Sound like fiat But yeah, that must be it. Why it is it better than a bar? Coins have a higher premium than a bar.
Not all bars are equal! The "spread" isn't that much if you buy bulk. Buying bullion coins allows you to sell, a coin, a few coins, a tube, a box and at Easter time, you can throw single coins around the farm, give the kids a metal detector to keep them occupied whilst Easter "Buck" services Easter "Doe".