Everyone is looking to buy gold these days and as the value of the dollar falls the price of gold will continue to rise. People are looking for the security of having a physical commodity in their possession that will not only always have a monetary value but will most likely continue to rise over time.

Investors are looking for bullion which is valued by its weight. Collectors are searching for things like old gold coins that not only have a high bullion value but carry a premium as a rarity.

Certain coins are harder to come by than others and gold coin collectors and dealers are always on the lookout for the most highly prized old gold coins. These coins, also called numismatic or semi-numismatic, have values placed on them by several determining factors.

The value of numismatics depend on metal value, perceived rarity, current demand, quality, market sentiment, general economic and other factors. Rarity is amongst the most important of these characteristics as if only a certain amount of coins exist, they will obviously fetch a higher premium. The condition of old gold coins is also very important because if a very rare coin like a Saint-Gaudens $20 piece is beat up to the point of being unrecognizable, it will be priced more closely to the spot price of gold than the same coin in perfect condition.

Most collectors acquire these coins because of their beauty and craftsmanship. If a coin is beat up it has no value to a lot of people even though it would still attain market bullion value. Those looking to simply invest in gold will not have a large interest in numismatics as they are typically offered for much higher than spot price.

When investing in bullion it is wise to hold on to the coins for at least 3-5 years. This timeframe is what experts consider an optimal range that will yield the highest returns. For numismatics the recommended holding period is a little longer due to the fact they carry a higher spread. Collectors and investors in these coins are encouraged to hold on to these types of gold coins for at least 5-10 years to overcome these spreads and realize potential profits.

Another thing to consider when shopping for old gold coins is to be sure and watch out for counterfeits. It's not that common of a practice but there definitely fakes out there. It's hard to imagine anything worse than investing thousands of dollars into a rare coin and finding out it is aluminum.

It's for reasons like this and many more, that make researching a very important step, when investing in gold coins. Take the time to know what your goals are, who you are dealing with and the quality of the old gold coins that you are considering purchasing. A safe and reliable transaction by the right gold dealer will give you peace of mind and make you want to do further business with that company.