I like BV and GM and have a lot of respect for Paul Tustain and James Turk the founders of both. However, both are digital gold and one is wholly dependent on their websites, their technology, their servers and on the internet.
This is not a sound basis for making a "safe haven" investment in these uncertain times. Especially when the US military continues to warn that cyber warfare that can shut down entire countries technology countries (as happened to Georgia) is one of the greatest threats to global security today.
Prefer to be able to pick up the phone and have my bullion delivered in the event of a systemic crash. A personal allocated account is safer - will cost more but is worth the extra cost in order to reduce the risk that one has to single websites and digital counter parties.
One cyberwarfare attack on either company and digital gold holders may find that their assets are not as liquid as they thought they would be.
For smaller amounts, both are probably fine but do not put your life savings or be overweight digital gold.
You are right re the counter party risk inherent in exchange traded funds some of which were insured by AIG and some of which became illiquid after the Lehman collapse.
Someone told me that no CGT on British Gold Sovereigns as are considered sterling legal tender but I am checking with the Revenue Commissioners. This would obviously make them very attractive from an investment point of view versus other investments and other gold investments.
Greeks are taking a shining to gold sovereigns as worried that will be forced out of the euro
Greeks give new meaning to idea of sovereign wealth
Times Online http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/economics/article7135543.ece