Gyroscopic Investing

I own some physical gold and have a local dealer that I trust.  Has anyone purchased a large amount of physical gold (50k or more) in person?  Just curious, do you write a check or what?

I think a bank issued cashier's check might be the way to go.  Talk to your local dealer, but personal checks are probably not accepted. If they are you don't get your gold until the check clears.

I do this all the time. I pull up in my custom "cash money green" Lamborghini Murcielago, wait a few seconds, then get out slowly for added effect. The store owner knows I'm coming because my personal assistant, Bambi, always calls ahead to give him the heads up. I walk into the store, being careful not to wrinkle my Armani suit and then take off my Dolce and Gabbana shades after a quick glance at the merchandise. At this point the store owner usually says, "The usual?" While acting like I'm preoccupied with my smart-phone, I then nod my head and say something chummy like, "That's right, b*tch. Put it on my tab." After that, I have the 50 uncirculated Gold Eagles loaded into my Lamborghini's trunk, which is actually in the front of the car. I like to have a fiery explosion go off nearby as I walk away from it in slow-motion and into my car.

I hope this helps.

Affordable Jewelry & Precious Metals in Portland describes all their payment policies in great detail in their FAQ:

http://www.ajpm.com/faqs.html

I don't live in Portland and have never done business with them.  But their policies are very similar to the dealers in my local area.  AJPM will accept cash or cashiers' checks immediately but won't take more than $10k cash per person per year.  They will accept money market checks and personal checks, but hold your coins until your check clears.  They don't take plastic.

I prefer the anonymity of the mail, but if I could borrow Bambi and the Lambo, I would consider it.