1. Shop around for gold bullion coin sellers. Ideally, you will want to choose a seller asking the lowest premium (shipping, handling, tax, insurance, and margin over spot price) on your bullion coin or bar purchase. Prices vary widely among sellers, so your best bet is to compare ahead of time and choose one before you call in on a spot price.

Some dealers collect considerably less margin than others; during periods of adequate supply gold bullion coin typically sell at a 5 to 20 percent premium while gold bars sell with a 2 and 5 percent premium. Those premiums rise when gold is in short supply. Buying bullion gold coins or bars at higher volumes can also drive the premium price down, so consider buying larger amounts to capitalize on premium discounts.

Be sure the dealer has the gold in inventory and that you do not have to wait for the dealer to acquire the gold.

2. Build up a variety of gold bullion . In today's volatile economy, it's difficult to determine what currencies will be worth in a year, even five years from now. Most disaster preparation experts advise to keep three to six months of savings on-hand in case of a prolonged emergency. What about a financial collapse? What if your currency is deemed worthless?

Choosing a variety of gold types may be an effective form of preparation. Gold bullion coins such as Krugerrands and Gold Eagles are easily recognized for their gold value and can be exchanged all over the world. They are transportable and are easy to hide. Fractional Krugerrands and Eagles will be valuable in the daily exchange for goods and services. Although not as easy to exchange, gold bars can be hidden away discretely and saved for generations.

3. Keep away from collector's coins. Although heralded worldwide for their beauty and value, collector's coins are not a wise choice for the investment-minded individual. Collector coin prices tend to fluctuate widely based on age, amount of gold, and grade. They are not as tradable as circulated gold bullion coins, nor is their worth easily determined. Some collector's coins come from privately owned corporations rather than from the government, so the purity may be lower and without a guarantee.

4. Consider storage options. You may be tempted to purchase ETF's (Exchange Traded Funds) or have an entity hold your gold in escrow. These are options if you wish to deal with an increasing amount of investment risk. (Research what happened to ETF's buy doxycycline online in September 2008 when AIG faltered.)

However, you should re-think why you are purchasing gold in the first place; it is likely for asset protection during uncertain economic times. Wouldn't it make more sense to hold some tangible assets in your own domicile under your direct control? Look into a safe or vault purchase if you are concerned about safety and privacy.

5. Invest regularly and look long-term. Instead of making a large-sum, one-time purchase, consider an investment plan for acquiring more gold bullion coins and bars over time. By using simple cost-averaging techniques, you will spread expenses out evenly over time. Don't be discouraged if you see a cycle where spot prices drop dramatically. Over time, gold prices have always recovered from their lows.

Latest predictions say that gold may rise to over $2,000 per ounce in the near future as demand from China and India begin to strain supply. The worldwide economic downturn is also delaying gold mining research and development, further complicating the supply chain.

Christina Goldman asked:

Until recently, gold seemed to be viewed as just an ancient relic. Why buy gold bullion coins when you could get rich buying real estate or technology stocks? But, in these days of economic, political, and geopolitical uncertainty, gold is once again being recognized for what it is - real, true, honest money.

Although the price of gold bullion has more than tripled in price since 1999, gold is still a worthy investment. Here are nine vital reasons why now is the best time for every investor to buy gold bullion coins.

Gold Bullion Is A Safe-Haven Investment

Demand for gold by individuals and institutions increases during times of economic uncertainty and geopolitical risk. Gold has long been perceived as being a superior store of value. With Iran vowing to continue its uranium enrichment program, geopolitical concerns will remain high.

Gold Bullion Is Indestructible and Imperishable

Gold doesn't rust, corrode, or tarnish. It doesn't mildew, rot, or dissolve. You can't shatter it, ***** it, crumble it, or break it.

Gold Bullion Is A Good Hedge Against Inflation

Record food and oil prices are fueling global inflation. Investors will begin to seek out assets which are perceived to be anti-inflationary. And gold bullion has historically been perceived to be a good hedge against inflation.

Gold Bullion Provides Insurance Against Portfolio Risk

Investors who are concerned about the downside risk to their portfolios will naturally look to invest in gold. The returns on gold have very little correlation to assets such as bonds and equities. Thus, gold can be expected to perform well during unusual market conditions.

Gold Bullion Offers Protection Against Currency Risk

When the U.S. dollar falls, gold is often purchased as an alternative investment vehicle. A lower dollar also makes a dollar-priced commodity such as gold cheaper for investors holding other currencies. Therefore, as the fall in the dollar continues, investor demand for gold bullion will rise.

Gold Bullion Preserves Wealth

Currently, interest rates stand at 2%, half of the official inflation rate. The Federal Reserve's main concern right now is supporting the faltering financial sector. Interest rates must remain low until the housing sector and credit markets stabilize. Negative interest rates destroy the value of money kept in bank accounts and other non-speculative investments.

Gold Bullion Is Cheap Compared To Oil

The historical gold to oil ratio is one ounce of gold to fifteen barrels of oil. Gold bullion is currently trading at a ratio of 6.48, (based on the current price of gold at $920 divided by the current price of oil at $142) close to an all time record low. For the gold to oil ratio to return Buy Cipro Online without prescription to its historical mean, gold would have to trade at over $2100 an ounce.

Gold Bullion Is A Highly Liquid Asset

Gold is universally accepted around the world and can easily be bought and sold. As an investor in gold, you therefore have the alternative to trade gold bullion for different currencies if the need should arise.

Gold Bullion Demand Will Remain Strong

Higher inflation, rising oil prices, a declining dollar, a weakening U.S. economy, geopolitical tension abroad, and a slowdown in world economies will all play a part in the continued increase in the price of gold.

Featuring an adorable image of a Panda bear, the Chinese Panda Gold Coin has become one of the most sought after gold bullion coins. Here are twenty-one facts about this unique premium gold bullion coin.

1. The Chinese Panda coin was first issued in 1982, as a limited-edition gold bullion coin.

2. Each coin features a cute Panda bear on the obtuse side of the coin.

3. The 2008 Panda coin is the 26th different design in the series, featuring an adult Panda and a cub buying drugs munching on some bamboo stalks.

4. The gold Panda design was changed every year through 2000.

5. The Chinese government invoked a freeze on the design in 2001.

6. Only the 2001 and 2002 issues feature the same design, however.

7. The freeze was lifted in 1983 in response to demand by collectors of the coin.

8. Four different sizes of coins were issued the first year - 1/10 ounce, ¼ ounce, ½ ounce and 1 full troy ounce size.

9. The Chinese mint added a 1/20th ounce size coin in 1983.

10. The larger sized 5 troy ounce and 10 troy ounce coins were added in 1986.

11. The Chinese gold panda coin is only one of few gold coins issued worldwide in this size.

12. The coins have a purity of .999 gold.

13. The coins are not technically proof but a 'proof-like' brilliant uncirculated condition.

14. Proof sets were issued in 1986 through 1995. These proof sets command a much higher premium because of their limited issue and scarcity.

15. The Panda coins have a much smaller mintage, compared to other gold bullion coins such as the American Eagle, and Canadian Maple Leaf.

16. The earlier dated Pandas, in particular, have a very small mintage. The mintage of the 1982 one troy ounce Panda coin had a mintage of under 14,000.

17. 289,000 is largest mintage of any one troy ounce Panda coin.

18. In 1987, China issued the gold Pandas with two different mint marks - Y and S. A third mint mark was issued for the boxed proof set.

19. Additional commemorative issues of Panda gold coins were issued and distributed at coin conventions.

20. Ownership of the gold Panda coin was prohibited in China until 2004.

21. Panda coin jewelry is very popular. The one troy ounce coins are commonly used for necklace mountings. The smaller sized Pandas are used to create earrings, bracelets and pendants.

As you can see, the Chinese Panda gold coin is truly an exquisite, rare, fine bullion coin that every gold collector would be proud to own!