What to Invest In?

Whether you are new to bullion investment or not, it is important to understand the differences between the two precious metals - gold and silver, and the two forms they are sold in - bars and coins. Before making your decision it is advisable that you conduct some research, and weigh up the pros and cons of the options available. There is no definitive right or wrong answer, choosing what to invest in is down to the circumstances of the individual investor, but taking the time to understand your investment thoroughly is always recommended.

Many investors will also choose to invest in multiple assets, or different forms within a single asset. Buying both gold and silver provides you two assets that have some similarities, but also offer different opportunities, and exposure to different markets. If you're unsure what to invest in our investment calculator is a great place to start, simply enter a budget and select the metal, and the calculator will provide you with some options to consider based on a few different factors, such as coins and bars, tax considerations and more. Our team is also here to help, email support@gold.co.uk or call us on 0121 369 3000 and we will be happy to provide more information about the products available.

Bars or coins?

When it comes to buying bullion there is often some misunderstanding about what bullion constitutes. There is a common misconception that bullion only refers to a rectangular bar or ingot of gold, and that coins do not fall under the same category.

Furthermore, some investors believe that bars are the only way to buy cost-effective gold and that coins are too expensive and in more limited supply. However this is not the case, bullion can come in the form of both bars or coins, each having a range of different benefits to the investor.

Gold Bars

Larger bullion bars are usually considered by serious, large-scale investors. The reason behind this is mainly due to scales of economy; the greater the quantity the better the value for money. In the case of bars, their larger metal content results in lower premiums. Bars also cost less to make, most being cast and missing the high-detail designs of coins. However, there is a trade-off; large bars are not as flexible to sell.

For example; if an investor bought a 1kg bar in 2012, and decided in 2024 they wanted to release 200g of their investment, they wouldn’t be able to sell part of the large 1kg bar. On the other hand, if the investor had bought 1kg of gold in 10 units of 100g, then liquidating part of the investment could be achieved easily - View all gold bars.

Gold Coins

Although larger gold bars are an efficient way of buying gold, coins often prove to be a better investment. Despite the slightly higher price premium over bars, this becomes almost negligible when buying larger quantities.

Purchasing bullion in the form of coins gives the investor far more flexibility in comparison to larger bars, due to the smaller unit size. The other benefit for coins is the potential for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption. CGT exemption is currently available on our Sovereign and Britannia coins, read more about CGT on UK coins.

Large bars can certainly prove cheaper than coins, but once you get to one ounce or smaller, premiums
typically start to even out, and for very small bars (10 grams or less) coins of equivalent weight will
often be cheaper. When the time comes to sell your investment bullion coins and bars are both worth
their weight in gold - View all gold coins.

Gold or silver?

Individuals who are new to precious metal investment often question whether the should invest in gold or silver. Unfortunately there is no simple answer, like many things it all depends on the individual. Some savvy investors choose to own both, owning a mixture can be an effective way of diversifying and reducing risk within your portfolio.

Gold

Gold is suited to investors looking for personal wealth protection, and the diffusion of risk inherent with other forms of investment. Frequently regarded as a safe-haven, the price of gold is influenced by fluctuating supply and demand trends. Gold investments are best served over longer time periods. Gold gives you an ideal wealth foundation, providing investors with the opportunity to maintain their personal purchasing power. One of gold's biggest benefits is that it is VAT-free, and sold with low premiums, making it a very efficient investment - View our Top 5 Gold Investments.

Silver

Silver is often viewed as a more volatile commodity. Price is influenced by both commercial, industrial and investment demand, leaving it open to more erratic price movements. As a result, silver tends to appeal to investors who are less risk averse. Many gold investors choose to diversify their gold investment with silver, as doing this gives them exposure to the potential benefits of larger price surges - View our Top 5 Silver Investments.

We cannot offer personal investment or tax advice. This guide aims to offer a useful source of information and opinions to assist people in making their own informed decisions. If you do require detailed tax and investment advice, you should seek your own independent advice from an appropriately qualified adviser.