\n\n\n\n
Contents (Jump to a Section)<\/summary>\n\n- Best Gold for Prepping<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Budget Gold Bar<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best Gold Coins<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best Gold Notes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gold Bullion We Compared<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What to Look For<\/a>\n
\n- Spot Premium<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Denomination<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Versatility<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size & Weight<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognition<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Use Gold for Survival<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who Needs Gold?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sources & References<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
In this latest update on the best gold for prepping<\/strong>, I updated prices as the gold spot value continues to grow. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure\u00bb<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Valcambi](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Valcambi-CombiBar-denominational-gold-bar-for-prepping-and-survival.jpg?resize=800%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1\" "\\"Valcambi")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBest Gold for Prepping<\/h2>\n\n\n\nGold CombiBar<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nVersatile, Compact, and Well-Known<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snap off exact change even during the apocalypse, or just have unique investment diversification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$3,268* at Liberty Coin (eBay)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nA gold bar machined to be broken into smaller gold chits is the ultimate choice for survival-versatile bullion. Don’t overpay with a $3,000 gold bar- break up your CombiBar instead to get manageable denominations so you can barter, trade, and pay effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Purity<\/strong>: 0.9999 pure gold<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 0.643 troy ounces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: Valcambi Swiss Mint<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 4.1″ W x 2.9″ L x 0.05″ H<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The 20 tabs that break down to 1-gram each are the main feature of this unique gold bar. You’ll have to remove the gold from the included assay to snap it apart, and it’ll lose value as soon as you do that. In an emergency or survival situation, that doesn’t matter much, and having the ability to scale your resources is much more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy Gold CombiBars<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where you buy the bar affects the price over spot, and therefore the overall value. Shopping around is always wise with any investment, but here are the best options I found at the time of our latest update:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Liberty Coin (eBay)<\/a><\/strong> – $269 over spot (9.0%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $281 over spot (9.4%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $723 over spot (24.1%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Many of the larger dealers have volume discounts if you are buying multiple bars at once, improving the price over spot even further. The eBay seller has the best price on single assay cards and ships quickly for a marketplace vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With unmatched versatility in the way it can be broken into chits, the Valcambi Gold CombiBar<\/a><\/strong> is designed to be the best gold bar for preppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"PAMP](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/PAMP-Suisse-Gold-Bar-1-Gram-Swiss-Mint-Assay.jpg?resize=800%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBudget Gold Bar<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPAMP Gold Bar<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCost-Effective, Efficient Storage, and Well-Known<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A well-known Swiss mint with low premiums over spot for bullion bars offers the best choice for gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$175* at Aydin Coins (eBay)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen you want the best value for your buck, you’re going to want to look into bars. They end up just being a smidge over spot value due to the minting, but it’s worth it if you get a well-recognized mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Purity<\/strong>: 0.9999 pure gold<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1 gram<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: PAMP Suisse with Veriscan authenticity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 2.25″ W x 3.5″ L x 0.1″ H (in the assay)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I prefer the Swiss PAMP for gold bars, which range in weight from 1\/2 gram to 1000 troy ounces. The higher the weight of the bar, the better the value it is versus the gold spot value. We like the 1-gram bar for beginners as an efficient entry point for those on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy Gold Bars<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Gold bars are going to have some of the best spot premiums out there, even in the lower weights. It varies slightly based on where you purchase:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Aydin Coins (eBay)<\/a><\/strong> – $14 over spot (8.7%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $31 over spot (19.3%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $37 over spot (23.0%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for gold bars to stash for SHTF, PAMP Suisse 1 Gram Gold Bars<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are good for getting started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Size-of-1-gram-gold-bar-in-assay-with-tape-measure.jpg?resize=800%2C450&quality=80&ssl=1\")
Incredibly small, it’s nice that the 1g gold bars come in assays to stack and keep track of them. (Credit: TruePrepper Team)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Gold](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gold-American-Eagle-Coin-Troy-Ounce-US-Mint-for-Barter-Survival-and-Prepping.jpg?resize=800%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1\" "\\"American")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBest Gold Coins<\/h2>\n\n\n\nGold American Eagle<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nInexpensive, Good Denomination, and Universally Recognized<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skip the numismatics and get the best value with mass production recognition across the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$4,855* at Bullion LLC (eBay)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe US Mint puts out some of the most recognizable coins in the world, and the Gold Eagle is well-known. This helps if you ever need to trade, since many people know its approximate value. The one we highlight above is sold with random years since there is not much numismatic value to these modern coins yet. You could opt to go for specific years, but as we point out later, it’s not relevant for survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Purity<\/strong>: 0.9999 pure gold<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1 troy ounce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: US Mint<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 1.6″ D<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As with any coins, you will pay a small premium over the spot value, but they are expected to be at that value and have good resale value over spot as well. The small coins are easy to store and transport, making them ideal for mobile survival kits or caches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy American Eagle Coins<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
While coins can have numismatic value, the American Eagles are widely circulated, have high value, and keep a relatively stable spot premium. Here are the best dealers to compare American Eagles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Bullion LLC<\/a><\/strong> – $191 over spot (4.1%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $242 over spot (5.2%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bullion.com<\/a><\/strong> – $380 over spot (8.2%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $437 over spot (9.4%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for the best gold coins for prepping, get\u00a0American Eagle Gold Coins<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/back-of-graded-american-eagle-gold-coin-in-case.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&quality=80&ssl=1\")
The namesake is on the back of the coin; this one is graded in a case. (Credit: Sean Gold)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/florida-goldback.jpg?resize=800%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/a>(Credit: Sean Gold)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBest Gold Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nGoldback<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLightweight, Low Denomination, and Growing Recognition<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get back to a gold-backed currency with tradable notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$9* at Bullion.com<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe US Dollar gold standard ended domestically in 1933 and internationally in 1971, transforming it into a fiat currency. This eliminated total market control of the value of the dollar but also introduced a higher potential for inflation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goldbacks are a private gold-backed note that isn’t accepted as American currency but is voluntarily exchanged in a growing number of states. Goldbacks are also manufactured on lightweight gold foil- more of a marketing ploy than providing actual gold value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Purity<\/strong>: 0.999 <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1\/1000 troy ounce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: Aurum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 5.75″ L x 2.5″ W<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Goldbacks are tethered to the spot value of gold by the private company Goldback, Inc. They have spread to several states now, although you can use them as voluntary currency anywhere. Goldbacks are printed specifically for Utah, Nevada, New Hampshire, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy Goldbacks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGoldback prices are tied to gold and tracked at goldback.com<\/span><\/a>, and there is a calculator for exchanges to the dollar so you can pay at vendors that accept Goldbacks. There is also a list of businesses by state that accept them physically in stores. They don’t sell goldbacks, though, so you’ll need to head to a dealer or marketplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Bullion.com<\/a><\/strong> – $0.00 over exchange rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $0.01 over exchange rate (0.15%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $0.07 over exchange rate (1.05%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
An Expert Prepper’s Take<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
There aren’t many gold-backed notes out there, so what Goldback is trying to do is interesting. Gold-backed currencies did resist inflation very well, but so do gold coins\/bars, other bullion, and other investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’m not completely sold on Goldbacks and don’t plan on financially diversifying into them over the many other options. Still, there are plenty of preppers out there who like the growing alternative currency, for what it stands for, and its ability to hold value in a much more lightweight format. When it comes to a SHTF survival situation, do I think it’ll be a good currency to have on hand? Probably not, but it’s the best gold-backed note we have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for the best gold notes for prepping, get Goldbacks<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGold Bullion We Compared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our research narrowed the field down to several types of gold bullion that we compared: coins, bars, rounds, notes, and blocks. All from various mints and sold through various vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can see our full list of review criteria below in the What to Look For<\/span><\/a> section, with an explanation for each.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe considered a huge range of gold but quickly narrowed it down to practical solutions. Numismatic coins were ruled out, although they can be good investments over time. Despite that, their numismatic value won’t necessarily be recognized as easily as bullion spot value in survival situations and emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re always looking for new and better stuff, so if you have a gold bullion preference that you swear by, let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested stuff annually, so we can try to get it in the next roundup and see if it will beat our top picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Sean](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sean-holding-the-best-gold-for-survival-including-gold-bars-and-coin-bullion.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&quality=89&ssl=1\")
Gold bars and coins give me high-value financial diversity that can be useful for prepping. (Credit: Sean Gold)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat to Look For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The best gold for preppers has several important features to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Spot Premium<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Denomination<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Versatility<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size & Weight<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognition<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
When you get the right blend of these, you can find gold bullion that isn’t just for investment. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the gold types that truly set themselves apart in survival situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spot Premium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The ‘premium over spot’ is what you are paying over the going rate of gold per ounce for a specific coin, bar, etc. This premium is usually higher for lower denominations (1 ounce) and lower for higher denominations (1,000-ounce bars). It only applies to gold with a high purity rating, which is what we focused on for this review due to its recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides type and denomination, some bullion holds value for other reasons, like scarcity (old collectible coins). When these are valuable, they are graded and known as ‘numismatic coins’. They cost significantly more than spot value but can also hold\/increase in value during relatively stable economic conditions. They aren’t that great for survival and prepping, but we’ll cover that when we get to versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Denomination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The denomination of your bullion (usually measured in grams or ounces) is important because it directly ties into its expected value. This makes the denomination important to consider, the same way you consider what specific bills to carry when you want to have cash on hand<\/span><\/a>. You don’t want to be stuck with 100-dollar bills if you are buying something that is only $1, so you want a good mix of bullion denominations and value for the same reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVersatility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Our top pick has the versatility of being able to break up into precise denominations while still being solid for easy carrying until then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some bullion can be hidden (through its shape or container), used as an improvised weapon, or even loaded into a gun. Most gold\/silver\/platinum bullets are designed for looks, so I wouldn’t go around trying to actually use them. There are many creative ways to use gold every day, and we focus on a few of the survival applications below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size & Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you are bugging out of your home, you won’t want a wheelbarrow to be able to move your bullion. If your size and weight of your gold start getting unreasonable, you have a good problem to have and may want to consider setting up survival caches<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAny amount of gold that is actually heavy is worth a lot in present-day value or any survival situation. If you really feel the need to shed some weight, gold-backed notes are extremely lightweight even in protective sleeves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1-florida-goldback-weighing-6-grams-in-protective-sleeve.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&quality=89&ssl=1\")
The original reason for paper currency: smaller size and less weight. (Credit: TruePrepper Team)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRecognition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In a survival situation, you don’t want to spend too much time figuring out or convincing others that bullion is real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a recognizable mint with clear purity stamps is usually a good way to go. Scanning technology can help verify authenticity, but just keeping gold inside the assay, it works as well. If you are bartering or trading for gold, it makes sense to be skeptical of its authenticity and purity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Use Gold for Survival<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The most obvious use for gold in a survival situation is as currency or barter. Gold coins and bullion have held value over the years through the rise and fall of many national currencies. Gold isn’t a foolproof currency, but it does have millennia of proven universal value to prop it up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many preppers simply diversify their investment strategy using gold. Prepper financial planning<\/span><\/a> isn’t necessarily conservative- it’s diverse. Most preppers don’t go all-in on any single type of currency but choose to dabble in everything <\/em>so that in the event of a collapse, they won’t be left with nothing<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWho Needs Gold?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bullion of every type isn’t a necessity for anyone. It does have its uses when it comes to investment and survival, but we don’t see it as an absolutely essential piece of any kit or plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For that reason, we merely suggest you consider adding gold to these kits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Spot Premium<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Denomination<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Versatility<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size & Weight<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognition<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Use Gold for Survival<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who Needs Gold?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sources & References<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn this latest update on the best gold for prepping<\/strong>, I updated prices as the gold spot value continues to grow. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure\u00bb<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBest Gold for Prepping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gold CombiBar<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Versatile, Compact, and Well-Known<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snap off exact change even during the apocalypse, or just have unique investment diversification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$3,268* at Liberty Coin (eBay)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nA gold bar machined to be broken into smaller gold chits is the ultimate choice for survival-versatile bullion. Don’t overpay with a $3,000 gold bar- break up your CombiBar instead to get manageable denominations so you can barter, trade, and pay effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Purity<\/strong>: 0.9999 pure gold<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 0.643 troy ounces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: Valcambi Swiss Mint<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 4.1″ W x 2.9″ L x 0.05″ H<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The 20 tabs that break down to 1-gram each are the main feature of this unique gold bar. You’ll have to remove the gold from the included assay to snap it apart, and it’ll lose value as soon as you do that. In an emergency or survival situation, that doesn’t matter much, and having the ability to scale your resources is much more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy Gold CombiBars<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where you buy the bar affects the price over spot, and therefore the overall value. Shopping around is always wise with any investment, but here are the best options I found at the time of our latest update:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Liberty Coin (eBay)<\/a><\/strong> – $269 over spot (9.0%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $281 over spot (9.4%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $723 over spot (24.1%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Many of the larger dealers have volume discounts if you are buying multiple bars at once, improving the price over spot even further. The eBay seller has the best price on single assay cards and ships quickly for a marketplace vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With unmatched versatility in the way it can be broken into chits, the Valcambi Gold CombiBar<\/a><\/strong> is designed to be the best gold bar for preppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBudget Gold Bar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
PAMP Gold Bar<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cost-Effective, Efficient Storage, and Well-Known<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A well-known Swiss mint with low premiums over spot for bullion bars offers the best choice for gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$175* at Aydin Coins (eBay)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen you want the best value for your buck, you’re going to want to look into bars. They end up just being a smidge over spot value due to the minting, but it’s worth it if you get a well-recognized mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Purity<\/strong>: 0.9999 pure gold<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1 gram<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: PAMP Suisse with Veriscan authenticity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 2.25″ W x 3.5″ L x 0.1″ H (in the assay)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I prefer the Swiss PAMP for gold bars, which range in weight from 1\/2 gram to 1000 troy ounces. The higher the weight of the bar, the better the value it is versus the gold spot value. We like the 1-gram bar for beginners as an efficient entry point for those on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy Gold Bars<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Gold bars are going to have some of the best spot premiums out there, even in the lower weights. It varies slightly based on where you purchase:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Aydin Coins (eBay)<\/a><\/strong> – $14 over spot (8.7%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $31 over spot (19.3%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $37 over spot (23.0%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for gold bars to stash for SHTF, PAMP Suisse 1 Gram Gold Bars<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are good for getting started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Incredibly small, it’s nice that the 1g gold bars come in assays to stack and keep track of them. (Credit: TruePrepper Team)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBest Gold Coins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gold American Eagle<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Inexpensive, Good Denomination, and Universally Recognized<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skip the numismatics and get the best value with mass production recognition across the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$4,855* at Bullion LLC (eBay)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe US Mint puts out some of the most recognizable coins in the world, and the Gold Eagle is well-known. This helps if you ever need to trade, since many people know its approximate value. The one we highlight above is sold with random years since there is not much numismatic value to these modern coins yet. You could opt to go for specific years, but as we point out later, it’s not relevant for survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Purity<\/strong>: 0.9999 pure gold<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1 troy ounce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: US Mint<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 1.6″ D<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As with any coins, you will pay a small premium over the spot value, but they are expected to be at that value and have good resale value over spot as well. The small coins are easy to store and transport, making them ideal for mobile survival kits or caches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy American Eagle Coins<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
While coins can have numismatic value, the American Eagles are widely circulated, have high value, and keep a relatively stable spot premium. Here are the best dealers to compare American Eagles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Bullion LLC<\/a><\/strong> – $191 over spot (4.1%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $242 over spot (5.2%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bullion.com<\/a><\/strong> – $380 over spot (8.2%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $437 over spot (9.4%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for the best gold coins for prepping, get\u00a0American Eagle Gold Coins<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The namesake is on the back of the coin; this one is graded in a case. (Credit: Sean Gold)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>(Credit: Sean Gold)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \nBest Gold Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Goldback<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lightweight, Low Denomination, and Growing Recognition<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get back to a gold-backed currency with tradable notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$9* at Bullion.com<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe US Dollar gold standard ended domestically in 1933 and internationally in 1971, transforming it into a fiat currency. This eliminated total market control of the value of the dollar but also introduced a higher potential for inflation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goldbacks are a private gold-backed note that isn’t accepted as American currency but is voluntarily exchanged in a growing number of states. Goldbacks are also manufactured on lightweight gold foil- more of a marketing ploy than providing actual gold value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Purity<\/strong>: 0.999 <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1\/1000 troy ounce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mint<\/strong>: Aurum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size<\/strong>: 5.75″ L x 2.5″ W<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Goldbacks are tethered to the spot value of gold by the private company Goldback, Inc. They have spread to several states now, although you can use them as voluntary currency anywhere. Goldbacks are printed specifically for Utah, Nevada, New Hampshire, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy Goldbacks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Goldback prices are tied to gold and tracked at goldback.com<\/span><\/a>, and there is a calculator for exchanges to the dollar so you can pay at vendors that accept Goldbacks. There is also a list of businesses by state that accept them physically in stores. They don’t sell goldbacks, though, so you’ll need to head to a dealer or marketplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Bullion.com<\/a><\/strong> – $0.00 over exchange rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $0.01 over exchange rate (0.15%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $0.07 over exchange rate (1.05%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
An Expert Prepper’s Take<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
There aren’t many gold-backed notes out there, so what Goldback is trying to do is interesting. Gold-backed currencies did resist inflation very well, but so do gold coins\/bars, other bullion, and other investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’m not completely sold on Goldbacks and don’t plan on financially diversifying into them over the many other options. Still, there are plenty of preppers out there who like the growing alternative currency, for what it stands for, and its ability to hold value in a much more lightweight format. When it comes to a SHTF survival situation, do I think it’ll be a good currency to have on hand? Probably not, but it’s the best gold-backed note we have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for the best gold notes for prepping, get Goldbacks<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGold Bullion We Compared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our research narrowed the field down to several types of gold bullion that we compared: coins, bars, rounds, notes, and blocks. All from various mints and sold through various vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can see our full list of review criteria below in the What to Look For<\/span><\/a> section, with an explanation for each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We considered a huge range of gold but quickly narrowed it down to practical solutions. Numismatic coins were ruled out, although they can be good investments over time. Despite that, their numismatic value won’t necessarily be recognized as easily as bullion spot value in survival situations and emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re always looking for new and better stuff, so if you have a gold bullion preference that you swear by, let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested stuff annually, so we can try to get it in the next roundup and see if it will beat our top picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gold bars and coins give me high-value financial diversity that can be useful for prepping. (Credit: Sean Gold)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat to Look For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The best gold for preppers has several important features to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Spot Premium<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Denomination<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Versatility<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size & Weight<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognition<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
When you get the right blend of these, you can find gold bullion that isn’t just for investment. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the gold types that truly set themselves apart in survival situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spot Premium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The ‘premium over spot’ is what you are paying over the going rate of gold per ounce for a specific coin, bar, etc. This premium is usually higher for lower denominations (1 ounce) and lower for higher denominations (1,000-ounce bars). It only applies to gold with a high purity rating, which is what we focused on for this review due to its recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides type and denomination, some bullion holds value for other reasons, like scarcity (old collectible coins). When these are valuable, they are graded and known as ‘numismatic coins’. They cost significantly more than spot value but can also hold\/increase in value during relatively stable economic conditions. They aren’t that great for survival and prepping, but we’ll cover that when we get to versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Denomination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The denomination of your bullion (usually measured in grams or ounces) is important because it directly ties into its expected value. This makes the denomination important to consider, the same way you consider what specific bills to carry when you want to have cash on hand<\/span><\/a>. You don’t want to be stuck with 100-dollar bills if you are buying something that is only $1, so you want a good mix of bullion denominations and value for the same reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Versatility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Our top pick has the versatility of being able to break up into precise denominations while still being solid for easy carrying until then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some bullion can be hidden (through its shape or container), used as an improvised weapon, or even loaded into a gun. Most gold\/silver\/platinum bullets are designed for looks, so I wouldn’t go around trying to actually use them. There are many creative ways to use gold every day, and we focus on a few of the survival applications below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size & Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you are bugging out of your home, you won’t want a wheelbarrow to be able to move your bullion. If your size and weight of your gold start getting unreasonable, you have a good problem to have and may want to consider setting up survival caches<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any amount of gold that is actually heavy is worth a lot in present-day value or any survival situation. If you really feel the need to shed some weight, gold-backed notes are extremely lightweight even in protective sleeves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The original reason for paper currency: smaller size and less weight. (Credit: TruePrepper Team)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Recognition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In a survival situation, you don’t want to spend too much time figuring out or convincing others that bullion is real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a recognizable mint with clear purity stamps is usually a good way to go. Scanning technology can help verify authenticity, but just keeping gold inside the assay, it works as well. If you are bartering or trading for gold, it makes sense to be skeptical of its authenticity and purity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Use Gold for Survival<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The most obvious use for gold in a survival situation is as currency or barter. Gold coins and bullion have held value over the years through the rise and fall of many national currencies. Gold isn’t a foolproof currency, but it does have millennia of proven universal value to prop it up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many preppers simply diversify their investment strategy using gold. Prepper financial planning<\/span><\/a> isn’t necessarily conservative- it’s diverse. Most preppers don’t go all-in on any single type of currency but choose to dabble in everything <\/em>so that in the event of a collapse, they won’t be left with nothing<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWho Needs Gold?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bullion of every type isn’t a necessity for anyone. It does have its uses when it comes to investment and survival, but we don’t see it as an absolutely essential piece of any kit or plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For that reason, we merely suggest you consider adding gold to these kits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Denomination<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $0.01 over exchange rate (0.15%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1\/1000 troy ounce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Money Metals<\/a><\/strong> – $242 over spot (5.2%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1 troy ounce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $31 over spot (19.3%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 1 gram<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JM Bullion<\/a><\/strong> – $281 over spot (9.4%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight<\/strong>: 0.643 troy ounces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Denomination<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n