars is through an online supplier. There are many online suppliers, including Golden Eagle Coins, Provident Metals, and Monex Precious Metals. Gold bars can also be purchased through online auction sites like eBay.

Investors should consider a number of factors in selecting an on-line supplier:

Reputation: Purchase gold bars only from reputable suppliers to assure their quality. Be especially wary of purchasing unbranded gold bars from individuals.

Premiums: Savvy investors price-shop between suppliers to obtain the lowest premiums between the spot price of gold and the price of the gold bars.

Shipping Costs: As with other online purchases, shipping costs http://valeroofing.com.au/vale-roofing-services/guttering.php depend on the shipping weight and speed of delivery. Some suppliers offer free shipping for large purchases.

Insurance: Make sure the delivery is guaranteed and check if there are any insurance fees.

Payment Charges: Some suppliers offer cash discounts or charge fees for credit card purchases or bank transfers.

Hidden Commissions: Review the bottom line price for any hidden costs.