record highs of over $2900 per ounce so far in 2025

But investors have long looked to gold for many reasons, including its ability to maintain a store of value in a portfolio that is otherwise swayed by market fluctuations.

Record highs of over $2,900 an ounce. But investors have long looked to gold for many reasons, including its ability to maintain a store of value in a portfolio that is otherwise swayed by market fluctuations.

Gold bullion coins: Coins made for investors who want to add precious metals to their portfolios and are more interested in the metal content of the coin rather than how collectible it is. Gold bullion coins are named after the government entity that mints them, such as the Canadian Maple Leaf coin. Gold bullion coins are valued for their metal content and their price roughly tracks the spot price.

Proof coins: These coins, also called collector’s coins, are minted from precious metals in smaller quantities with a greater attention to detail. Proof coins typically sell at a higher premium and are targeted more toward collectors than investors. Proof coins are valued for their scarcity, design and artisanship. Their price isn’t as tied to spot prices.

Gold bullion coins are typically sold at a small premium over spot. For example, if the spot price of gold is $1,800 an ounce, a 1-ounce gold bullion coin might sell for $1,820. This premium varies by coin and retailer.

If you’re looking to invest in gold for its ability to maintain value during market fluctuations, then gold bullion coins are a good option. If you’re looking for coins as an investment that will increase in value over time due to scarcity, then proof coins might be better.

If you’re interested in investing in gold coins, here are a few of the most popular options:

U.S. Gold Eagle coins

Canadian Maple Leaf coins

Chinese Panda coins

South African Krugerrand

If you’re interested in silver coins, you can purchase silver bullion coins. These days, you can purchase platinum and palladium coins as well.

Coins are sold by authorized mints and authorized purchasers who then sell the coins to retailers or directly to the public.

Other ways to invest in gold

Besides coins, there are several other ways to invest in gold.

Gold bullion bars or rounds, which are cheaper than coins of the same purity due to minting costs

Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds

Holding gold in an IRA as part of your retirement strategy