It’s amazing how a small piece of yellow metal can make somebody so happy. Who doesn’t like to grasp a shiny disc in their fingers and name it treasure? Gold coins bring a little bit of adventure, a little bit of mystery, and maybe even a little bit of money sense. But let’s get down to 1OZ GOLD BRITANNIA: how to find the cheapest gold coins so your inner pirate doesn’t have to spend a lot of money.

Tip number one: size is important. Usually, smaller coins cost less. A 1/10 ounce coin is a small piece of shining metal, yet it is still pure gold. Fractional coins make it less scary to own gold. These small creatures are cheaper and let you try them out without losing your ship.

Next, think about coins that were made in large numbers. More coins in circulation means that they are less rare and a better deal. You normally pay less for popular selections, which means you pay closer to the true price of gold. Talk about being smart. It’s like getting there just as the bakery is making the new bread.

Don’t forget about ancient, everyday coins that were made for people. Coins from the US before 1933 or European gold 20 Francs coins are examples of coinage that people don’t usually notice. They never became popular enough for their value to go up. That means pricing that are more appealing. Sometimes, going old school pays off—no ropes to jump over, just real gold.

Let’s talk about premiums. That’s the extra money you pay on top of the gold’s value. The coin trader makes a living off of it. Bullion coins that are well-known over the world, such elephant-stamped coins or kangaroo coins, often have lower markups than uncommon or limited coins. If you want pure metal, don’t worry about how it looks; instead, look at the gold count and the price per gram.

Pay close attention to what is available on the secondary market. Investors sometimes buy a lot of coins at once or sell them to improve their collections. Dealers will often call these “random year” or “dealer’s choice” coins. The gold coin menu has a “surprise me” platter. Not as particular about the year? You might be able to get a better deal. The last cookie in the jar is sometimes the best one.

It can be as hard to catch a greased pig as it is to time gold price fluctuations. Don’t worry about the highs and lows; just keep things steady. If you buy a coin every few months, that spare change in your pocket could turn into a piece of gold.

Don’t trust merchants that promise “limited time only” prices or coins that are worth a lot to collectors. Those typically mask hidden bills, like a nasty party guest who won’t go.

You could also be able to get around online premiums by buying from trusted people or coin stores in your town. But be sure it’s real; no one wants a headache in gold.

If you want the cheapest ticket on the gold coin train, keep it simple: stick to the classics, go small, and focus on the gold itself. And if you start to feel like a dragon collecting coins in your cave, well, that’s half the fun.