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How to Start Buying Physical Gold and Silver in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide

ByMichael

Whether you’re concerned about inflation, market volatility, or simply want to diversify your overleveraged stock portfolio, investing in tangible assets like precious metals is a time-tested way to preserve and grow wealth.

Physical gold and silver are no longer reserved for the wealthy elite. More individuals are turning to gold and silver as a practical way to safeguard their financial futures outside of traditional markets. But with terms like “bullion,” “junk silver,” “graded coins,” and “rounds” tossed around, it’s easy to feel lost before making your first purchase. So where should you begin?

In this guide, we’ll break down the what, why, and how of investing in precious metals based on your goals. Use it as a reference, come back to it as needed, and skip ahead to any section that speaks to where you are in your investment journey.

Why Buy Gold and Silver in 2025?

Portfolio Diversification

Precious metals are one of the few asset classes that historically move independently from stocks and bonds. They provide a cushion during economic downturns and financial crises and are often overlooked in their historic performance – even beating the S&P 500 in the first 3 months of 2025. 

Historic Performance vs. Fiat Currencies

Gold has preserved wealth for over 5,000 years, while fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar consistently lose purchasing power each year since getting off the gold standard. Silver, often called “the poor man’s gold,” also has a strong historical record of holding value.

Inflation Hedge

As central banks continue to print money, gold and silver offer protection against inflation and currency devaluation. Even with the 2% inflation target the Fed sets, real-world inflation clearly far exceeds projections – just look at your grocery bill in the last five years.

Precious Metals: Physical vs Paper

Gold, silver, and numismatics each have a place in a portfolio depending on your investment goals. Options include physical gold and silver like bullion, rounds, or Pre-33 gold, or paper assets like gold ETFs and mining stocks. At NumisAdvisor, we recommend starting with physical metal – after all, if you don’t hold it, you don’t own it. Like the crypto investors say, not your keys, not your coins.

Bullion, Coins, or Bars: So What Should You Buy First?

Everyone Has Different Goals Not every portfolio can afford gold right away, and that’s okay. There are many strategies depending on your budget and timeline. Here’s what you need to know.

Popular Bullion Coins

American Eagles and Canadian Maple Leafs are top-tier choices. They’re widely recognized, easy to resell, and often eligible for IRAs. These bullion coins often carry slightly higher premiums but provide liquidity and trust. Plus, some may even gain numismatic value over time.

Bars vs. Rounds

Bars are ideal for high-net-worth investors making larger purchases due to their lower premiums, but they can be harder to sell. Rounds from private mints carry lower premiums too, but without legal tender status, they lack the liquidity of government-minted coins.

Junk Silver

Arguably the best way to start investing in silver. Pre-1965 U.S. quarters, dimes, and half dollars contain 90% silver and are easy to recognize, stack, and sell. They carry historical charm and tend to trade close to spot price.

Metal Content Plus Numismatic Investment 

Pre-1933 gold coins graded MS63-MS65 and Morgan or Peace Dollars graded MS65+ can offer long-term appreciation beyond their melt value. Proof Silver Eagles are increasingly added to IRAs and carry a blend of metal content, collectibility, and investment potential.

Where to Buy Physical Gold and Silver

Trusted Online Dealers

Start small with trusted sources like APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion, or your local coin shop with a good reputation. You can test the waters with junk silver or a 1/10 oz gold coin. If you can budget for one 1/10 oz per month, you’re on the road to stacking smart.

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid high-pressure sales pitches, especially from TV ads or telemarketers pushing overpriced or irrelevant coins. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always compare prices to the current spot rate, and when in doubt, refer to NumisAdvisor’s recommended products and trusted dealers.

Online vs. In-Person Buying

Online offers better selection and pricing; in-person gives you the opportunity to inspect and walk away with your metal immediately. Online offers a better value of trust. Know who you’re buying from and check google reviews if buying in person. 

How to Verify Authenticity Before You Buy

Home Tests

Real gold and silver aren’t magnetic. Use a strong magnet, digital scale, or acid test for authenticity verification. If you’re buying from one of the Trusted Dealers we’ve listed, you can typically skip these steps, but it never hurts to be cautious.

Grading and Certification

Coins graded by PCGS or NGC are professionally authenticated, encapsulated in tamper-evident holders, and come with a verified grade that reflects the coin’s condition and eye appeal. This also ensures that the coin’s metal content is accurate and verified, both of which can increase resale value and long-term investment potential.

How Much Should You Invest to Get Started?

Start Small, Think Long-Term

You don’t need thousands to begin. Even $100/month can build a meaningful stack over time. As is the case for all investment strategies, dollar-cost over trying to time the market wins every time.

Gold-to-Silver Allocation

A 70/30 or 60/40 gold-to-silver split is common. Adjust based on your risk tolerance and storage situation. Start small with trusted online sources like Apmex or JM Bullion.

Starter Portfolio Example

A 1 oz silver round, a fractional gold coin (like a 1/10 oz Eagle), and a few junk silver coins can help you dip your toes into the market while building a balanced entry point. This mix gives you exposure to both metals, keeps your initial investment manageable, and builds confidence while establishing a well-rounded investment foundation.

Best Ways to Store Gold and Silver

Home Storage

I use a heavy, fireproof safe hidden from plain sight. When choosing a the best safe for coin storage, prioritize fire and water resistance over an elaborate locking mechanism – damage from natural disasters is far more likely than a Hollywood-style heist. Also, confirm that your homeowner’s insurance covers precious metals, or look into standalone insurance for added peace of mind.

Bank Safety Deposit Boxes

Safe Deposits for coin storage are safe and secure, but limited by bank hours and not always insured to full value.

Private Vault Storage

Ideal for large holdings. Vault services like Brinks or Loomis offer full insurance and offsite security, with domestic and international options available.

Selling and Liquidity: How to Cash Out When You’re Ready


While we generally advocate a long-term buy-and-hold strategy for physical assets, we understand that life happens. Whether you’re looking to free up capital for a major expense like buying a home or simply rebalancing your portfolio, here’s how to do it smartly.

Understand the Spread

Dealers make money on the margin between buy and sell prices. Know the current spot price, and expect to sell for slightly less.

Where to Sell

Local coin shops, reputable online dealers (they buy back), and auctions like eBay (more work, but potentially higher payout). Local coin shops are great for bullion and junk silver due to their immediacy and convenience. For high-end numismatics, eBay or specialized auctions may yield better results.

Recordkeeping and Taxes

Keep all purchase and sale records. Precious metals may be subject to capital gains tax, especially if held outside a tax-deferred account.

Conclusion

Buying physical gold and silver isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy – it’s for anyone who wants to protect their financial future. By starting small, educating yourself, and working with trusted dealers, you can confidently begin building a precious metals portfolio that lasts for generations.

Whether you’re looking to safeguard your savings from inflation or just want real, tangible assets you can hold in your hand — the time to act is now. Start smart, stay informed, and invest with purpose.

Ready to make your first purchase? Explore our list of trusted gold and silver dealers to get started today!

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