Is gold one of the best investments for investors to consider? Against a backdrop of crisis, marked by rising interest rates and poor performance on European stock markets, this precious metal has risen by around 35% since the start of the year. In April 2024, gold even reached an all-time high, soaring above $2,400 an ounce.  

More than ever, gold deserves its status as a safe-haven investment that remains stable in times of economic uncertainty. Discover the advantages of investing in gold in this article, along with practical financial advice to help you make your first investment in gold coins.

Why should I invest in gold coins ? 

Gold is a durable asset, providing protection against economic fluctuations and a safe haven for diversifying your assets over the long term.

With this in mind, here are the reasons why this investment would be a wise choice, particularly through the purchase of gold coins: 

* Gold coins are among the most liquid assets, meaning that they can be quickly (and easily) bought and then resold; 

* They are recognised and appreciated by French investors; 

* It is possible to profit from their premium, i.e. the difference between the price of the gold contained in the coin and its negotiated selling price. Depending on supply and demand, a coin may benefit from a premium that enables it to enjoy a capital gain when resold. 

* Gold coins are easy to buy on our website, with fast delivery. 

Investing in gold: the different coins you need to know about

Have you decided to buy gold coins? Here are the coins that deserve your attention, not least because of their renown: 

- THE 20 FRANCS NAPOLEON: Created on 28 March 1803 by the First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte and used until the First World War, this coin is very well known and appreciated by French investors. Particularly liquid, it is very easy to resell because of its popularity. Its long history gives it a certain stability. 

- THE 20 FRANCS GOLD LOUIS: This gold coin was minted in France between 1640 and 1792. It has a strong historical and cultural value, which can increase its value over time. Very well known in France, it is easily identifiable and appreciated by investors. Because of its popularity, it is easy to resell on the French market. 

- 20 FRANCS MARIANNE COQ: Born at the end of the 19th century, this coin has a modern design. Aesthetically appealing, it will appeal to investors looking for elegant coins. It is issued by a recognised institution, ensuring its purity and quality.

- KRUGERRAND: This is a coin minted by South Africa. Unlike other gold coins, it has no face value. However, it is extremely pure, being 99.99% gold. This coin is recognised worldwide, making it easy to resell internationally. 

- AMERICAN EAGLE: This American coin is one of the most sought-after. It has a high level of purity and is produced using only gold from the United States. Easily identifiable, it is recognised by international investors. 

- VIENNA PHILHARMONIC: This coin has an elegant design with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra depicted on its obverse (face).  Containing 1 troy ounce of pure gold, it is distinguished by its purity. 

- THE 50 PESOS: This is Mexico's best-known gold coin. It is also very popular on the international markets. Made of 99.99% pure gold, it has a high intrinsic value. 

- THE 20 US DOLLARS: Minted from 1850 onwards during the gold rush, this coin is guaranteed by the US government, boosting investor confidence. It is easily identifiable and internationally recognised. 

- SWISS 20 FRANCS: Issued between 1897 and 1949, this coin is highly prized by investors for its precision and minting quality. It is highly liquid thanks to Switzerland's reputation for precious metals. 

Tips for investing in gold for the first time

* Follow the gold price

Before any investment, it is advisable to follow the gold price and study its fluctuations. Over the long term, gold follows an upward trend, meaning that its value tends to rise. However, there is no single ‘best’ time to invest in gold, because of its high volatility. 

* Become familiar with how premiums work

The premium is the difference between the price of the gold contained in a coin and the price at which it is traded. This means that coins with the same amount of gold can have different values. The premium is generally positive, but there are occasions when the premium is negative (the price of the coin is lower than the value of the gold it contains), so this is fairly rare. The gold premium is linked to a number of factors: supply and demand, of course, but also the state of preservation, the rarity of the coin, the method of manufacture, and so on. 

(To calculate the premium of a gold coin, expressed as a percentage, we apply the following formula: Premium = (price of the coin - its gold value)/ its gold value/100 ).

* Focus on the long term 

Buying physical gold is a long-term investment. So it's important to invest only what you don't need in the near future. In the short term, capital gains are uncertain, and you may even have to sell your coins at a lower price than when you bought them. 

According to an EIF study, gold offers a return of 7.4% over 15 years. That puts it in the top three of the best investments, alongside the stock market and property. 

Finally, gold is a solid bulwark against inflation. It tends to outperform equities, bonds and even property. So it's an excellent way to make a sustainable investment. 

* Consider the different ways of storing your gold coins

One risk to bear in mind concerns the storage of physical gold. Storing it at home potentially exposes it to the risk of theft, loss or damage due to a natural event. To avoid this, we offer two secure precious metal storage solutions: Gardien'Or and Coffre Fort Privé. 

In conclusion, investing in gold coins is an excellent option for an initial investment in the yellow metal. These coins offer high liquidity, making them easy to buy and resell, and benefit from the security inherent in investing in gold, which is recognised as a safe haven. To maximise your chances of success, opt for the most famous and reputed coins, such as Napoleons, Krugerrands or Maple Leafs, which are widely recognised on the markets. It is also essential to follow the price of gold regularly, in order to spot the best opportunities, and to familiarise yourself with the premium mechanism, which has a direct influence on the profitability of your investment. With these recommendations in mind, you are now ready to make gold a solid pillar of your wealth diversification strategy.