Gold Ownership Explained: 11 Must-Know Questions Before You Buy Physical Gold

n a time when global debt is spiraling, currencies are devaluing, and trust in financial institutions is fading, one question matters more than ever:

👉 How do you protect what you’ve already earned?

At Income From Gold, our focus is singular — the preservation of wealth through private ownership of physical gold and silver held outside the fractured banking system.

In a recent discussion, international wealth preservation expert Egon von Greyerz shared his practical insights on what every serious investor should understand before buying gold — from identifying trustworthy dealers to choosing the safest storage locations.

🎥 Watch the video: “Gold Ownership Explained — 11 Must-Know Questions Before You Buy Physical Gold.”

1. What Makes a Gold Dealer Reputable?

According to Egon von Greyerz, credibility in the gold industry comes from:

• At least 10 years of proven operations

• Professional, experienced management

• Regular audits by top-tier firms

Reputation is built on transparency and time — not on flashy marketing or discount pricing.

2. Why Are Reputable Dealers Hard to Identify?

Because the internet is full of bold claims and “trusted” offers that lack any third-party verification. Independent audits and compliance reviews remain the only real filters for trust.

3. How Much Gold Should You Own?

Von Greyerz recommends allocating up to 50% of liquid assets to physical gold for true long-term security. Over the past 25 years, gold has outperformed nearly all major asset classes — quietly, consistently, and without counterparty risk.

The exact amount depends on your personal comfort and understanding of what gold represents: financial sovereignty.

4. When Should You Sell Gold?

Only when governments:

• Stop printing money,

• Run fiscal surpluses, and

• Begin repaying debt.

Until that unlikely day arrives, gold should be viewed as a long-term store of value, not a trading instrument.

5. The “Perfect” Gold Solution

Von Greyerz defines true wealth preservation through three essential pillars:

1. A reputable, audited company

2. Secure vaults in stable jurisdictions like Switzerland or Singapore

3. Direct, personal access — with your gold fully segregated and serial-numbered

These principles align perfectly with our philosophy at Income From Gold: your wealth should always remain outside the system and under your control.

6. Can You Trust Firms That Offer Gold Funds?

Even if a company has a good reputation, fund-based gold storage does not grant you direct ownership. Funds and trusts, even if backed by real gold, don’t provide personal access to the metal. The storage often remains within the government or banking framework — not ideal for true independence.

7. Buying Gold from Banks — Still Possible?

Not really. While banks once sold physical gold directly to customers, most have since moved away from it. Banks today operate within a digital, leveraged system that contradicts gold’s role as an off-grid store of value. Specialized private dealers remain the preferred path for serious wealth preservation.

8. Transporting Gold Across Borders

Gold can cross borders, but rules vary. Within the EU, amounts under €10,000 can generally travel undeclared — though regulations may change. For larger holdings, insured, professional logistics providers are the safest and most discreet solution.

9. What About Gold ETFs?

Gold-backed ETFs represent paper exposure, not physical ownership. They do not allow you to take delivery, nor to verify that the gold even exists in your name. The risks of rehypothecation — the same gold being lent or pledged multiple times — make ETFs unsuitable for those seeking protection from systemic risk.

10. The Importance of Serial Numbers and Client Registration

Real physical gold bars are individually serial-numbered and registered under the client’s name. You receive a warehouse receipt detailing each bar’s weight, purity, and number — your personal proof of ownership.

Paper gold offers none of this transparency or control.

11. Mining Stocks vs Physical Gold

While mining stocks may outperform gold during certain cycles, they carry political, financial, and market risks. Physical gold, stored securely and privately, is the cornerstone of long-term wealth preservation.

Mining stocks are a speculation. Gold is protection.

Final Thought: The Sovereignty of Real Ownership

In a world of digital promises and paper wealth, owning physical gold and silver — segregated, audited, and held in your name — is an act of sovereignty.

At Income From Gold, we believe that clarity, control, and custody are the foundation of lasting security. If you seek to preserve what you’ve built — not gamble on what’s next — now is the time to act.

🔒 Preserve your wealth. Protect your freedom. Start your journey with real gold ownership today.