Coins are way cool, but I can get more for my money buying bars...least what I see over here in the states. As Earthjade said, when you melt both down, you have the same physical silver. Go with your passion.
Not sure about the ntr's but I will only buy Perth Mint or Pamp bars. Pretty hard to go past these two IMO. I'm always confident the purity is spot on. Scorp
If you buy in Australia, coins or bars, then Perth Mint is the only top class option. They are the only Australian supplier recognised by the LBMA. Perth Mint every time if you're buying domestic.
I have a mix of bars and coins, although the majority of my stack is in bars as to me it's all about ounces and I'm a fan of the "K.I.S.S" principle. If you had a huge amount of free time and an interest in numismatics I can see how that could be a fun (and potentially profitable) hobby, although I have fairly exstensive interests in other collectable items so largely stay clear of numis. hmm not so sure about that scenario.... :/ Firstly it assumes they missed the news of the fake perth Mint Dragons? Secondly, hard as I try I can't find any youtube videos showing fake NTR bars? While I was looking I found quite a few showing various fake coins, and fake JM and Engelhard bars though, from what I've seen the fakes mostly target the higher premium items.
What ever happenned about that, did anyone ever find any? I heard they were around and I had a google but I didn't find anywhere to buy any and although some members were going to get them to test I don't recall any follow up.
I have no idea. I used that reference to show my point - I hope it ends up not being the case though!
We could ask anyone at the recent Melbourne meetup I guess since GP & CK did a presentation on fake PMs. - Here's the ref: http://forums.silverstackers.com/message-288673.html#p288673 I'd be interested to know as well. I go bullion only, no collectible numismatics, though I have some bullion coinage that commands a (current) premium. I think both are valid forms of the precious metal class, from what little I know and plus exposure to gold, you then have a few hedged scenarios for the fiat debacle and confusion.
I'm not saying there will be no fake coins, but that to recognize a fake coin as opposed to a bar is far easier. The more imperfections and less details the easier to fake, at the moment with spot being ~$30 no problems but imagine $100+ spot... fake city
Prefer coins over bars. Bars only good as makeshift weapons or tools. Everyone knows Chinese Dragons are better than Perth Mint's, and worth it. .
I prefer coins over bars. True, bars usually have lower premiums, however: Coins are significantly harder to fake than bars. Coins are more transportable (internationally) than bars. (E.g. Countries that restrict the import/export of precious metals are sometimes more lenient towards legal tender coins that contain precious metals, than bars alone) Coins are more internationally recognizable than bars. Coins can appreciate over time (e.g. 30years from now, a 1KG Bar will have almost zero numismatic value, whereas even a Maple/American Silver Eagle may have some numismatic value).(*exception noted) Coins can usually be visually assayed, whereas many bars will be tested (fire, acid, drill, etc) Coins are harder to restrict/repossess than bullion. Coins have more history and discussion points. But as Water&Food stated, bars make good makeshift weapons *There are some exceptions to the bullion bar not having any additional value. Some silver taels/sychees (bullion bars) that are a few hundred years old (or more) often sell for astronomical prices. But I doubt modern bars will ever achieve these premiums.