Bullion coins provide the investor with an economical way to make precious metals investments for diversification and portfolio protection purposes. Bullion coins are manufactured in large quantities and in a standardized uniform manner, making them fungible, or interchangeable with each other. Some popular bullion coins include the American Eagle, the Australian Kangaroo Nugget, the Canadian Maple Leaf, the South African Krugerrand and the Austrian Philharmonic. Congressionally authorized by the Bullion Coin Act of 1985, American Eagle bullion coins have become one of the world's leading bullion investment coins. Bullion bars are also covered under H.R. 4170.
Bullion bars come in a wide range of sizes, and their weight is measured in troy ounces or grams.
Bullion bars are typically sold at a low premium above the bullion price and can be purchased from select commercial banks, brokerage houses and precious metals dealers. Bullion products are liquid investments, with a global 24-hour market.