The value of the currency of any country will depend to a large extent on the economy of the country. So, when inflation rates are high, the value of cash in the bank and other deposits will decrease. Hence to diversify their investment, many investors would like to buy gold bullion, since gold is a precious metal. 

 For centuries gold was considered as an indication of the wealth of the individual as well as nations. Gold, also called the yellow metal was used by people in different countries who communicated in different languages for international trade. All countries recognize the value of gold, though they may have different currencies or cultures.

Investors who are interested in purchasing gold bullion, especially for the first time, are looking for more information so that they can take the right decision. They should be aware that they can purchase gold bullion in the form of gold coins or gold bars. The gold coins are produced by the sovereign mints of different countries. They are popular since the purity and weight of the gold coins is backed by the central bank of the country which is issuing the coin. The gold coins are produced annually based on the demand of the buyers and there is usually no shortage of the gold coins. The gold coins are available with a minimum purity of 0.999 gold though some gold coins like the Canadian maple leaf gold coins have a purity of 0.9999 gold. These gold coins are available in different weights.

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However, if the investor is interested in more options for lower premiums or different weight, it is better to invest in gold bullion bars. These bars are usually produced by reputed mints and gold refineries, who usually will have certified assayers who will check the purity, weight and quality of the gold bars before they are sold. So, though the gold bars are not backed by the government, buyers can be assured of the purity when they purchase the gold bars from a reputable gold dealer or refinery. The weight of the gold bar will vary from 5 grams up to to 1kg, and are more suitable for bulk buyers. The purity of the gold is at least 99.99 gold, though in some cases gold bars of purity 99.999 gold are also available.

Though some people who buy gold bullion may only be interested in purchasing the gold so that they can use it for making gold jewelry, most of the buyers are investors who wish to sell the gold bullion at a later date to make a profit. Hence they should be aware that the gold coins are more expensive compared to the gold bars since they are more intricately designed and smaller. They will also get a better price on the gold bars, when they sell it, since they can be easily melted. The investor can opt to have the gold bullion delivered to his home, and in this case, he will have to pay the delivery charges. He will also have to keep the gold safe, so that it is not stolen. The other option is using the services of a vault, which will keep the gold secure, and sell it on behalf of the investor whenever specified.