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What's the most liquid way to own physical gold?

RB1026RB1026 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭✭
I'm not active in PM's and have a client asking me for advice on how best to buy and hold gold. Would you recommend AGE's (raw or PCGS?) or ??? He wants to invest $5-10k and be able to liquidate quickly if needed.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

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    I would suggest AGE raw, 1/10 and/or 1/4. In the US are the most liquid (and are pretty liquid outside of the US too).
    The more pieces you have the longer it takes to liquidate them though. He should add one or two 1 oz. JMHO
    The member formerly known as Ciccio / Posts: 1453 / Joined: Apr 2009
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    DrBusterDrBuster Posts: 5,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How granular does the liquidity need to be?

    1/10 AGEs can always be gotten rid of piecemail, as could 1/4s due to the relatively cheaper cost than say 3-5 1oz coins.

    I'd split it up between 1/10 and 1/4s and maybe a 1/2 or 2 and not worry about it.


    to add - BAH, that was my 2000th post and I wasn't paying attention.
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    RB1026RB1026 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭✭
    Good points, thanks very much.

    Is there a benefit on liquidity to PCGS graded vs Raw?
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    DrBusterDrBuster Posts: 5,309 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Good points, thanks very much.

    Is there a benefit on liquidity to PCGS graded vs Raw? >>



    Not to me on those. Some will say you could get more for a graded piece, but I don't agree with that on sub 70 grades. I wouldn't/don't pay more for a 69 example over raw, especially from a reputable dealer. And dealers generally aren't going to give you back any premium for those slabs most of the time - my local dude doesn't.
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    tneigtneig Posts: 1,505 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I would suggest AGE raw, 1/10 and/or 1/4. In the US are the most liquid (and are pretty liquid outside of the US too).
    The more pieces you have the longer it takes to liquidate them though. He should add one or two 1 oz. JMHO >>



    Sounds good.
    COA
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    tydyetydye Posts: 3,894 ✭✭✭
    I would suggest getting a roll of 1/10 AGE or Maples.
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    erickso1erickso1 Posts: 1,705 ✭✭✭
    I'm always a bit leary when someone uses the term "buy and hold" with "liquidate quickly". Especially when it comes to physical assets where the "quick liquidity" market can dry up fairly rapidly unless you take a major "haircut".

    This person would probably need to sit down and determine, how long they want to hold, what is the maximum amount of time they are willing to take to liquidate, and how steep a discount they are willing to give to achieve that liquidity if needed.

    Just my two cents.
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    derrybderryb Posts: 36,217 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Good points, thanks very much.

    Is there a benefit on liquidity to PCGS graded vs Raw? >>


    IMO yes. certified by a major TPG includes certification of authenticity. MS69s don't cost much more than raw. The more gold goes up the more it will attract counterfeiters. I personally suggest you stick with quarter inch AGEs or Gold Maples. If going raw only, I'd stick with AGEs. Buying quantity from a wholesaler will bring the price per piece down.

    Give Me Liberty or Give Me Debt

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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 45,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Agree with the consensus---1 Troy oz AGE's and their fractions.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.

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    percybpercyb Posts: 3,301 ✭✭✭
    Buy 1 oz AGEs from US mint. 5 should suit your client.
    "Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world." PBShelley
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    Coins101Coins101 Posts: 2,602 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I would suggest getting a roll of 1/10 AGE or Maples. >>



    The problem with the 1/10th oz coins is the premium you have to pay to get them. It has been my experience that the local guy pay spot, be it one -1oz coin or ten - 1/10th oz coin. So, in the long run, gold has to realy increase to pay for that premium the 1/10oz coins demand when purchased.
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    jmski52jmski52 Posts: 22,382 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1/4 oz AGEs, non-certified. They don't take up much space and can be sold anytime. Premiums are recouped when sold, so they aren't much of an issue either.

    All of the previous suggestions are variations on the same theme. Your client can pick from any of these ideas and it will work out as good as you could want, subject to market conditions of course.
    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
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    RB1026RB1026 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭✭
    Thanks everyone for your input. It is much appreciated!!
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    Coins101Coins101 Posts: 2,602 ✭✭✭
    So jmski52, does your local gold buyer pay a premium for the fractionals or are you talking about selling to APMEX, etc? As indicated, my local guys just pay spot but I only have a couple places I would even dare set foot in to sell!!!
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 45,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm surprised someone hasn't suggested storing your gold in a crucible at 1800 degrees centigrade.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.

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    Coins101Coins101 Posts: 2,602 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I'm surprised someone hasn't suggested storing your gold in a crucible at 1800 degrees centigrade. >>



    I thought about posting that but . . . .
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    jmski52jmski52 Posts: 22,382 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So jmski52, does your local gold buyer pay a premium for the fractionals or are you talking about selling to APMEX, etc? As indicated, my local guys just pay spot but I only have a couple places I would even dare set foot in to sell!!!

    When I sell, I check the buying prices at Scotsman, Tulving, Silvertowne and Apmex. And maybe one or two more if I think it's necessary. If I'm only selling one or two coins, it's probably ebay.

    I've been to see both local guys here, but I seldom do any business with them. Too greedy.
    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
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    Coins101Coins101 Posts: 2,602 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I've been to see both local guys here, but I seldom do any business with them. Too greedy. >>



    YUP!!!! Same thing I have found!!
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    gsa1fangsa1fan Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Good points, thanks very much.

    Is there a benefit on liquidity to PCGS graded vs Raw? >>


    IMO yes. certified by a major TPG includes certification of authenticity. MS69s don't cost much more than raw. The more gold goes up the more it will attract counterfeiters. I personally suggest you stick with quarter inch AGEs or Gold Maples. If going raw only, I'd stick with AGEs. Buying quantity from a wholesaler will bring the price per piece down. >>



    "Quarter inch"image I'm sure you ment ounceimage

    AGE's in any form or fashion is my advice and every one else's it seem'simage
    Avid collector of GSA's.
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    roadrunnerroadrunner Posts: 28,303 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Any 1 oz or smaller gold coin is plenty liquid (AGE's, Maple's, Krugs, Corona's, pre-1933 classic gold, etc.).

    It's more a matter getting the most oz. for your dollar. My own preference would be for AGE's, Maple's, and $20 Libs/Saints.
    It was only a few months ago that you could buy MS63/64 saints for a 12-15% premium to spot. Now those levels are at 23% (ie outperformed an AGE).
    And while a slabbed, no spots MS64 Saint might be a little less liquid than an AGE, they are still easy to sell just by picking up the phone.
    Barbarous Relic No More, LSCC -GoldSeek--shadow stats--SafeHaven--321gold
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    Timbuk3Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I prefer MS graded Saints !!! image
    Timbuk3
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    pursuitoflibertypursuitofliberty Posts: 6,601 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Everyone has their own flavor, but I'd do the 1/4 oz AGE's ... and at an extra 10. bucks a coin (typically), based on your clients concern and probable lack of understanding in the market, I would consider slabbed (PCGS and/or NGC) MS69's for maximum ease of liquidity (bigger pool of ready, no-questions-asked buyers).


    “We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”

    Todd - BHNC #242
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    gsa1fangsa1fan Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Everyone has their own flavor, but I'd do the 1/4 oz AGE's ... and at an extra 10. bucks a coin (typically), based on your clients concern and probable lack of understanding in the market, I would consider slabbed (PCGS and/or NGC) MS69's for maximum ease of liquidity (bigger pool of ready, no-questions-asked buyers). >>



    Where you buying 1/4 oz AGE's at $10 over? Just give us ALL a linkimage
    Avid collector of GSA's.
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    derrybderryb Posts: 36,217 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Everyone has their own flavor, but I'd do the 1/4 oz AGE's ... and at an extra 10. bucks a coin (typically), based on your clients concern and probable lack of understanding in the market, I would consider slabbed (PCGS and/or NGC) MS69's for maximum ease of liquidity (bigger pool of ready, no-questions-asked buyers). >>



    Where you buying 1/4 oz AGE's at $10 over? Just give us ALL a linkimage >>


    i believe he is talking about a $10 premium for MS69 vs. raw.

    Give Me Liberty or Give Me Debt

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    streeterstreeter Posts: 4,312 ✭✭✭✭✭
    In the last 20 years I've never met a reputable dealer that wouldn't buy an AGE or Kuggie for 3% back of spot. Buy them when the DOLLAR has a weakness and sell them when the DOLLAR is strengthening. Make that move a couple times a year and in 3-4 years you might be able to double your stack without new money.
    Have a nice day
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 45,447 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>In the last 20 years I've never met a reputable dealer that wouldn't buy an AGE or Kuggie for 3% back of spot. >>



    Doesn't exactly sound like a generous offer. You could get more on the BST here.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.

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    streeterstreeter Posts: 4,312 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Perry,

    that may be true but BST does not work for me very well. I like to deal with people I know. I've had a couple of people want to see the coin in advance on BST and while that doesn't bother me, they made lower offers when I consigned it to them. I also had a guy want to come to me for a $15 purchase...that creeps me out. I've heard every hard luck story around and don't need them anymore. You realize I'm 59 and have been collecting for 50 years and am a little set in my ways image

    and I don't advertise my business on BST. Or anywhere for that matter.

    I'm extremely comfortable with certain dealers in SoCal. Those same dealers will sell to me at spot + a couple of dollars as long as premiums aren't outrageous. 4% swings I can live with. Everybody has to eat.

    regards
    Have a nice day
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 45,447 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Perry,

    that may be true but BST does not work for me very well. I like to deal with people I know. I've had a couple of people want to see the coin in advance on BST and while that doesn't bother me, they made lower offers when I consigned it to them. I also had a guy want to come to me for a $15 purchase...that creeps me out. I've heard every hard luck story around and don't need them anymore. You realize I'm 59 and have been collecting for 50 years and am a little set in my ways image

    and I don't advertise my business on BST. Or anywhere for that matter.

    I'm extremely comfortable with certain dealers in SoCal. Those same dealers will sell to me at spot + a couple of dollars as long as premiums aren't outrageous. 4% swings I can live with. Everybody has to eat.

    regards >>



    Sorry to hear this. I've always had great experiences doing transactions on the BST.


    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.

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    57loaded57loaded Posts: 4,967 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>In the last 20 years I've never met a reputable dealer that wouldn't buy an AGE or Kuggie for 3% back of spot. >>



    Doesn't exactly sound like a generous offer. You could get more on the BST here. >>



    In regards to the one who is buying the gold in this discussion? This buyer would most likely want to "walk in" with gold and walk out with $$$$ in hand.
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    gsa1fangsa1fan Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
    If gold is in hand that is $$image If they want in out that fast I say buy gold stocks.
    Avid collector of GSA's.
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    tneigtneig Posts: 1,505 ✭✭✭
    Not even a mention of gold bars in any size, form, or type?
    COA
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