By Mark Sandulli · Founder & editor · Updated October 13, 2026
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
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