I’m not a gold bug. But I’ve read that a good rule of thumb is to buy government-issued gold only. A US one ounce gold coin might be more expensive than a “Gold by Jimmy” one ounce gold coin. But it’s also less likely to be fake.
And…it’s much easier to sell across a range of places. Stay away from “gold trader” places and pawn shops.
Gold can be bought from Canadian and Chinese down to 1/20th ounce and gram sized. Us gold is in 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and full ounces.
Trying to use a gold ounce coin for “real life” situations isn’t easy. Smaller units would be easier.
If it’s just to have some, bars are OK but get them with a well known assay. That makes it easier to sell.