The gas to and from a coin shop is usually about the same as the cost of having a coin shipped. This seems like a lot of worry over a dollar or two though. Just buy one now and take advantage of the price drop.
For one ounce, shipping costs online kill that prospect. Pawn shops are usually overpriced, but you could get lucky. My local coin shop had some AU eagles for $2 over spot this week and I was happy with that, but I have coin shops within 5 minutes of home and work.
This year I got my first on fathers day. And after searching everyone on the web I used JM bullion Now if you would have posted this earlier in the week Silvertown had a day of free ship for xmas and I ordered some there cheaper than just about anywhere. here is the link for JM I hope this is ok!! www.jmbullion.com
Yes, the cheapest way is to tell your relatives to buy you one for Christmas or your birthday. I would go with ebay. The shipping will cost you about the same as driving to your nearest coin or pawn shop.
For me factoring gas vs shipping and protection against counterfeits my LCS can't be beat! Even so, if you have to pay a few extra dollars to get something from a well known dealer like Ampex, etc. At least you get something real.
I have 8 shops within a 15-20 minue drive from home or work. Lately it seems the markup at most places is higher than it has been...maybe cause of the price drop. There is one of those shops that specializes in bullion and jewelry though, and they do very little in the way of coins. That place is always the cheapest as far as eagles and bars simply cause of the volume they do. As far as coins, their selection is small and overpriced, but they beat everybody else as far as bullion. So you kinda just have to check out the area. Good luck!
