For serious investors looking to purchase gold bullion, coins often yield higher returns than gold bars. The main reason is that gold bullion coins carry intrinsic value beyond their carat weight and gold content. Gold bullion coins are also valued for their age, mintage, condition, design and country of origin.

Current gold bullion coins on the market today include the:

* American Buffalo

* American Eagle

* Canadian Maple Leaf and

* Austrian Philharmonic

American Buffalo

The U.S. Mint first introduced the American Buffalo gold bullion coin to the investment market back in 2006. These collectible coins, based on the original 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel, marked the beginning of .9999 fine gold bullion coins as issued by our nation's government.

The front side of the coin depicts a Native American from his profile, while the back features an American Buffalo shown grazing. The gold bullion coins weigh one troy ounce and mintage by year is as follows:

* 2006 - 300,000+

* 2007 - 200,000

* 2008 - Limit based on demand

American Eagle

The United States Mint first introduced the American Eagle gold bullion coins in 1986. These magnificent gold coins symbolize the liberty and freedom we have shared as a country for over two centuries.

Each American Eagle gold coin exhibits the time-honored patriotic symbols of Lady Liberty holding her freedom torch and an olive branch denoting peace. While the coins reverse side presents a male bald eagle carrying an olive branch to his female companion and her nest of babies.

All American Eagle gold bullion coins are backed by the United States Mint and come in the following sizes and values:

1. One-Ounce in $50.00 USD

2. Half-Ounce in $25.00 USD

3. Quarter-Ounce in $10.00 USD

4. Tenth-Ounce in $5.00 USD

Unlike the American Buffalo, the American Eagle gold bullion coins are 22KT (or .9167 fine) gold with a silver and copper alloy to help improve their endurance under typical handling. Every coin is guaranteed by the United States Mint to contain this precise measurement in gold.

Canadian Maple Leaf

The Canadian Maple Leaf gold bullion coins are world-recognized and esteemed for their purity and ornate design. Struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, the Maple Leaf has been in production for more consecutive years than any other gold bullion coin to date.

The Royal Canadian Mint is highly regarded for its flawless measures, and the Maple Leaf gold bullion coin is certainly no exception to their quality upheld. The Mint's requirements for impeccable planchets, from which the coins are struck, has spawned high interest and demand among investors and collectors alike.

The front side of the coin depicts Great Britain's beloved Queen Elizabeth II, while the backside features the Canadian national symbol of the maple leaf from which the coin derives its name.

The Canadian Maple Leaf gold bullion coin is produced in four sizes and denominations including:

1. One-Ounce in $50 Canadian

2. Half-Ounce in $20 Canadian

3. Quarter-Ounce in $10 Canadian and

4. Tenth-Ounce in $5 Canadian

Vienna Philharmonics

The Vienna Philharmonics gold bullion coin is internationally-recognized for its magnificence and solid gold content. Produced by the Austrian Mint in Vienna, Austria, the Philharmonic gold coin is minted by one of the oldest and most prestigious minting manufacturers in existence.

In 1989, the Philharmonic gold coin was first struck and denominated in Australian Shillings. That is, until 2002, when the coins were changed over to Euros, making it one of the few gold coins to have been minted and circulated in alternate currencies.

On the front side of the coin, one denotes the "Great Organ," as from the Vienna Philharmonic performance hall. While, the backside exhibits a plethora of instruments and the ochrestra's name inscribed in German.

The Vienna Philharmonics gold bullion coin is struck in four incremental sizes and values including:

1. One-Ounce in 100 Euros

2. Half-Ounce in 50 Euros

3. Quarter-Ounce in 25 Euros and

4. Tenth-Ounce in 10 Euros

In troubling times with weak economies, buying gold bullion is an optimal method for preserving your wealth and purchasing power. Gold bullion can be easily bought and sold around the World, so it is a highly liquid asset. This can provide an investor with the flexibility to trade gold bullion for various currencies in times of need.

As with any traded commodity, demand is the driving factor for increasing prices. Over the last four years, gold bullion has risen by more than 300%! Imagine if you had only purchased a few ounces back in 2004. However, gold has made a continuing rise due to a ever-weakening World economy. Thus, its upward trend may only persist in the years to come.

It is true that we currently live in times of uncertainty. Thus, wise investors are buying gold bullion to hedge against unforeseen disasters. Though no one investment is safe without diversity, adding gold bullion to your portfolio can help stave off bankruptcy.