If you’re new to investing in precious metals, bullion coins are a smart place to start. They’re easy to buy, simple to understand, and backed by trusted mints like the U.S. Mint or the Royal Canadian Mint. You’re not buying collectibles or rare coins—bullion coins are valued mainly for their gold or silver content.
In this guide, you’ll learn which bullion coins are considered the best for investment. You’ll also see how trusted dealers like APMEX and Hero Bullion make it easier for beginners to get started. You’ll find out what matters most when picking a coin—things like purity, market demand, and how easy it is to sell later. There are also some helpful tips on storage and buying securely, so you can invest with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Top bullion coins for investment include the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and American Silver Eagle.
- Trusted dealers like APMEX bullion, Hero Bullion, JM Bullion, and SD Bullion make it easy to buy genuine coins safely.
- Purity, demand, and resale value are the primary factors to consider when selecting bullion coins.
- Supplementary platforms like SHIPHYPE and Yakkyofy support reselling and inventory management.
- Lower premiums, strong liquidity, and secure storage are key to maximizing your bullion coin investment.
What Are Bullion Coins?
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Bullion coins are made from precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. Their value comes from the weight and purity of the metal, not from how rare the coin is. That’s a big reason why investors like you often choose them—they’re straightforward and reliable.
You’ll see common sizes like 1 oz (one ounce), but some coins also come in smaller or larger weights, depending on how much you want to spend. Most bullion coins are at least 99.9% pure. Gold coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf are actually 99.99% pure, while others like the American Gold Eagle are 91.67% pure (22-karat) but still contain one full ounce of gold.
Best Bullion Coins to Consider for Investment
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Now that you know what bullion coins are, let’s look at some of the top choices for investors. These coins are known for their purity, recognition, and strong resale value, making them ideal whether you’re just starting or adding to an existing portfolio.
1. American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States. It’s made with 91.67% gold (22-karat) but still contains a full troy ounce of pure gold. It also includes small amounts of silver and copper to enhance its durability.
- Pros for Beginner Investors: You get the backing of the U.S. Mint, strong resale value, and a coin that’s easy to recognize. It’s one of the most popular gold coins in the world, which makes buying and selling simple.
- Availability: You’ll find it in stock year-round at APMEX and Hero Bullion, often in multiple sizes—from 1/10 oz up to 1 oz.
2. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
This coin is 99.99% pure gold (24-karat), making it one of the purest gold coins available. It’s issued by the Royal Canadian Mint and recognized internationally.
- Advanced Security Features: The coin includes laser-engraved radial lines and a micro-engraved maple leaf as anti-counterfeit features. These details give buyers extra confidence.
- Ideal for Long-Term Holders: Because of its purity and global reputation, it’s a solid choice if you’re planning to hold gold for many years. It’s also easy to liquidate when the time comes.
3. American Silver Eagle
This is the official silver coin of the U.S. Mint. It contains one full ounce of .999 fine silver and is a go-to for new investors.
- Affordable Entry Point for New Investors: Silver Eagles cost a lot less than gold, so you can start investing without spending thousands. It’s a low-risk way to get into precious metals.
- High Demand = Easy Liquidity: Because it’s so popular, selling it is rarely a problem. Dealers and other buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
4. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
This coin stands out for its extra purity—99.99% silver compared to the standard 99.9%. That’s a small difference, but it adds to its appeal.
- Competitive Premiums: You’ll usually pay a lower premium over the spot price compared to the American Silver Eagle, which means you get more silver for your dollar.
- Reputation for Quality: It’s made by the Royal Canadian Mint and known for excellent production standards and built-in security features.
5. South African Krugerrand
The Krugerrand was the first modern gold bullion coin, introduced in 1967. It helped kick off global gold investing for everyday buyers.
- Lower Premium Over Spot Price: You typically pay less over spot for a Krugerrand compared to coins like the Eagle or Maple Leaf. That can help you buy more gold for less.
- No Face Value, But Widely Recognized: Unlike other coins, it doesn’t have a dollar amount on it, but it’s still legal tender in South Africa. Its long history and global popularity make it easy to sell.
6. Austrian Philharmonic
The Austrian Gold Philharmonic is one of Europe’s most popular bullion coins. It’s issued by the Austrian Mint and available in gold and silver.
- Available in Gold and Silver: If you want the same design across different metals, this coin makes it easy. Both versions are high purity (.999 or higher) and well respected.
- Elegant Design and Stable Resale Value: The design features musical instruments and appeals to collectors as well as investors. It’s well known and trades easily, especially in Europe.
Where to Buy Bullion Coins
Once you’ve decided which coins to invest in, the next step is knowing where to buy them safely. Let’s explore some of the most trusted bullion dealers online, including APMEX, Hero Bullion, and JM Bullion, and what makes each one a reliable choice.
1. APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange)
Source: APMEX
APMEX is one of the largest and most established online precious metals dealers in the United States. It’s been in business since 2000 and offers a huge selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products—including all the top bullion coins.
Key Features:
- Trusted reputation with millions of transactions completed
- Offers both bullion and collectible coins
- Secure storage is available through Citadel (a partner vault service)
- Automatic Investment Program for recurring purchases
- Easy-to-use website with real-time pricing and account tracking
- Free shipping on orders over $199
2. Hero Bullion
Source: Hero Bullion
Hero Bullion is a newer player compared to APMEX, but has quickly built a solid reputation. It focuses on low premiums, educational content, and great customer service, making it a strong choice for beginners.
Key Features:
- Competitive pricing with lower premiums than many big dealers
- Clear and simple website layout
- Strong focus on educating first-time investors
- Offers a wide range of bullion coins and bars
- No hidden fees—prices are transparent
- Responsive customer support with real people (not bots)
3. JM Bullion
Source: JM Bullion
JM Bullion is one of the most popular online bullion dealers in the U.S., known for its wide selection, fast shipping, and user-friendly site. It started in 2011 and is based in Texas.
Key Features:
- Offers gold, silver, platinum, and copper products
- Regular promotions and discounts for bulk orders
- Accepts multiple payment methods, including ACH, wire, and crypto
- Secure packaging and insurance on all shipments
- Loyalty program for returning buyers
- Fully transparent pricing with no commissions
4. SD Bullion
Source: SD Bullion
SD Bullion (short for “Silver Doctors Bullion”) was launched in 2012 and has earned a reputation for offering some of the lowest Bullion prices online. It focuses on serving serious investors with affordable, no-frills service.
Key Features:
- Known for offering the lowest prices on many bullion products
- Special deals and “starter packs” for new investors
- Free shipping on orders over $199
- Sells IRA-approved bullion for retirement investing
- Offers vault storage options
- Accepts checks, wires, credit cards, and Bitcoin
Each of these dealers offers secure transactions, fast shipping, and solid customer support. You can start with any of them and feel confident you’re getting genuine bullion coins at fair prices.
If you’re comparing them, focus on things like premiums, shipping costs, payment options, and storage solutions to find what fits you best.
Supplementary Platforms: Bullion Coin Purchase & Resale
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Beyond just buying and holding bullion, some investors look for ways to scale their strategy or resell coins. If that’s your goal, these platforms can support operations like inventory management, fulfillment, or even bulk sourcing, adding more flexibility to your investment approach.
These platforms don’t sell bullion online directly, but they can make the process smoother, especially if you’re thinking about scaling your operations.
1. WholesaleB2B
WholesaleB2B is a global wholesale marketplace that connects buyers with manufacturers and distributors. While it’s not a traditional bullion dealer, it’s useful if you’re exploring bulk acquisition of precious metals or related items.
- Ideal for sourcing in large volumes at low prices
- Helpful for investors looking for alternative precious metal suppliers
- May offer opportunities beyond traditional coins, such as generic silver bullion, rounds, or even packaging for resale
If you’re managing a growing stack of gold bullion and silver bullion, this platform could support your needs on the supply side.
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2. Yakkyofy
Yakkyofy is a dropshipping platform that automates sourcing, order fulfillment, and delivery. It’s not used to buy gold or silver bullion online, but it’s valuable if you plan to resell bullion-related items like coin holders, display cases, or branded packaging.
- Integrates with e-commerce platforms for automated selling
- Can help streamline logistics if you’re shipping gold bullion bars, silver rounds, or accessories
- Useful if you’re testing demand for bullion offers through online stores
For investors branching into selling American Eagle bullion coins or accessories, Yakkyofy provides a hands-off way to manage inventory and shipping.
3. SHIPHYPE Fulfillment
SHIPHYPE is a 3PL (third-party logistics) company that helps store, pack, and ship products. If you’re buying bullion with the intention to resell or distribute, especially larger quantities of physical bullion, this platform can take care of the backend work.
- Offers warehousing, inventory tracking, and secure shipping
- Can support reselling strategies for silver and platinum coins or gold bullion bars
- Helpful for e-commerce models selling through Shopify, Amazon, or your own website
If you’ve sourced American Buffalo bullion, eagle coins, or platinum bullion online, SHIPHYPE can keep the storage and delivery organized.
With Shiphype, you'll be able to take advantage of more online marketplaces with seamless order fulfillment that frees your team's time.
Using platforms like these doesn’t replace buying directly from trusted dealers like APMEX or SD Bullion, but they can support your plan to invest in gold, scale a bullion business, or maintain control of inventory. They’re especially helpful if you’re thinking beyond just holding physical bullion and want to explore it as a part of a broader asset strategy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bullion Coins
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With so many options and dealers available, how do you make the best decision? Here are the key factors to keep in mind when picking bullion coins so you can invest wisely and avoid common pitfalls.
- Check the coin’s purity and make sure it’s guaranteed by a trusted government mint.
- Choose popular coins that are easy to sell, like American Silver Eagles or Canadian Maple Leafs.
- Pay attention to the premium over spot price and pick coins with lower premiums to get more value.
- Stick with coins backed by government mints for trust and easier resale.
- Plan how you’ll safely store your coins, using a secure safe or professional storage services.
- Start investing in one metal (gold or silver) and expand your portfolio slowly as you learn.
Final Thoughts
You’ve now got a clear picture of the top bullion coins, where to buy them, and how to support your investment strategy with the right tools. Coins like the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and American Silver Eagle offer a solid mix of purity, trust, and easy resale. Trusted dealers such as APMEX and Hero Bullion make buying straightforward and secure, helping you build your portfolio with confidence. Keep in mind the key factors like purity, premiums, and storage to make smarter investment decisions.
For the latest deals and promotions on bullion coins, make sure to subscribe to our website. You’ll get updates that help you buy gold bullion and silver at the best prices. Want to learn more? Check out our articles on top online bullion sites and other helpful guides to grow your knowledge and investment portfolio.
FAQs
Which Are The Most Popular Bullion Coins To Invest In?
The most popular bullion coins include the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand, Australian Kangaroo, and the Austrian Philharmonic.
Why Should I Consider Investing In Bullion Coins?
Bullion coins provide a tangible asset that can act as a hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and economic uncertainty. They are also easy to store, transport, and sell.
What Makes APMEX A Trusted Source For Bullion Coins?
APMEX is a reputable online precious metals dealer known for a wide selection, transparent pricing, secure transactions, and customer service, making it a preferred choice for many investors.
How Does Hero Bullion Compare To APMEX?
Hero Bullion is an emerging bullion dealer that offers competitive prices, fast shipping, and a good variety of bullion products, making it a solid alternative to more established dealers like APMEX.
Which Bullion Coins Are Best For Beginners?
For beginners, the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and Silver American Eagle are often recommended due to their liquidity, recognition, and purity.
