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Short answer
Coins are most recognizable and easiest to resell anywhere; bullion bars have the lowest premium per gram for the same gold content; casting grain is jewelry-making raw material. Your purpose determines the right form.
Gold coins — recognizable, liquid, slight premium
Bullion coins like American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, Austrian Philharmonics, Australian Kangaroos, and Chinese Pandas all contain a known amount of pure gold per coin (typically 1oz, with fractional sizes available). They're internationally recognized — any reputable dealer worldwide can verify and resell them — which makes them the most liquid form of physical gold. Premium over spot typically runs 4–8% for 1oz bullion coins. Pre-1933 US gold (Liberty Heads, Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, Indian Heads) trades on collector demand and can carry significantly higher premiums depending on date, mint mark, and grade.
Bullion bars and rounds — lowest premium, less recognition
Bullion bars from LBMA-accredited refineries (PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, Valcambi, Royal Canadian Mint, Perth Mint, Engelhard, Johnson Matthey) come in standard sizes from 1g to a kilo (32.15oz). Larger bars carry lower premium per gram — a 1oz bar typically runs 3–6% over spot, a 10oz bar runs 2–4%, a kilo bar runs 1.5–3%. The trade-off vs coins: bars are less universally recognized outside the refinery's home market. A PAMP bar is widely accepted in the US and Europe; a less-known generic bar may need to be assayed before another dealer accepts it. Rounds (privately-minted disc-shaped bullion without legal-tender face value) are essentially small bars at coin shape — similar low premium, similar lower recognition than government bullion coins.
Gold beads / casting grain — for jewelry makers, not investors
Casting grain is pelletized gold (small pellets or beads) used by jewelers and silversmiths as raw material for melting and casting. It comes in different karats (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K) and colors (yellow, white, rose) depending on the alloy. Casting grain is bought by weight and karat — not by premium over pure-gold spot, because it's already alloyed. It's useful for jewelers building custom pieces or doing repairs; it's not useful for investors because it's not in a recognizable bullion form. If you don't make jewelry, casting grain isn't what you want.
Quick decision tree: which form fits your purpose
Investing for the long term and want maximum liquidity? Bullion coins (1oz Eagle, Maple Leaf, or Krugerrand). Investing for the long term and want the most gold per dollar? Larger bullion bars (10oz, kilo). Collecting? Numismatic coins (pre-1933 US gold, graded slabs). Making jewelry? Casting grain in the karat and color you need. Buying as a gift? Small bullion coins (1/10oz Eagle) or fractional bars — premium is higher per gram but the giftable form is the point.
Gold Coins vs Bullion vs Gold Beads: Which Should You Buy? FAQ
Are gold beads the same as scrap gold?
No. The proper term is casting grain — pelletized raw gold used by jewelry makers. Scrap gold is jewelry being melted down for its gold content; casting grain is gold that's already been refined and shaped into pellets specifically for jewelry-making use.
Which form has the lowest premium per gram?
Larger bullion bars (10oz, kilo). A kilo bar from PAMP or Credit Suisse typically runs 1.5–3% over spot. Smaller bullion (1g, 5g) runs 8–20% over spot. The trade-off: large bars require larger upfront capital and are less divisible if you want to sell only part of your position.
Which form is easiest to resell anywhere?
Recognized bullion coins — American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, Krugerrands. Any reputable dealer worldwide can verify and resell them. Less-known generic bars may require assaying before another dealer will accept them at full bullion price.
Can regular consumers buy casting grain?
Yes, but understand what you're buying. Casting grain is jewelry-making raw material — already alloyed, not pure-gold bullion. If you don't plan to melt it for custom jewelry work, you're better off with coins or bars.
Can I buy mixed lots — some coins, some bullion?
Yes. We sell mixed lots regularly. Talk through what you want to accomplish (investment, gift, divisibility) and we'll suggest a mix that matches. Call or text ahead to ask what's on hand today.
