How much does one ounce of gold cost?

The price of gold changes constantly based on global supply and demand. Check the MintBuilder live gold price page for the current spot price. The actual cost of a one-ounce gold product will be the spot price plus a dealer premium.

Is silver a better investment than gold for beginners?

Neither is objectively better—they serve different roles. Silver is more affordable and accessible, making it easier to start. Gold offers more value density and tends to be less volatile. Many beginners start with silver and add gold over time.

What is the minimum amount I can invest in precious metals?

There is no minimum. You can start with a single one-ounce silver round for a modest amount or a fractional gold coin. The key is to begin with what fits your budget and build from there.

Should I buy coins or bars?

Both are excellent choices. Sovereign coins offer government backing and wide recognition. Bars typically carry lower premiums, maximizing your metal per dollar. Our coins vs. bars guide covers the trade-offs in detail.

Can I hold physical gold in a retirement account?

Yes. A self-directed precious metals IRA allows you to hold physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium in a tax-advantaged retirement account. Specific purity requirements and approved storage rules apply.

How do I know if a dealer is trustworthy?

Look for transparent pricing, an established reputation, industry memberships, clear shipping and return policies, and educational content. Avoid dealers who use high-pressure sales tactics or refuse to disclose premiums clearly. See our buying checklist for a complete vetting process.

Your First Ounce of Gold or Silver: A Beginner Guide to Getting Started

Buying your first ounce of gold or silver is a milestone moment in any investor's journey. Precious metals have served as stores of value for thousands of years, and adding physical gold or silver to your portfolio is one of the most tangible steps you can take toward financial resilience. This beginner guide covers everything you need to know—from choosing between gold and silver to selecting your first product, understanding pricing, planning storage and avoiding the mistakes that trip up new buyers. By the end, you will be ready to make your first purchase with confidence from MintBuilder's gold catalog or silver catalog.

Why Start With Precious Metals?

Precious metals offer a combination of benefits that few other asset classes can match:

Inflation hedge – Gold and silver have historically maintained purchasing power during periods of currency debasement and rising consumer prices.
Portfolio diversification – Metals often move independently of stocks and bonds, reducing overall portfolio volatility.
No counterparty risk – Physical gold and silver do not depend on any company, government or financial institution to retain their value.
Global liquidity – Precious metals are recognized and traded worldwide, making them among the most liquid physical assets on earth.
Crisis insurance – In times of geopolitical turmoil, banking crises or extreme market dislocations, metals have consistently served as a financial safe haven.

If these attributes align with your financial goals, your first ounce is the perfect starting point. Check the current gold price and current silver price to see where the market stands today.

Gold vs. Silver: Which Metal Should a Beginner Choose?

The gold-versus-silver debate has no single right answer—it depends on your budget, goals and personal preference. Here is a practical comparison:

Starting With Gold

Gold packs enormous value into a small, portable form. A single troy ounce of gold is worth many times more than an ounce of silver, making it ideal for investors who want to store significant wealth in a compact space. Gold also tends to be less volatile than silver, which can be appealing to risk-averse beginners.

The downside is the higher entry cost. If your budget is limited, buying fractional gold (1/10 oz, 1/4 oz or 1/2 oz coins) is an option, though fractional pieces carry higher premiums per ounce of gold content.

Starting With Silver

Silver's lower price per ounce makes it the most accessible precious metal for beginners. You can buy multiple ounces or even start a silver stacking strategy on a modest budget. Silver also has significant industrial demand—used in electronics, solar panels and medical devices—which provides a demand floor beyond pure investment interest.

The trade-off is bulk. Storing a meaningful dollar value of silver requires considerably more space than the equivalent value in gold. Silver is also more volatile, meaning larger percentage price swings in both directions.

The Practical Answer for Most Beginners

Many first-time buyers start with silver because of the lower price point, then add gold as their budget and knowledge grow. There is no wrong choice—both metals belong in a well-rounded precious metals portfolio. Our guide on what precious metals are provides broader context on all four investment-grade metals.

How Much Should You Invest?

There is no minimum investment required to buy precious metals, but here are some guidelines:

Start with what you can afford to set aside long term. Precious metals are not a get-rich-quick scheme. They perform best as a long-term store of value.
A common allocation is 5 to 15 percent of your total investment portfolio. This provides meaningful diversification without overconcentrating in a single asset class.
Dollar-cost averaging works. You do not need to buy everything at once. Making regular, smaller purchases over time smooths out price volatility and builds your position steadily.
Keep an emergency cash reserve first. Precious metals are liquid but not instantly spendable. Ensure you have adequate cash reserves before directing funds into metals.

Best First Products for Beginners

Not all gold and silver products are created equal. For your first purchase, prioritize products that are widely recognized, easy to resell and competitively priced:

Best First Gold Products

1 oz American Gold Eagle – The most widely traded gold coin in the United States, backed by the US government.
1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf – Known for its .9999 purity and advanced security features.
1 oz gold bar from a reputable refiner – PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, or Perth Mint bars offer lower premiums than coins.

Best First Silver Products

1 oz American Silver Eagle – The most popular silver coin in the world, easy to buy and sell anywhere.
1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf – .9999 purity with excellent security features.
10 oz silver bar – A great way to accumulate silver at lower per-ounce premiums.
1 oz generic silver rounds – The lowest-premium option for maximizing ounces per dollar.

Learn more about the differences in our coins vs. bars comparison.

Where to Buy: Choosing a Reputable Dealer

The dealer you choose matters. Here is what to look for:

Transparent pricing – The dealer should clearly display the spot price, the premium and the total cost for each product.
Established reputation – Look for dealers with verifiable track records, industry memberships and positive customer reviews.
Secure transactions – The website should use HTTPS and offer secure payment options.
Clear shipping and return policies – Understand shipping costs, insurance during transit and any return or buyback policies before you order.
Educational resources – Dealers who invest in educating their customers demonstrate commitment to long-term relationships, not just one-time sales.

MintBuilder checks all of these boxes. Our how to buy gold guide walks you through the entire ordering process step by step.

Storage Basics for Beginners

Before you buy, have a storage plan. Your three main options are:

Home safe – Immediate access, one-time cost, but requires insurance and security precautions.
Bank safe deposit box – Affordable annual rental with bank-level security, but limited access hours and no FDIC coverage on contents.
Third-party vault/depository – Highest security, full insurance, and the only option for IRA-held metals.

Our comprehensive storage options guide compares all three in detail, including costs, insurance and IRA compliance.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' mistakes is one of the fastest ways to become a savvy metals buyer. Here are the most common pitfalls:

Buying on emotion or FOMO. Precious metals are a long-term hold. Do not panic-buy during a price spike or sell during a dip.
Ignoring premiums. The spot price is just the starting point. Understand the premium you are paying and compare across products and dealers.
Falling for 'rare coin' pitches. High-pressure sales tactics pushing overpriced numismatic coins to beginners are a classic scam. Stick with well-known bullion products for your first purchases.
No storage plan. Do not buy metals without knowing where you will store them securely.
Skipping research. Read guides like this one, understand what you are buying, and verify the dealer before placing an order.
Putting all your savings into metals. Precious metals should be part of a diversified portfolio, not your entire financial plan.

For a deeper dive into protecting yourself, read our guide on avoiding precious metals scams.

Building a Long-Term Plan

Your first ounce is just the beginning. Here is how to think about building a precious metals position over time:

Set a target allocation. Decide what percentage of your portfolio you want in metals and work toward it gradually.
Dollar-cost average. Buy a fixed dollar amount at regular intervals—monthly or quarterly—regardless of the current price.
Diversify within metals. As your holdings grow, consider adding both gold and silver, as well as different formats (coins, bars, fractional pieces).
Consider a precious metals IRA. If you want tax-advantaged growth, a self-directed IRA allows you to hold physical metals in a retirement account.
Stay educated. Follow spot prices on the gold price page and silver price page, read market analysis, and continue learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does one ounce of gold cost?: The price of gold changes constantly based on global supply and demand. Check the MintBuilder live gold price page for the current spot price. The actual cost of a one-ounce gold product will be the spot price plus a dealer premium.
Is silver a better investment than gold for beginners?: Neither is objectively better—they serve different roles. Silver is more affordable and accessible, making it easier to start. Gold offers more value density and tends to be less volatile. Many beginners start with silver and add gold over time.
What is the minimum amount I can invest in precious metals?: There is no minimum. You can start with a single one-ounce silver round for a modest amount or a fractional gold coin. The key is to begin with what fits your budget and build from there.
Should I buy coins or bars?: Both are excellent choices. Sovereign coins offer government backing and wide recognition. Bars typically carry lower premiums, maximizing your metal per dollar. Our coins vs. bars guide covers the trade-offs in detail.
Can I hold physical gold in a retirement account?: Yes. A self-directed precious metals IRA allows you to hold physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium in a tax-advantaged retirement account. Specific purity requirements and approved storage rules apply.
How do I know if a dealer is trustworthy?: Look for transparent pricing, an established reputation, industry memberships, clear shipping and return policies, and educational content. Avoid dealers who use high-pressure sales tactics or refuse to disclose premiums clearly. See our buying checklist for a complete vetting process.

Take the First Step Today

Every experienced precious metals investor started exactly where you are now—researching, comparing options and building the confidence to make a first purchase. The fact that you are reading this guide puts you ahead of most beginners. When you are ready, explore MintBuilder's gold products and silver products to find the perfect first addition to your portfolio. Your future self will thank you for starting today.