PD asked about bullion versus coins. I use the following ladder: mining stocks > futures > gold depository > physical bullion > popular coins.
The more to the right, the safer, but also more expensive in transaction cost and storage. Coins are easier to exchange in a crisis, but also slightly more expensive now than bullion.
I am planning to shift my assets to the right (sell from the left) as the bull-market in gold unfolds. I am looking for the signs of speculation in small mining stocks (sort of started) or shortages on physical deliveries on futures.
