1. Silver Bullion

Silver coins are among the best known bullion coins. They are quite popular and belong to the category of expensive collectible items. Internet has many sites selling them online along with other expensive items.

Another high priced coin popularly showcased on online websites is the silver ingot. It is believed to have been recovered froma treasure wreck such as the sunk Spanish ship, Atocha which contained treasure and artifacts; silver ingots were found among them. Another theory is that they came from some dilapidated Colorado Mines where miners had hidden them.

The officially sealed Maple Leaf silver coins, from the Royal Canadian Mint, are also fashionable among coin collectors. Then you have half dollars featuring the Walking Liberty, or a dealer roll of first strike 1994 American Eagles, besides Masterpieces from Franklin Mint.

2. Gold Bullian

For people who collect gold bullion, there are well known gold coins known as Krugerrands from South Africa. Among other popular options you have the European Gold Crowns of the period between late 1800s to early 1900s, the Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins and the American Eagle coins. You may also want to go for British sovereigns, Swiss Helveteas, or the French Roosters. These are available on Internet.

Also available online are 10-ounce Swiss gold bar, American eagle proof set and the China Gold Panda set. You can also look for gold bullion in the American Eagle, Rounds, Bars, Mixed Lots and in other categories of coins on the Internet.

3. Platinum Bullion

This is the least common form of bullion compared to the other two. Notable platinum bullion comes in Eagle sets, the French Statue of Liberty coins and Koala proofs. Recently, some safety vaults of the collapsed World Trade Center have yielded a crucible dish made from platinum bullions, an Engelhard platinum bar, and the Johnson Matthew Year of the Dragon coins.

4. Bullion as Special Gift

If you wish your bullion collection can provide thoughtful gifts for spaecial occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc. for your dear ones. For example, a bullion bar can be a unique birthday gift if it features a happy birthday greetings. Likewise, say for a wedding anniversary, you may select bullion featuring the wedding year. A bride may expect 24-karat gold or silver flakes as her wedding gift from her groom.

How to buy bullion coins

Buying bullion coins can be highly expensive. Here is a check-list of what to do when buying bullion coins:

1. Decide on what type of bullion you want to buy beforehand.

2. Try finding out the preference of the person for who you want to buy and ask if he/she can accompany you for purchase.

3. Find out the delivery cost and estimate the total cost.

4. Ensure that the seller will deliver in time, particularly while ordering online.

5. Don't make instant payments.

6. Investigate the seller's background and his reputation.

No doubt bullion coins are expensive, but they can be used beautifully to express intimate sentiments on special occasions in one's life. No other form of gift can do that so beautifully.