Top 5 Gold Products Every Stacker Needs to Own

We recently published a list of must-have silver products that appeal to a wide range of hobbyists and collectors, and now we’ve written a similar list for those who prefer gold bullion products. Because of gold’s higher price point, it takes dedication and frugality to invest in the yellow metal. You can be sure your money is well spent by investing in these top gold products that have proven to be popular among stackers like yourself.

#1: 2018 American Gold Eagle

Pros

• Gold Eagles, also known as AGEs, are widely recognizable. This makes them easy to buy and sell.
• AGEs are backed by the US government, guaranteeing their purity and quality.
• The classic design is inspired by art from Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who designed some of America’s most beautiful coins.

Cons

• The AGE’s design has not changed since the series began in 1986 (though some people consider this a positive trait of the coin).
• AGEs are made of 22 karat gold (.9167 pure), as opposed to 24 karate gold (.9999 pure).
• For those who collect AGEs with varying dates, some early dates can be hard to find and may sell at a high premium.

#2: 2018 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

Pros

• The Gold Maple is the second most popular gold coin in the world, following the Gold Eagle above. This speaks to its availability and liquidity.
• The Royal Canadian Mint employs innovative security features like radial lines, micro-engraving, bullion DNA technology, and more.
• The coin features a high quality strike and is made of .9999 fine gold.

Cons

• The Gold Maple’s designs remains the same year after year, offering little variety in this series.
• 24 karat gold is very soft, making these coins easy to damage when handling without protective packaging.
• When selling your Gold Maples, you may face tax reporting implications.

#3: 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand

Pros

• The Krugerrand is one of the oldest and longest-running modern gold bullion coins, which is a nod to its stability.
• This internationally top-selling gold coin can be bought and sold in many places.
• Made of 22 karat gold, Krugerrands can be handled with a much lower risk of damage.

Cons

• Krugerrand supply has been inconsistent, making these coins difficult to find and subject to extreme premium hikes (which some savvy stackers have been able to take advantage of over the years).
• The design is often viewed as bland and does not draw in much visual appeal.
• You may be subject to taxing when liquidating Krugerrands.

#4: Royal Canadian Mint 1 oz Gold Bar

Pros

• The RCM 1 oz gold bar has everything most investors look for in a gold bar, including a .9999 purity and unique serial number.
• Bars are packaged inside an assay card, which protects them from the elements and allows them to be handled.
• These bars provide an efficient way of stacking gold for a low premium.

Cons

• This bar does not feature intricate or attractive design elements. It focuses on function over fashion.
• This bar is not denominated, so it may not satisfy stackers with an interest in monetized bullion.

#5: $20 US Liberty Gold Double Eagle (Polished or Cleaned)

Pros

• The classic design featured on this coin capture a piece of US history.
• Premiums are currently at the lowest we’ve seen, providing you the chance to invest in a beautiful historic coin at an affordable price.
• Because the supply of these historic coins is limited, rising demand will drive up premiums in the future. Your investment could possibly yield high returns.

Cons

• Each of these coins weighs .9675 troy ounce, a fraction that can make it difficult to calculate how much gold you have.
• These coins may show signs of wear, such as scratches, rim dings, polishing, etc.
• It can be difficult to find these coins in quantity, and several dates in the series trade at premiums high above their melt value.

Bonus: 2018 30g Chinese Gold Panda

Pros

• The reverse panda bear design changes each year, which adds to the coin’s collectibility.
• Gold Pandas come packaged inside an original mint plastic capsule, providing worry-free handling and display.
• Panda coins, particularly those with back dates, have a history of appreciating in value tremendously.

Cons

• The Chinese Mint’s switch to the metric format has turned away many buyers because it sets Gold Pandas in a class of their own.
• Some stackers are concerned about counterfeit coins coming from China. However, Provident only sources our 2018 directs from authorized mint purchasers.
• It can be difficult to find a buyer willing to pay the high premium of some Gold Panda coins.

Our recommendations for gold stackers are based largely on proven popularity. But aside from top sellers, many people have their own unique preferences. Which gold bullion products catch your eye? Let us know in the comments below.