You've heard how beneficial investing in gold can be. You can diversify your portfolio, avoid many of the effects of inflation, and make money that you can save for your future. You decided that instead of investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or stocks, you're going to purchase physical bullion. After all, gold prices are rising and you want to take advantage of that. If you're not sure where to get started, listen up!

The best place to get started is the Internet. You need to know which coins you should buy and you need to do research. The best coins to start with are general, bullion coins. These can be anything from a gold American Eagle, to a South African Krugerrand, to a Canadian Maple Leaf. Stick with standard coins like these if you're looking to turn a profit. Moreover, stick with coins that weigh one troy ounce. Trying to sell coins that are smaller than that might jeopardize how much money you can get when you end up selling the coins for a profit one day.

Since you know which types of coins you're going to buy, you need to know what they look like. Know what the images on the front (obverse) and back (reverse) are. If you want to buy a Canadian Maple Leaf but the leaf on the obverse is missing a stem, you're probably buying a fake coin. There are other ways to tell if you're being sold a fake coin though. With gold prices rising, dishonest people will do just about anything to sell you something fake. Know how much the coin is supposed to weigh before you buy it. If it's too light, it's a fake. If it's too heavy, it might have other minerals besides gold mixed in with it and it's a fake. Keep an eye on the edges too. Some coins are supposed to have reeded edges, and others are not, so make sure you're buying a coin with the correct edges.

Your research doesn't stop there. You should make sure the dealer you choose to buy your coins from is a reputable seller. Check out the dealer’s ratings and reviews online, and ask other investors. Don’t be afraid to shop around either. This is your investment and you want to do it right.

With gold prices on the rise, there has never been a better time invest in coins.