New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- The glitter of gold is hard to ignore this year, especially during Dhanteras. From around Rs.50,700 per 10 grams in 2020 to Rs.1.24 lakh as of 9 October 2025, gold has delivered an impressive 21% annualised return over the past five years. This growth not only comfortably outpaces average inflation of 6-7% but even beats equity, with the Nifty 50 having compounded at about 17.5% annually over the same period.

But if you're riding this rally through gold coins or jewellery, your net returns may leave you disappointed as significant embedded costs make these the lowest-yielding forms of the metal.

"Physical gold coins are seeing heightened interest amidst the ongoing rally in gold prices. However, physical bullion ca...