If you want to buy close to spot - Buy etf's If you think etf's are a conspiracy - Buy low premium bullion If you think no one will buy your low premium bullion - Buy government bullion If you think people will question your government bullion - Buy slabbed gov. bullion If you think the price of your slabbed gov. bullion will tank - Buy numismatic If you don't want to learn about buying numismatic coins - Buy etf's And round and round we go...
ETFs are paper, which I think most people wanting to buy the physical do not want to own. I agree that SLV, GLD, and IAU are good to play trends with ease of entry and exit. Such as........? You mean coins like AGEs ?
I like older gold coins a lot. California fractionals, Mexican and foreign gold coins are really fun to buy, and might even have a little numismatic premium at some point.