The different categories of gold coins and gold bars can determine the price of the physical metal. The categories can be differentiated by several factors. One factor is the way a coin or bar is manufactured; another factor is the rarity or what circumstances a coin or a bar has been through. The first category of gold coins is gold bullion coins. Gold bullion coins are gold coins that are usually a little above the spot price of gold. Gold bullion coins are the best way to buy the most physical gold for your money in a coin form.

The next category of gold coins is numismatic gold coins. Numismatic gold coins are coins that for a number of reasons are worth significantly more then its weight in gold. Some reasons can be the way the coin is manufactured, the age, the circumstances the coin has been through or the rarity of the coin. Gold bullion coins can also become numismatic coins over time depending on its age, rarity or the circumstances it has been through. The last category of gold coins is proof gold coins. Proof gold coins are gold coins that are struck with specially treated dies to give the coin a detail and mirror like finish. Some proof gold coins are even double struck to give the coin more details. Proof coins are usually collectibles and is considered a kind of numismatic coin.

The first category of gold bars is gold bullion bars. Gold bullion bars are similar to gold bullion coins in the aspect of usually being a little above the spot price of gold. Most gold bars will usually fall under the category of gold bullion bars. Gold bullion bars are also one of the best ways to buy the most physical gold for your money in a bar form. The next category of gold bars is ingots. Ingots are gold bars that are manufactured by pouring molten gold into a mold. Ingots can come in sizes as large as four hundred troy ounces, to as small as one gram.

Ingots that are one to twenty grams are usually known as chip gold. Chip gold usually comes in a credit card like seal to make it easily more identifiable. The last category of gold bars is numismatic or rare gold ingots. Rare gold ingots are usually not for sale and can be found in museums. Some aspects that can make these gold ingots special are the historic significance they hold. Gold coins and gold bars are the best ways to invest in physical gold. By knowing the different categories, it can make investors aware of the many options they have.