Gold at $3,800: My Side-by-Side Comparison of Bullion, Numismatics, and Alternative Strategies

I Tested Every Gold Investment Strategy — Here’s What Actually Works in Today’s Market

When gold smashed through $2,600 and charged toward $3,800, I did something most analysts don’t — I actually bought gold across every major category. From Costco’s checkout line to rare coin auctions, I discovered what’s working (and what’s not) when gold gets this expensive.

The Bullion Breakdown: Big Box Stores vs. Traditional Dealers

Costco’s Gold Experiment

I stood in line with fellow shoppers grabbing PAMP bars like toilet paper in 2020. Here’s what surprised me:

• The Good: Paid just 2-3% over spot — saved enough per ounce to buy lunch
• The Catch: Membership required, and they’ll side-eye you at checkout if you buy too much
• Pro Tip: Some states tax coins at half-rate — my Colorado purchase saved $55 in taxes

Local Dealers Fight Back

My favorite shop owner laughed when I mentioned Costco, then showed me why he’s still in business:

• No limits when you need to move serious weight
• They’ll spot fake vintage bars instantly (Costco cashiers won’t)
• Actually negotiable prices — unlike big box stores

Numismatic Gold: When Premiums Disappoint

The Collector’s Dilemma

That gorgeous 1923-D Saint-Gaudens I bought in 2020 tells a sobering story:

• Paid $3,500 when gold was $1,650
• Now worth $5,000 with gold at $3,800
• Bullion investors nearly tripled their money — my “premium” coin barely kept up

Small Coins, Big Opportunities

Where numismatics shine in today’s market:

• Fractional coins fly off shelves — everyone wants affordable gold
• My 1849 half-eagle doubled while bullion coins sat
• Premiums hold better when you can’t afford full ounces

Alternative Strategies That Outperformed

Grandma’s Necklace Was Right

That “old-fashioned” jewelry purchase from 2002?

• Paid $2,000, now worth $20,000
• Pawn shops pay 90% of spot — better than coin shops
• Bonus: No paperwork on smaller sales

The Tax Hack Most Investors Miss


// Why I buy coins in Colorado:
spot = 3800;
coinPremium = 0.03; // 3%
taxRate = 0.029; // 2.9%
taxableAmount = (spot * 1.03) * 0.5; // Only 50% taxed
totalTax = taxableAmount * taxRate; // $55 vs $110 for bars


What Should You Buy Right Now?

1. Starting out? Grab Costco’s PAMP bars before they limit purchases again
2. Mid-range budget? Target pre-1933 coins with CAC stickers — they move faster
3. Serious stacker? MS-65 Saints aren’t cheap, but they’re the last to crash in downturns

“At these prices, your gold strategy needs to work harder than ever. Premiums matter more when spot is high.”

The New Rules of Gold Investing

After testing everything, here’s my playbook: chase bullion discounts like a couponer, be picky with collectibles, and never underestimate the power of small gold. As we eye $4,000, remember — the best gold investment is the one you can actually buy, hold, and sell without regrets.

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