Enter the eBay auctions… I’m talking about generic modern gold coins, not the shiny graded and proof coins that carry corresponding premiums to their value. And also not the bullion coins that have additional value due to rarity, age and beauty.

Plain, government issue gold bullion coins can be a very good way to get started investing in gold. They have known weights and purity and are therefor easy to trade.

These days, when the price of precious metals is rising rapidly, you’ll see that bullion coin dealers are able to keep shipping and handling charges down. Still, it’s possible to do better total-cost-wise on the eBay auctions.

Click on selling and buying gold to go take a look at the active and healthy precious metals market that’s going on over at eBay. You’ll see the coins listed as “Ending Soonest’ and that will give you an idea of the going prices. Grab a quick free eBay account so you can do some more in-depth research using the Advance Search function (also so you can be ready if you happen to catch a deal – check the “Newly Listed” gold coins with buy-it-now prices).

The $20 US Gold Eagles are 22 karat gold and contain one Troy ounce of pure gold. The US Gold Buffalo is $50 in legal tender but is made of one Troy ounce of 24 karat gold.

Before you buy gold, do a little research. The U.S. Mint has some good information about bullion coins of the United States.