Platinum Bullion Bars

I’m new to collecting US Bullion coins (other than buying directly from the US Mint which isn’t possible) and have noticed that a lot of companies sell the bullion (Silver/Gold/Platinum eagles) and Gold Buffalo coins without the box and Certificate of authenticity that the US Mint provides when you buy through them. Is a bullion coin without the US Mint box/Certificate worth lesser than ones that do have them? I see a lot of venders who are selling the coin itself without any of the original US Mint packaging. Does this decrease a bullion coin’s value. Also, does anyone have recommendations for good online retailers for bullion coins? Here in Utah there really are no dealers who sell US Mint Bullion. One in Salt Lake City is an official US Mint re-seller but mainly specializes in selling rare Mormon coins and don’t have much US Mint merchandise in stock.

It won’t reduce the value, but if someone asks you for the certificate to prove authenticity and you don’t have one, you may have a hard time making the sale. Other buyers aren’t as picky. The best way to pick up good deals on your bullion is to hit up the auctions at http://www.buybullionnow.com/ — they’re all run through eBay stores so you can easily get prices below market value for investment and resale. It’s hard to find brick-and-mortar bullion stores anymore, anyway.