Gold and silver bullion - best place to buy?

[ButterflyBreath]

I would like to invest a tiny bit in gold or silver, but want to make sure i don't get scammed. I can't buy much, maybe an oz or even just half an oz. for those of you who have bought, who would you recommend buying from online?

[CeciliaW]

Why do you want to do this?

[bae]

http://www.gainesvillecoins.com/

I buy a lot of silver for blacksmithing projects. These guys deliver as promised, have good prices, and aren't scammers.

[CeciliaW]

Interesting link, bae. I use a good bit for the jewelry and just buy sheet from a couple of places locally. I jwatch the market and buy when it's dropped and/or need it for a specific order.

I was questioning why the OP wanted to "invest" in such a small amount and all the considerations that would go with selling it again at some future date (a whole nother thread).

I guess I've never looked for it before but I have never seen Copper sold as commemorative or 'investment' coins before. Maybe it's just the 'next big thing'.

In any case, for the weight the OP was mentioning I needed more information.

[pinkytoe]

Interesting to read about self-directed IRAs at the coin site. I didn't realize one could invest in coins (metals) in an IRA.

[bae]

Personally I don't consider purchasing metals "investing" - it falls into the "commodities speculation" category in my investing brain.

As such, I don't bother with holding "precious metals", except small quantities that I *use*.

[CeciliaW]

I'm with bae on this one. Silver is just a material that I use, like Glass and Leather and such.

[dmc]

I have bought some gold in the past. I got mine from a local coin shop. I think the spread was around $30. I don't have much, about 1% of my net worth. Its just something to have, I use to collect silver dollars, I still have them, and I just like the look and feel of gold coins.

[Blackdog Lin]

For small amounts, I might suggest checking out your local coin shops. Ask around for recommendations, and visit them to get a feel as to their trustworthiness. Talk to the proprietors about your wants and needs, and check out their merchandise. When you find one you feel good about, develop a relationship and buy now and again. This is how I got started.

I believe in metal purchasing, only problem is I can't afford much of it. I consider it a small but important part of my retirement investing, a hedge against inflation.