With all of the recent turmoil in the global stock markets, it is no secret that we are living in uncertain times. Many investors have recently sought to get out of the volatile markets and sink their money into safer options such as gold coins. . Gold prices hit $1000 on ounce earlier this year as investors plied their savings into stocks of the precious metal. World Gold Council figures show that investment in gold totalled 284 tonnes in the first quarter of this year alone.

Krugerrand coins or Gold Sovereigns are particularly popular due to their ease of purchase. Items such as Krugerrand coins, which individually are 1oz of pure gold, are easily available from such diverse places as on-line auction site EBay.. Many industry commentators are openly suggesting that investors buy stocks of gold coins as safe, long term investments.

When comparing your options for buying gold coins there are several factors to consider depending on which coin you are buying.

The main factor is to compare the percentage over the standard market gold price for each type of coin.

Sovereigns

Experts believe that Sovereigns are often worth paying the slight extra premium for. Sovereigns can be of benefit to investors as they are smaller and more attractive than some other coins. . Sovereigns are better known that some other types of gold coins, Krugerrand coins for example, and have the added advantage of being exempt from Capital Gains Tax if you live in the UK. It is suggested that if you can buy sovereigns within 2% of the price of Krugerrands coins that this makes them a better long term buy.

Krugerrand Coins

Perhaps the best known gold coins on the market today are Krugerrand coins. These one ounce solid gold coins are more easily available in greater quantities and can generally be bought at lower prices than any other. Not particularly attractive, when compared to sovereigns, they do not possess much in the way of historical interest. What they lack in looks, however, they make up for in high production quality and they are a cost effective way for small investors to buy gold.