of course having gold or silver coins provides an advantage over the face value of the coins based on the cost of bullion. and of course better condition will command a slightly better price. i'm wondering if high-end numismatics are going to plummet too or if they would retain their premium. i imagine that if there are less people willing or able to purchase coins their prices must go down, yet i'm also wondering if, other than accummulating lots of metal, if truly collectible coins are better than, say, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. i guess i'm not so much looking for an answer as much as discussion.

	Silvertowne One Ounce .999 Fine Silver Bullion Bar Sale Price: $39.00
	Silvertowne 1 Ounce .999 Fine Silver Bullion Bar.

	1 GRAM SILVER BUFFALO BAR Sale Price: $0.01
	AN AMERICAN BUFFALO 1 GRAM .999 SILVER BULLION BAR!!! A VERY POPULAR AND ATTRACTIVE 1 GRAM BULLION BAR FROM THE CMC MINT!

	2011 American Silver Eagle Coin in "Air-Tite" Capsule Sale Price: $39.85
	This beautiful American Eagle comes protected in a direct fit, "Air-Tite" capsule. It is a legal tender silver dollar coin authorized by the United States government. Makes an excellent (and affordable) gift! The obverse design features Adolph A...

	1 Troy Ounce .999 Fine Silver Bar - Pan American - Uncirculated Bullion Sale Price: $45.95
	Pan American 1 Troy ounce Silver Bars are minted from .999 fine silver. They feature the well known silver hammer logo of Pan American Silver on the obverse.

	Sunshine Mint 1 oz (.999) Fine Silver Bar - Eagle Design Sale Price: $41.00
	.999 fine silver. All are Hallmark stamped with their exact purity of contained silver from their issuer. Bars and rounds of any size are an excellent way to invest in pure silver while avoiding the premiums usually found on legal tender bullion coins...

	1 Ounce Knights Templar Cross Masonic Freemason Silver Coin + Case (LISTING ORIGINATION: ONLINE*COLLECTABLE*TREASURES) List Price: $40.00 Sale Price: $0.01
	(LISTING ORIGINATION: ONLINE*COLLECTABLE*TREASURES)

	2011 American Silver Eagle Dollar Coin .999 Silver Bullion Uncirculated New in Airtight Holder Sale Price: $39.70

	1 Gram .999 Fine Silver Buffalo Round Bullion Coin Sale Price: $0.01
	These small rounds are great for collecting, investment, and even make a unique gift idea.

	5 Grain .999 Fine Silver Bullion Bar List Price: $4.99 Sale Price: $0.01
	Small size, newly minted .999 Fine Silver Bullion Bars. These bars are 5 grains in weight (approximately 1/3 gram) and are stamped 5 grains on the face and .999 Fine Silver on the reverse.

	2010 Silver American Eagle - West Point Mint - Investment Grade Silver Bullion Sale Price: $49.99
	These gorgeous coins are minted at West Point, New York and contain one ounce of 0.999 pure silver. These are legal tender silver dollar coins authorized by the United States government. Makes an excellent (and affordable) gift! This is a preorder sale...

I'm thinking about buying some silver bullion coins for investments (go along with savings and mutual funds) and generally just for the idea of having some coins that would have some worth to them either now or in the future. I want to buy gold bullion coins as well but I'm going to wait out that to see how the US economy continues and if the price of gold is going to drop or not. Not in any rush, in my early 20s. Also silver fits more into my budget after I take care other other things, student loans, and put away money in savings.

I've been looking at Kitco.com as a place to buy from but I'm wondering in general how are silver and gold bullion coins packaged when you buy them?

Are they simply sent in packaging and you can touch them with your hand or are they perhaps encased in plastic that you might be able to open if you want? Or is that something you have to buy yourself? Here is an example of what I'm referring to.

http://www.fremontcoin.com/p_carlino_lvrj.jp

Thanks.
Sorry. The image link is as follows.

http://www.fremontcoin.com/p_carlino_lvrj.jpg

I would like to hear some opionions on purchasing silver, gold on different platforms such as actual bullion, as in coins, individual stocks such as mining companies, or possibly mutual funds. I see numerous sites, but right now it seems a blend portfolio would be best, but were to start?