By Mark Sandulli · Founder & editor · Updated October 13, 2026 · Not financial advice
Gold bars usually give you more gold per dollar. Coins cost a little more but are easier to recognize and sell in small amounts. For most first-time buyers, 1 oz coins or 1 oz bars from a well-known refiner are both sound choices.
| 1 oz gold bar | 1 oz gold coin (Eagle, Maple Leaf) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical premium over spot | 3–5% | 4–8% |
| Made by | Private refiners (PAMP, Valcambi) | Government mints |
| Easy to resell? | Yes, from known refiners | Yes, recognized everywhere |
| Sell in small pieces? | Only if you buy small bars, which cost more | Yes, fractional coins exist |
| Allowed in a Gold IRA? | Yes, if .995 pure or better | Yes; Eagles are a special exception |
Choose bars if you want the most gold for your money and plan to hold a larger amount. Bigger bars are cheaper still: a 1 kg bar often sells for just 1–3% over spot.
Choose coins if you want gold that any dealer will recognize instantly, or you may want to sell a little at a time.
Skip: tiny bars of 1 gram or so (premiums of 10–18%), and "collector" or proof coins if you're buying for the gold itself.
A note on Gold IRAs. If the gold goes in a retirement account, it must be at least 99.5% pure. The American Gold Eagle is allowed even though it's 22-karat. Collectible and rare coins are not allowed, so be wary of any company pushing them for an IRA.
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Where to buy
Ready to buy? Compare these dealers
- JM BullionFree shipping over a minimum orderView prices
- APMEXOne of the largest selections onlineView prices
- SD BullionCompetes hard on low premiumsView prices
- Bullion ExchangesCoins, bars and rare coinsView prices
Compare the total price for the same coin, and pay from your bank account if you can; it’s usually cheaper than a credit card. We may earn a commission from these links; it never changes the order. How we make money.
This is general information, not financial advice.
Sources: MetalCharts coin premiums, Sept 2026 · IRA Financial: IRS-approved precious metals, 2026
About this guide
Written by Mark Sandulli, founder of BestGoldPrice.com. Mark is not a financial advisor, tax professional, attorney or precious-metals dealer. This guide is general information based on public sources, not financial, tax or legal advice, and it may contain errors or be out of date. Precious metals can lose value. Confirm prices, fees and rules with the company and a licensed professional before you buy. We may earn a commission from some links. Read our full disclaimer.
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