"It is also important to think about the work you will face when you decide to sell. Comparing prices when you buy gold coins or small investment bars is much easier than trying to shop around when you want to cash in. That's especially true if you're looking to bank the biggest gain you can when gold prices are high, because it's likely that lots of other gold investors will also be rushing to sell their coins or small bars at the same time. Retail coin and bar dealers swamped by supply will naturally cut the price they're willing to pay. You will also need to mail or carry your gold to the shop that's buying it from you, adding costs and risk again."