Buying gold bars? How size, cost and resale value compare

Buying gold bars is one of the most straightforward ways to invest in physical gold. Gold bars come in a variety of sizes, weights and formats, from one-gram bars to large institutional bars weighing hundreds of ounces.

Each of these differences can affect cost, liquidity and resale value. Understanding the types of gold bars on the market today will help you choose the right option for your budget and investment goals.

A gold bar is a form of gold bullion made from refined gold with a purity of at least 99.5%. Produced by government mints and private refineries, gold bars come in a wide range of sizes, from as small as 1 gram to as large as 400 troy ounces.

Each bar is typically stamped with key details, including its weight, purity and the refiner’s hallmark. Popular with both retail and institutional investors, gold bars often carry lower premiums than gold coins and can be relatively easy to buy and sell, especially when sourced from well-known refiners.

Gold bars can be a useful investment for diversification and long-term wealth preservation, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution.

One of gold’s main advantages is its role as a hedge against inflation and…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/