The problem is that physical gold might be a pretty bad investment. If you have a gold bar in your house then you should carefully watch over it because any tiny scratch will cause a significant price decrease while buying a "virtual" gold still can't guarantee 100% safety during a financial crisis. Also in case of any military conflict even physical gold won't really help you.
Another example of someone that hasn't got a clue what he his taking about. Gold bullion be it bars or coins are valued based on gold content. Scratches, finger marks or dents make no difference. The only thing you need to keep perfect are proof quality coins.
The UK also issues gold sovereigns as part of air crew survival kits encase they are downed in enemy territory. I think they are a little more knowledgeable than you.
Then go try to sell bank issued gold bar with a scratch back to the bank for approximately the same price as you paid for it.
Maybe it doesn't work the same in all countries but the general rule still looks like that.