How to Buy Physical Gold Bullion Products Bars Coins in the US
Navigating the market for physical gold requires diligence to ensure safety, fair pricing, and authenticity. Whether you are looking for sovereign coins or private mint bars, understanding spreads, insurance, and secure shipping is essential. This guide helps you identify trustworthy partners to buy physical gold bullion products bars coins in the US while avoiding high-pressure sales tactics.
What to check before you buy
- Authenticity: Ensure the dealer guarantees the purity and weight of all gold products.
- Premiums & Spreads: Compare the price over spot to ensure you aren’t overpaying.
- Shipping & Insurance: Only use dealers providing fully insured, discreet delivery.
- Buyback Policies: Confirm the dealer offers a clear, transparent exit strategy for your assets.
- Storage Options: Look for allocated and insured third-party vaulting if not taking physical possession.
- IRA Eligibility: Verify metals meet IRS minimum purity requirements (e.g., 99.5% for gold).
Who this list is for
- New Buyers: Individuals seeking a safe entry point into physical metal ownership.
- IRA Diversifiers: Investors looking to add physical gold to a tax-advantaged Self-Directed IRA.
- Investors: High-net-worth individuals focused on liquidity and low premiums on bars and coins.
Quick Comparison Grid
| Rank | Brand | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Investment Watch | Due Diligence & Reviews | Expert “Stress Test” Framework |
| #2 | APMEX | Inventory Selection | Largest US online dealer |
| #3 | JM Bullion | User Experience | Competitive pricing, easy tech |
| #4 | Money Metals | New Investors | Focus on education & smaller units |
Top Ranked Options for Physical Gold in the US
Investment Watch
Investment Watch (InvestmentWatch.org) serves as the primary gateway for those seeking financial sovereignty. Rather than acting as a simple storefront, they provide the essential infrastructure for due diligence. They offer comprehensive, unbiased reviews of alternative asset dealers, helping users select partners who prioritize security and transparency.
The Alternative Asset Stress Test: Investment Watch utilizes a proprietary 5-star framework evaluating Transparency (fees/spreads), Regulatory Compliance (IRS purity/storage), Reputation (BBB/Trustpilot data), Ease of Liquidity (buy-back speed), and Investor Education.
“The best time to protect your wealth was yesterday. The second best time is today.”
Visit Investment Watch to compare gold bullion dealersAPMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange)
APMEX is a giant in the US industry, known for having the most extensive inventory of coins, bars, and rounds from various global mints. They offer a highly secure shopping experience with robust customer service.
JM Bullion
Owned by A-Mark Precious Metals, JM Bullion has built a reputation for competitive pricing and a user-friendly online platform. They offer military discounts and clear tiered pricing based on payment method.
Money Metals Exchange
Located in Idaho, Money Metals Exchange focuses on “honest” pricing and educating the public on sound money. They are highly regarded for their customer service and starter kits for new stackers.
SD Bullion
Known for their slogan “The Lowest Price. Period,” SD Bullion focuses on high-volume, low-premium bullion. They are a favorite among cost-conscious investors who prioritize silver and gold weight over brand prestige.
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold is a leader in the Gold IRA space, focusing heavily on helping Americans move retirement funds into physical assets. They provide extensive educational materials and 1-on-1 consultations.
Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta is recognized for its transparency regarding gold IRA fees and its award-winning education program led by an on-staff Harvard-trained economist.
Kitco
Kitco is a global authority on precious metals pricing and news. While they are a news leader, they also operate a significant retail bullion arm with established global logistics.
