Buying Gold / Silver / Precious Metals

[CardMinger]

Guys,

I want to buy some kind of precious metals in bars or coins. Has anyone done this before? I know you have to pay a little premium to actually get the metal in your hand but buying ETF's / mining companies in this case is not an option.

Any suggestions?

Also does anyone have any thoughts on if this is good/bad time to be buying precious metals?

Thanks a lot!
CM