Gold bullion coins are generally used as a form of investment. Historically in times of economic uncertainties gold is bought as a safe haven for assets. Due to the present economic climate there has been a flurry of investors buying gold bullion coins an an insurance against the threat of inflation, the fluctuating US dollar and the ongoing European debt problems.

Since coinage was invented gold has been a popular metal of choice as it is unreactive, has a high density, it can be melted down and reused and it is a precious and valuable commodity that increases in value. Most countries mint their own gold bullion coins for investment purposes. The UK, for instance, produce Gold Sovereigns, Canada The Maple Leaf Coin, USA mint the Gold Eagle coin and South Africa are famous for producing the Krugerrand.

Numismatic or rare old gold bullion coins also have good investment potential. The most expensive numismatic gold coin sold at auction was a 1933 Double Eagle coin which fetched $7.5 million. Recently a lady in USA found a hoard of gold coins in the garage of her late father. At auction these rare coins dating back to the turn of the century sold for £56,000.

Recent years has seen an increase in the global awareness regarding the importance of recycling used products. In today's world of throw away consumer goods, recycling is all the more relevant.

Gold bullion is evident in many present day products, whether the consumer is aware of the fact or not. Items containing gold include TV's, mobile phones, computer and many other electronic goods. It is from electronic items that the majority of recycled gold is obtained.

The majority of gold mined is made into gold jewellery and due to the recent high price of gold many individuals are cashing in and selling their precious pieces of gold jewellery. In Vermont in USA it is possible to buy gold wedding bands made completely from recycled gold from computers. Due to the recent economic crisis however, the most common purchase of gold is by investors who are buying gold, in the form of gold bullion bars or coins, as an investment for their assets.

The most expensive gold bullion in the world is the 1933 Double Eagle gold coin. This much sort after collectors item was last seen at auction by Sothebys in 2002 and was sold for a record price of $7.5 million.

Originally 445,000 of these Gold Sovereigns were minted in 1933. However President Roosevelt decided to remove USA from the gold standard at this time and it became illegal to own gold. All the Double Eagle coins were ordered to be melted but 20 coins were secretly kept back.

Over the years the Secret Service has recovered ten of the coins, which are now in the possession of the US Government. The remaining coins are under legal dispute as they government consider them to belong to themselves and want them returned.

Gold jewellery is back in vogue as many of the fashion houses are incorporating gold items in their up and coming Autumn/Winter collections.

Agent Provocateur, for example, have recently launched a ranged of 18 karat gold necklaces and bracelets with 18k horseshoe clasps. The collection is said to be inspired by 'iconic female protagonists'. Gold jewellery is also a fashionable must have for Hollywood A Lister and stars as many have been recently pictured wearing gold pieces. Actress and singer Beyonce was spotted sporting a pair of impressive gold hoop earrings whilst holidaying in the Mediterranean with her rapper husband Jay Z.

A new range of gold bullion jewellery has been launched by the renowned Liali Jewellery company to celebrate the approaching festival of Eid. In India buying gold jewellery is popular around times of religious festivals and the wedding seasons.

Using gold metal detectors is the modern way of looking for gold bullion. Historically gold miners have relied on panning and digging for gold but modern techniques make it easier to find this precious metal.

Precision gold metal detectors are not like regular detectors. They are specifically designed to detect the smallest particles of gold and have revolutionised the whole process of finding gold. These detectors have been particularly important to miners in areas of high ground where generally it is hard to prospect. Gold miners of large areas of land in places such as, California, Mexico,and Nevada are finding these pieces of technology invaluable.

The largest producer of gold in the world is China mining 300 tonnes of gold per year. The top spot has previously been held by South Africa who have now slipped to second place followed by Australia and USA. As more investors are buying gold bullion as a safe haven for assets, mining companies are investing heavily to increase their output to meet these demands.

The Royal Mint recently announced they are to launch a series of three gold bullion coins the celebrate the 30th Olympic games which are to be held in London in 2012.

The coins are made of 22 karat gold. The £100 coin weighs one ounce and the two £25 coins weigh half an ounce. Each gold coins represents three of the Olympic sports of Running, sailing and cycling with the Queens head featuring on the reverse.

Recent demand for gold bullion coins are at an all time high around the world by investors and collectors alike. The Royal Mint's most popular coins are Gold Sovereigns and Britannia coins. Each year they also produce gold and silver coins to commemorate specific and important events.

With the recent flurry by investors to buy gold bullion, for the first time in decades the purchasing of gold jewellery as the main form of gold consumption has taken a backseat.

Factors such as the recent global economic crisis, worries over European debt, the threat of inflation and the fluctuating US dollar have all played a part in pushing up the Gold Price. Historically at time of economic uncertainty gold has always been considered a safe haven for investments and this appears to be the case.

Analysts GFMS have reported that demand for gold jewellery has fallen by 23% to 1687 tonnes whereas demand for gold bullion has almost doubled to 1820 tonnes. Central Banks have also played a large part in this turn of events as they are now being seen to be buying gold bullion where traditionally they are predominantly known as being sellers of this precious metal.