Bars or coins?
Bars offer the lowest premium per gram, especially from 50 g upwards. Bullion coins such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Maple Leaf or Krugerrand cost slightly more per gram but are recognised worldwide and easy to sell in small units. Many investors combine both.
LBMA accreditation
The London Bullion Market Association maintains the Good Delivery list of refineries whose bars are accepted without question on the professional market — PAMP, Valcambi, Argor-Heraeus, Heraeus and others. Buying LBMA-accredited products protects the resale value.
VAT
Investment gold (bars and coins meeting the EU definition) is exempt from VAT across the European Union. Silver does not enjoy this exemption — retail silver prices include 20% Bulgarian VAT.