Gold to me serves twin purposes, first helps me tide the inflation monster and it can be held in form of gold coin which can be encashed anytime. Probably these are the reasons that gold is being hoarded since ages.

However one must make sure that one buys gold coin from professionals which will ensure that one gets good value for their money. Gold is available in coin or ingot form and thus one can choose the option of retaining precious metal.

One can check out United States Gold Bureau which can end as your one stop shop for silver, gold or other precious metals and coins requirement. One can go for silver also as its demand is more than supply.