When you decide to buy online, first have in mind what types and amounts of gold you intend to purchase. This can narrow down your search dramatically, as some dealers only sell gold bullion coins. Others may sell both gold coins and bars, as well as collectible coins.

A good way to begin searching for an online seller is to type the coins you're looking for right into a search engine, such as "Gold Eagle 1 oz bullion" or "Krugerrand ¼ oz."

When narrowing down a dealer search, make sure the dealer has a good reputation. We regularly buy from Investmentrarities.com, bullion.nwtmint.com/ and blanchardonline.com/ with complete confidence.

Buying gold coins or gold bars over eBay can be a risky venture, especially since a dealer's reputation in the gold market can be masked by a menagerie of feedback. Just because the dealer is a "Power Seller" does not mean that all those transactions came from gold sales! The feedback could've come from 100s of faux cashmere sweaters and junk market jewelry.

Here are a few things to check when trying to judge a dealer's good-standing:

"What does the website look like? Is the site linked to an actual place of business? A site set up on the internet without a physical business location looks risky from the start.

"Is the site encrypted when you move to a transaction web page? If not, STOP. Do NOT make any transaction with this dealer.

"Is there a return policy? Make sure the dealer has one or you could be stuck with a piece of junk gold.
When you think you've found a good dealer, start looking into premiums (cost above spot price) charged. Making a premium cost comparison could save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Prices often vary as far as sales tax, shipping and handling charges, and profit-generating mark-up amounts. Occasionally, a return charge applies should the customer be unsatisfied with a purchase.

A few more things should be looked over when buying gold bars from an online institution. Each gold bar should have a refiner's mark, gross weight in troy ounces, purity, and a serial number on it. Make sure to get the numbers when ordering a gold bar and upon receipt, inspect the bar to ensure accuracy. A certificate should accompany each bar disclosing these critical markings.

You can find the current spot price of gold and silver many places on line. One website that not only has prices, but very helpful charts and news is at Kitco.com. There is no cost to visit Kitco and they also sell coins and bullion.

Another good sources of news about gold and silver can be found at goldnews.bullionvault.com/.