Best Books on Investing in Gold and Silver | Top 5
Get into investing in gold, silver and precious metals with these books
Ever since the global financial crisis, we’ve been obsessed with banking crises and how to protect our wealth. Of the assets you could turn to in times of turmoil, gold is one that’s stood the test of time. Amid all the hype of crypto, gold might seem a bit old-fashioned. But gold has been used as a wealth protector for centuries. In this article, we’re going to look at the five best books on investing in gold.
These books will teach you the history of gold and its role in the international monetary system. You’ll learn about the banking system and how money is created. You’ll also learn about the practical side investing in gold, e.g. via physical bullion, numismatics, gold stocks and ETFs, and about the risks involved. These books also cover investing in silver and investing in precious metals more generally.
You can purchase all these books for less than £100. As such, they are an inexpensive way to learn about investing in gold and silver. And they can open up your available investment options. These books are a great investment and will pay for themselves several times over. They’ll help you plan for the worst and protect your wealth in times of turmoil. You can also read some of these books for free with Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited free trial.
You can click on the books to see the latest reviews and prices on Amazon. In addition, you can look inside to find out about the contents.
Our Reading List
Books about gold and silver investing
Click links to see latest reviews and prices
1. The New Case for Gold – James Rickards
Synopsis:
“They say Keynes called gold a ‘barbarous relic’. They say there isn’t enough gold in the world to support commerce and that the gold supply can’t increase enough to support growth. They’re wrong.
In The New Case for Gold, James Rickards explains why gold is one of the safest assets for investors in times of political instability and market volatility and how every investor should look to add some gold to his or her portfolio.
Drawing on historical studies, monetary theory, and his personal experience, Rickards argues gold should be part of every portfolio.”
Our view:
One of the best books on investing in gold that you’ll ever read.
In The New case for Gold, Rickards dispels the myths that surround investing in gold, shows you why money is gold (and nothing else), and shares his insights into how gold has been used in the international monetary system in the past and how it could be used again in the future. One of the most bullish investment cases for gold you’ll read and an eye-opening book. It also makes a strong case for owning physical gold, e.g. gold bullion, rather than gold ETFs.
A truly wonderful book about investing in gold that will turn your world view on its head.
2. Where does money come from? – Josh Ryan-Collins
Synopsis:
“Where Does Money Come From? reveals how, contrary to public perception, commercial banks, in their role as providers of credit, create the bulk of today’s money.
The authors argue that this system is inherently unstable, with little effective regulation of how much credit is provided or whether it is used for productive or speculative purposes.
Based on detailed research, Where Does Money Come From? examines the nature of money and banking and explains the role of central banks, the Government and the European Union.“
Our view:
A fantastic guide to the UK monetary and banking system and how it operates.
It’s impossible to truly understand the case for investing in gold without knowledge of where money comes from and how the banking system works. In this book, Josh Ryan-Collins explains what banks do, how money is actually created, and how the monetary and banking systems work today. It covers some of the fascinating history of money, and it looks at how banking rules and regulations have changed over the last century, leading to repeated financial crises.
One of the best books out there for learning what money is and how it’s created.
3. Investing in Gold & Silver for Dummies – Paul Mladjenovic
Synopsis:
“Investing in gold and silver is almost always a sound idea – that goes double in a time of unusual market fluctuation and turmoil.
As people look for safe places to diversify their investment risk, you’ll see the value of your investment go up where stocks are vulnerable.
Written in an easy-to-follow style, Investing in Gold & Silver For Dummies explains different vehicles for buying gold and silver. You’ll find out the best ways to add them to your portfolio, how to balance risk and reward, and learn time-tested strategies for investing in gold, silver and other precious metals.”
Our view:
A more pragmatic book and everyday guide to the practicalities of investing in gold and silver.
While the other books on this list are more focussed on the case for investing in gold, this book is a great overview of how to actually go about it. It covers all the main options available. This includes physical bullion, numismatics and collectibles, gold mining stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. It also looks at more exotic strategies like futures, options, and leveraged and inverse ETFs.
One of the best books if you want to learn about the different investment vehicles on offer.
4. Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order – Ray Dalio
Synopsis:
“From legendary investor Ray Dalio, author of the international bestseller Principles, who has spent half a century studying global economies and markets, Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order examines history’s most turbulent economic and political periods to reveal why the times ahead will likely be very different from those we’ve experienced in our lifetimes – but similar to those that have happened many times before in history.
Dalio reveals the timeless, universal forces behind global power shifts and uses them to look into the future, offering practical advice for dealing with what lies ahead of us.”
Our view:
One of the best books out there on how the rise and fall of nations impacts investing.
We love Ray Dalio. And we’re so grateful he’s devoted so much of his life to teaching others what he’s learned. Principles of Dealing with the Changing World Order is a book about the rise and fall of nations. However, it includes some important analysis around how different asset classes, including stocks, bonds, cash and gold, perform in different environments and why.
One of the best books for understanding the macro picture and on how to preserve wealth.
5. The Age of Gold – H. W. Brands
Synopsis:
“They went to change their lives and in the bargain they changed the world. This is the story of the men and women of the gold rush.
When gold was discovered on the American River above Sutter’s Fort in January 1848, California was sparsely populated frontier territory not yet ceded to the US by Mexico. The discovery triggered a huge influx, as hundreds of thousands of people scrambled to California in search of riches, braving dangerous journeys across the Pacific, as well as across America’s vast, unsettled wilderness.
By 1850, the state of California was a symbol of what America stood for and where it was going.”
Our view:
A wonderful book about the California gold rush that’s highly readable and entertaining.
This is a solid, well-researched book about the gold rush that took place in the American west in the 19th Century. It’s a great mix of story, maps and statistics. There are great portraits of some of the colourful characters of the time. And it includes commentary on the long-lasting impact of the gold rush on the wider American psyche. An important historical book about gold and a great read.
One of our top books for understanding the impact of the precious metal on society.
Bonus: Precious Metals Investing For Dummies – Paul Mladjenovic
Synopsis:
“In recent years, precious metals have been safe and lucrative investments, but they are also not entirely risk-free for investors.
Before you begin investing, you need good information and proven strategies. What you need is Precious Metal Investing For Dummies.
This straightforward guide gives sound advice on investing in metals like gold, silver, platinum and uranium, as well as high-demand base metals such as zinc and copper. You’ll learn how to research market performance and choose from an array of proven investment strategies.”
Our view:
A wonderful introduction to investing in precious metals and the wider metals market.
This bonus read is a book about gold, silver and other precious metals. You’ll learn how to add different metals to your portfolio. You’ll also learn the difference between trading and investing and how to use technical analysis to spot buying and selling opportunities. The book covers strategies like investing through ETFs and purchasing numismatics coins.
One of the best beginners books for learning about investing in wider precious metals.
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