Finding gold coins is not at all like looking for treasure on a sunny island. Well, unless you consider looking through web pages and glass display cases. You don’t need an eye patch, but it wouldn’t hurt to be street wise. So, where can you buy gold coins? Let’s make a map of the area, with each stop having its own pros and cons.

The first stop is internet merchants of bullion. These online stores are as prevalent as coffee shops and have a huge selection of gold coins, including Krugerrands, Eagles, Britannias, Pandas, Maple Leafs, and other commemorative coins that collectors love. Their supply varies faster than the weather in April. Read reviews, look at ratings, and stay with brands that other people trust. Do you need shipping insurance? Like an umbrella in a storm, it’s important but not often noticed.

Next, you should go to a local coin shop. It’s kind of fun to transact business with a handshake and a magnifying lens. You can look closely at the coins, ask the owner where they came from, or even haggle like you’re at a busy market at a coin shop. You might go in for a penny and come out with a story about the one that got away. Prices here can change—sometimes they’re better than online, and sometimes they’re not. Face-to-face also gives peace of mind to those who are careful.

Don’t forget about coin displays and fairs. Displays all over the walls, throngs vibrating with excitement, and enough gold shining under the lights to make a magpie go crazy. Dealers come from all over, bringing coins, information, and fantastic tales. This is where you can locate uncommon items and unexpected prizes. At these events, cash is king, but sometimes you’ll see a merchant take a card.

You should also keep an eye on authorized banks and financial organizations, but make sure that the banks in your country really do sell coins. Some people do it with all the pomp and circumstance of opening a new account, while others don’t touch bullion at all. If you locate a bank that does, expect severe ID checks, little room for negotiation, and the reassuring weight of authenticity.

Then there’s the realm of auctions, which is really risky. Talk about flipping a coin. There is a lot of excitement here, and calm minds are hard to find. Auctions provide you access to unique items that you won’t find in stores. But before you start, read the fine print. Hammer prices hurt because of buyer’s fees, taxes, and bidding battles. A half-hour session can seem like fighting with your hands.

Online marketplaces like eBay are tempting since they let you access things from all over the world and have a lot of different things to choose from. But be careful. There are a lot of fake items and outdated techniques that make it hard to find good deals. Only buy from sellers who have a good reputation, a strong guarantee, and a lot of sales.

One additional thing: jewelry stores can be full of surprises. It may seem strange, but some of the largest worldwide companies do deal in gold coins. If you walk in and ask, the worst they can do is shake their head, and you won’t be any worse off than you were before.

So what is the lesson of this treasure map? Don’t rush, trust your gut, and bring questions. Hunting for gold coins may be half the excitement, whether you’re doing it for fun or as an investment. Follow the gold fever, but don’t let it get in the way of your better judgment. Some mistakes will last forever, just like gold. Good luck hunting.