Just where do you keep gold, silver, or platinum coins? A good question, and one that is often asked especially by first time buyers. The answers are mostly common sense, but there are a few important points to keep in mind.

First and foremost do not store your coins with anyone. This point may seem obvious but you would be surprised at how many people do not take delivery because they have not made a decision as to where the coins should be stored. Some people actually pay storage fees for coins which have never been purchased! The reason to own hard assets is because they are in your direct control. Not in someone else's safe.

Trusting others with your coins has resulted in terrible financial loss to many investors over the past 30 years. In fact, some of the largest losses were from so-called "big" companies that had been in business for decades. So a good first rule is never to store coins with anyone, no matter how big they are or how sound they seem.

But after that what do you do with them? There are many hard asset enthusiasts who do not trust the money supply and therefore do not trust banks. We have always thought such a position a bit extreme. We store our coins in bank safe deposit boxes because it is the safest and cheapest way of making sure your coins are there when you want them.

Some hard asset investors suggest a safe deposit box at a bank other than where you have your checking account. Another idea is to split your holdings into two boxes, but in all cases keep a number of sets of records. One for you and one in each box. This system is also handy in keeping track of the coins you purchased, the price you paid, and other important notes.