Some of the most appealing specimens of gold bars and world coins will be on the block on Dec. 19, when Bullion Trading LLC in New York City holds its precious metals auction.

There will be a veritable Fort Knox worth of gold bars available, along with gold and silver coins from around the world. And for those who can't make it to the Big Apple on Dec. 19, there will be a concurrent online auction taking place at iCollector.com.

Gold bars
With world financial markets undergoing volatile changes over the past several years, precious metals have become a popular investment for people who are looking for more stability in their investments. That's why the Bullion Trading auction is more than just an opportunity to collect some of the most valuable and beautiful items on Earth – it also presents bidders with the chance to diversify their investment portfolios.

Several Swiss gold bars, ranging in size from 1 gram to 1 ounce, will be up for bid. These magnificent bars are some of the most immaculate examples of their kind in the world, and feature the names of the banks and refiners – like Credit Suisse and Pamp Suisse – through whose hands they have passed.

Gold coins
Gold has been used as a currency for almost as long as people have been exchanging goods and services. That history can be seen in evidence on Dec. 19, as gold coins from around the world, including China, South Africa and the U.K., will be among the most sought-after lots on display.

There is an exquisite Chinese panda half-ounce gold coin, which features a magnificent etching of three pandas lounging in a bamboo forest (lot #5). Another Chinese panda gold coin, this one a quarter-ounce with a mother and her cub on its front, will also be available.

There will also be South African Krugerrands, Austrian Ducats, Canadian Maple Leafs and two collections of uncirculated first spouse gold coins from the U.S.

Silver
However, if silver is more the order of the day, don't forget about the many lots that are made from that metal. Those include several Englhard and Johnson Matthey 100-oz. silver bars (lots #56-63) and a variety of Canadian Maple Leaf coins.

An opportunity to add these many fine precious metals to one's stock rarely comes along, making the Bullion Trading auction one that is not to be missed. For those who can't make it, though, iCollector.com provides the online outlet to get involved in the bidding.