American Eagles vs. Buffaloes for my Gold IRA - Help this professor decide!

• •Alright, hive mind, I’m wrestling with a decision for my Gold IRA and could use some collective wisdom.
• •Plus, their legal tender status is often touted as a big advantage.
• •But then the Buffaloes are 24k pure gold, which just *feels* more substantial, you know?

Alright, hive mind, I’m wrestling with a decision for my Gold IRA and could use some collective wisdom. I'm looking to add another chunk of physical gold – probably around $50k worth – and I'm torn between American Gold Eagles and American Gold Buffaloes. My current IRA is sitting pretty at just over $300k, with about $70k already in physical gold (a mix of Canadian Maples and some smaller Eagles from a few years back). Based in Richmond, VA, and being a university professor, I tend to dive deep into research before making any moves, but this one has me a bit stumped on the practical differences.

I know the Eagles have that 22k durability because of the copper/silver alloy, which definitely appeals to the long-term, hold-it-forever part of my brain. Plus, their legal tender status is often touted as a big advantage. But then the Buffaloes are 24k pure gold, which just feels more substantial, you know? Like, isn't pure gold always better for an investment vehicle? I'm weighing the premium differences too – sometimes the Buffalos carry a slightly higher premium, but is that justified by the purity long-term? I’m thinking about the future, whether it's passing it down or needing to liquidate much, much later, which option might have an edge for recognizability and ease of sale.

I've been poring over various articles and even spent some time on the Gold IRA Blueprint's Learning Center, which is genuinely a fantastic resource for breaking down a lot of the basics. It's a goldmine of info, especially for understanding the nuances of IRA-approved metals. However, the theoretical pros and cons sometimes don’t quite translate to real-world investor sentiment. So, for those of you who have directly invested in either or both for your IRAs, what’s your experience been?

Specifically, has anyone seen a noticeable difference in liquidity or buyback prices between the two when dealing with custodians or precious metal dealers? Is the 22k vs. 24k difference more of a psychological one for long-term hold, or does it genuinely impact the re-sale value significantly enough to sway a decision? Any insights or personal anecdotes would be hugely appreciated. Help a fellow investor make a sound, research-backed decision!