Gold is often sold to the investor in troy ounces or pennyweights. It can be purchased in many ways with the most common investor choice being online gold trading boards.
In most cases, the investor using the online gold trading boards will never actually see the gold they are purchasing. Rather, they are buying shares of the gold through the exchange, which can offer investor pricing by making its purchases in larger quantities.
Another option for buying gold is the purchase of gold coins, bullion or scrap gold, either online through auction sites or locally through coin dealers and jewelers who offer investment grade gold for sale.
When purchasing gold, it is important to have a clear knowledge of both the market and the metal itself because a few points difference in the purity of the gold can alter its value a great deal. In addition, many charlatans will attempt to pass off lower quality gold or gold plated items as real gold so you should always know the reputation of your seller before you purchase any gold item as an investment. When purchasing gold from online individuals and businesses, always pay for your items using a trusted checkout system that offers buyer protection in case the item is not as they have described it.