International 

It is best to bullion instead of sovereign coins, e.g., Eagles, Maples, etc., since governments can recall these in times of social unrest and merely give people the melt down value. However, not all bullion is trustworthy, nor can its authenticity be immediately verified without proper documentation. Furthermore, in times of social chaos, large amounts of gold many not be convenient for quick barter transactions, so silver is better for that. Small quantities of gold may also be useful.

Karatbars International

Karatbars GmbH gold bars are characterized by both easily recognized premium quality and highly skilled craftsmanship. They work only with gold refineries that are listed under the “London Good Delivery”. All Karatbars 1 gram Gold bars are certificated and laminated with UV protective film, stamped with a valid trademark and include an Assayers signature and a unique hologram on the reverse side of the bar, which is intended both as a security feature and for visual appeal. Karatbars goldbars guarantee value stability and serve as a means of financial security in tough economic times. They can also be used as a method of payment and means of exchange. The company's headquarters and the logistics center is located in Stuttgart. Deliveries in smaller quantities are packaged under video surveillance at the home of Karatbars International and shipped via FedEx daily. The company sells its innovative products worldwide in over 70 countries. The owner, Harald Seiz has a vision to help people in all 194 countries of the earth attain some financial security through Karatbars.

Address

Room B, 13/F, Gold Shine Tower, 348 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Unit 905, Level 9, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong

Around 8-20% over spot for small items and quantities

Phone

By zip code in the US:

US Coin Dealers

In other countries

Find Your Local Coin Shop (by Jason Hommel)  

Singapore and Malaysia http://goldsilversingapore.com/sg/

Other information

Buying gold and silver

Rates change daily based on spot prices and supply and demand. Expect to pay at least 2-10% over spot price when you buy gold, and expect to pay 1-30% over spot price when you buy silver.

Richard Maybury's videos, Buying Precious Metals, are also quite instructive: Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4

Selling gold and silver

Most sellers of gold and silver will also buy it back, and some will give a better rate if you bring along your receipt of purchase from them. Expect to receive 1-5% less than spot price when you sell your gold and silver.

Measuring Weight

Gold and silver are normally measured in troy ounces not normal avoirdupois ounces (used for measuring normal things).

• 1 avoirdupois ounce = 0.911458333 troy ounce
• 1 troy ounce = 1.0971428 avoirdupois ounce

Also, note that there are different measures for taels.  Chow Sang Sang uses 1 tael = 37.429 grams.  It may be slightly different in Guangzhou, Shanghai or Taipei.

• 1 troy oz = 31.1034768 g = 0.831 tael
• 1.20337 troy oz. = 37.429 grams = 1 tael
• 1.6077 troy oz = 50 grams = 1.336 tael
• 3.2154 troy oz. = 100 grams = 2.672 tael

Products to ask for

• 90% junk silver coins (715oz of silver in 55 pound bag; usually the cheapest)
• 100oz silver Englehards
• 1 oz silver Eagles
• 1 kilogram gold bar (32 troy ounces)

Storage:

• Store precious metals in a safe place in or near your home or a relative or close friend's home.

• Avoid storing more than 50% in one place.

• Never store gold and silver in banks, since they usually have terms that in the event of war or emergency they can keep it all.

• Never store gold and silver in depositories either. They used to be safe, but some governments, especially the US government,
  will probably commandeer all depositories. It's the easiest way to collect without having to do a lot of work.

Comparison of one silver rounds from Hong Kong and the US

Click here to see a short video 

Miscellaneous information

• Numismatic coins (i.e., supposedly rare collectibles) are marked up a lot more than bullion 
  (precious metal sold by weight), and there is sometimes some exaggeration in stated values and 
  benefits of these coins (for example, "confiscation-proof".) 
• Further information: Practical Ideas on Buying Gold and Silver
• Is it real? Try the PING test (1 minute video).
• Gold and silver are much better than diamonds or gems in a time of crisis, because they are universally known 
  to be of value and are usually measured by weight and can be trusted for bartering. Normal people will not know
  the value of diamonds and gems in a time of crisis. 
• Cigarettes and alcohol are also of known value and can be bartered in times of crisis.