How Much Gold and Silver Should You Own? A Different Way to Think About Precious Metals

One of the questions I am asked regularly is: How much of my investment portfolio should I hold in gold and silver?
For many years, the standard answer from financial advisers has been somewhere around 5% to 10% of a diversified portfolio. There is nothing inherently wrong with that approach, but I have always felt that it is too generic. Why should the appropriate allocation to precious metals be the same for an investor living in Switzerland, South Africa, Australia or Argentina? More importantly, why should it remain the same when the economic and political environment around that investor changes?

Silver Krugerrands vs International Silver Bullion Coins: What Should South African Investors Buy?

If you are looking to buy silver bullion in South Africa, one of the first questions is whether to purchase local Silver Krugerrands or international silver bullion coins such as Canadian Maple Leafs, British Britannias, Australian Kangaroos or American Silver Eagles.There is no single correct answer. In my opinion, both have an important place in a well-diversified South African precious metals portfolio.

Handling Bullion Coins

Silver Care: How To Care For Your Silver Bullion

Although silver bullion products derive their value almost exclusively from the weight of their silver content, some investors avoid purchasing bullion products that are damaged. By damaged, I don’t mean light scratches and dents that are typical for bullion products, but rather chemical marks and damage if dropped onto a hard surface. Therefore, to avoid losing money when selling silver back into the market, it is important to consider a few points concerning the handling and storing of your bullion coins for optimum sell-back value.

How to Choose a Trusted Precious Metals Dealer in South Africa

You have done your research. You have compared products, studied the market, and decided to invest in physical gold, silver, or platinum. Now comes one of the most important decisions of all—choosing the right precious metals dealer.

Whether you are buying your very first Silver Krugerrand or adding another Gold Krugerrand to an established portfolio, performing proper due diligence on the seller can protect both your investment and your peace of mind.