I think that you also have to factor in the tax angle here. In the UK all Gold is exempt from VAT (value added tax - like a sales tax) but only government issued bullion is capital gains free.
Silver is worse (in terms of being f-over by the gov)... bars are not CGT free (again only government issued bullion coins) and all is subject to VAT..basically adding a further 20% onto the price.
So if in UK I'd say make sure you buy UK mint coins as CGT free. Also, I like that they are more more portable and easier to sell in smaller amounts....(if you wanted to sell a bar there may not be as many buyers for them)
I agree with you 100%