BRAVO! That is the right answer.
There are reputable places online to buy gold and silver. Ebay is not one of them. I have bought all of mine through an online broker and I am very satisfied.
I just came across this story this morning:
http://www.peakprosperity.com/forum/how-much-gold-and-silver-do-i-need/36682
I find that buying gold and silver online can be expensive, and you cannot get your hands on it as quickly as I would like. It takes time to get stuff processed and mailed to you.
I have not been able to find a decent dealer in my area. The storefront guys are pirates, and the coin dealers are as unhelpful as a gun store owner.
Storage is also an issue. If you are buying gold, you probably do not trust banks, so a safe deposit box might not be practical. So an in-home safe or storage option should be considered.
If you have any specific questions that you do not want published to the world, feel free to frepmail me.
From what I’ve been reading today, you’re more likely to get ripped off buying foreign coins or bullion.
You can buy directly from the U.S mint, but they seem to be premium prices, way over spot.
I found a site from a list provided by the U.S mint for reputable coin sellers, apmex ... who’s prices seemed reasonable ranging from 3% over spot to 7% for American Eagle series. Shipping and insurance is about $18 per $1000, they ship USMAIL to PO boxes, physical addresses for other shipping methods.
I’m just starting so I’m sticking with American Eagle Series and Englehard bullion.