We all know that the gold prices can fluctuate quite rapidly and even a bit wildly. When we are trying to implement an investment plan that includes gold, however, we need up to the minute and accurate gold prices. This is because gold is no longer limited or restricted to a long term investment option, and many people are deciding to buy gold assets and to sell them only a short time later.

Is that practical or profitable? Actually it is…just consider the ways that gold prices have fluctuated in only the past five years. In late 2005, gold was hovering around $450 per ounce, within three years of that it had made its way quickly to the $1,000 mark, and only two years after that had reached more than $1,200. Clearly, someone who decided to invest in gold less than five years ago might easily be able to sell some of their holdings for enormous returns right now. The key is that they had access to accurate gold prices.

Consider that there are times when a flood of gold enters the market, which could occur for several reasons – a government is selling off holdings, many investors have decided to trade their gold, and even a producer or mining company might cause a fluctuation by releasing its product. This can cause a dip in the price almost overnight, and only by double checking on the current price per ounce can the investor be sure that they will get the best price when they buy or sell.

Something else to remember is that the price on an ounce of gold is not universally applied to all gold assets. For instance, gold bullion may have an entirely different price from something like a gold coin. Even though the two vehicles may have similar fineness and similar properties, things like coins have additional fees built into them due to the costs of minting and distribution. Additionally, when there is the need for bullion production, it is not often the coins that are purchased for such a purpose.

Why buy the coins at all, especially if they have a higher price? Investors choose them for many good reasons. Firstly, they are highly portable and make it easy to control the total amount of gold in the portfolio. Secondly, they have both extrinsic and intrinsic value which is a rare commodity in the world of investment. Lastly, gold is a form of real money, and having it in the shape of minted coins can actually make it much easier to use if necessary.