What Are the Best Gold Bars to Buy?

One of the best ways to invest in physical gold is buying gold bars. While gold coins certainly have their own unique benefits and collectible value, nothing compares to the prestige of a pure gold bar.

If you’re looking to invest in gold bars, the first thing to consider is which brand to buy. Browse our collection and you’ll find an extensive range of gold bars from various manufacturers across the globe. But which of these gold bars is the best for investment?

In this article, we take a look at the best gold bars to buy and things to consider before you start investing. But first, let’s look at what gold bars are and why you should invest in them.

What are gold bars?

Gold bars, also called gold ingot or gold bullion, are blocks of investment-grade fine gold with a minimum purity of 99.5%. Gold bars are available in various sizes and weights, from fractions of an ounce to several hundred ounces. Smaller gold bars are minted, like coins, using heavy machinery, while larger bars are made by pouring molten gold into a mold.

Large gold bars are ideal for investors wanting to bolster their portfolio while smaller bars are more liquid and allow investors with smaller budgets to enter the precious metals market. 1oz gold bars are by far the most sought-after as they are easy to transport, store, and sell.

Gold bars are produced by sovereign mints as well as private refineries, and all investment-grade gold bars must adhere to strict standards regarding shape, weight, and purity. For example, each bar needs to display the name and logo of the mint or refinery, and bigger bars must include a serial number. These standards help prove authenticity and prevent counterfeiting. By adhering to them, gold bars from recognized mints and refineries can be easily bought and sold internationally.

Why should you invest in gold bars?

As an investment, gold provides a unique sense of financial security. For example, unlike stocks and bonds, gold tends to hold or increase its value during economic downturns and political crises. It makes a valuable portfolio diversifier and has historically been shown to be an inflation hedge. But why choose gold bullion bars over the other famed bullion - gold coins?

Below are some reasons why you should invest in gold bars:

• They have lower premiums than gold coins
• They’re more suitable for long-term investments
• They are easier to stack and store in a vault
• The world’s central banks invest in gold bars.

The best gold bars to buy

It’s clear that gold bars make a valuable investment, but not all gold bars are made equally. While investment-grade gold must adhere to strict standards, there are certain brands that stand out for their purity, quality, and reliability.

Let’s take a look at these brands which produce the world’s best gold bars.

PAMP Suisse gold bars

PAMP Suisse is one of the most reputable precious metal refineries in the world. Their high-quality gold bars feature a Veriscan technology that proves authenticity when buying on the secondary market. This provides peace of mind to investors by ensuring their investment is secure and reputable and able to easily be sold when needed.

First established in 1977, PAMP Suisse originally minted gold bars weighing less than 100 grams and has since grown to become one of the most highly-esteemed precious metals leaders on the market. PAMP now produces a range of gold bullion bars, from 1 gram to 12.5 kilograms.

With state-of-the-art refining facilities, every PAMP product is made to the highest standards of craftsmanship and purity. This emphasis on quality and purity has made the brand a favorite amongst gold investors worldwide. Their dedication to sustainability and responsible sourcing is another reason to choose PAMP Suisse gold bars.

Choose this: 1 oz PAMP Fortuna Gold Bar

This one-of-a-kind gold bar features a blindfolded Lady Fortuna on its obverse, giving it a unique look. Lady Fortuna is the daughter of Jupiter and Roman goddess of luck and good fortune. The reverse side bears the PAMP logo along with its weight and purity. Each 1 oz PAMP Fortuna Gold Bar is made from the finest 999.9 pure 24-carat gold and all come in assay packaging with a tamper-evident seal and a unique serial number.

Australian Perth Mint gold bar

The world-renowned Perth Mint is the only surviving branch of Britain's Royal Mint in Australia. It is widely recognized as one of the best government-owned mints in the world and has an enviable reputation for quality. The Perth Mint started producing gold bars in 1931 and has gone on to release some of the world’s finest gold bars, ranging from 1/2 oz to 1,000 oz in weight. The mint's 'Gold Minted Bars' are available in weight dominations of 5, 10, and 20 grams as well as 1oz and 10oz. (See more: Troy Ounce: Definition, History, and Conversion Table)

Each gold bar from the Perth Mint displays the mint's recognizable logo, featuring a swan, on its obverse side along with the bar’s weight and purity. On the reverse is a repeated pattern of Australia’s national icon, the kangaroo.

Choose this: 10 oz Perth Mint Gold Bar

What better way to invest in this prestigious mint than with a 10 oz gold bar featuring its striking design and extraordinary purity. Each bar contains 10 troy ounces of 24-carat gold with a purity of 999.9, sold in secure packaging that features a unique serial number and certificate of assay signed by the mint.

Valcambi Suisse gold bars

Valcambi Suisse is an internationally recognized gold refinery based out of Balerna, Switzerland. With more than 50 years history under their belt, the renowned company was so popular in 2020 that they were producing and refining 6.6 tons of gold each day. Valcambi gold bars are trusted worldwide for their exceptional 999.9 purity and carry a beautiful color that’s tarnish-resistant. These properties make these gold bars in high-demand amongst gold investors.

A unique Valcambi product is the CombiBar. First produced in 2011, this credit-card sized gold bar can be broken into smaller one gram pieces, offering investors flexibility with their assets. For example, the 20 grams CombiBar is made from 20 x 1g 999.9 pure gold bars, with each 1 gram component bearing the Valcambi logo along with its weight and purity.

Choose this: 1kg Valcambi gold bar

Each gleaming 1kg gold Valcambi bar is cast by a master craftsman at their prestigious Swiss refinery. Hand poured from pure, molten gold, we can’t think of any better way to invest in this luxurious yellow metal. The obverse carries the Valcambi logo along with the bar's weight, fineness, assay number, and serial number. The reverse is slightly rough from the casting process - as it should be. Cast gold bars are favored by serious investors, making the 1,000 gram Valcambi bar extremely popular internationally.

Things to consider when buying gold bars

If you’re being drawn in by gold’s glitz and glamor, its tangibility, and ability to act as a powerful inflation hedge, we don’t blame you. But before you start splashing your cash, take the time to carefully consider your decision.

Read more: Exploring the Role of Gold as an Effective Inflation Hedge

Investing in gold can be both rewarding and risky, so to mitigate the risk factor, consider the following when buying gold bars:

• Purity: Investment-grade gold bars must have a purity of 99.5% or higher. If you’re seeing a gold bar for sale that’s any less than that, it’s best to be wary.
• Weight: Gold bars come in various sizes and weights, from fractions of an ounce to several hundred ounces. The weight of a gold bar will determine its value, so if you’re seeing a heavy gold bar displayed at a relatively low price, you may want to proceed with caution. At the same time, you want to carefully consider which weight is most suited for your investment requirements. If you value liquidity, for example, it may be best to invest in smaller sizes as they can be easier to resell.
• Manufacturer: As we’ve outlined in this article, buying gold bars from internationally recognized and respected manufacturers is essential for ensuring quality and authenticity of your investment. Always look for well-known brands that have a strong history and reputation for producing quality gold bars.
• Cost: The cost of a gold bar will depend on its weight, purity, and manufacturer, as well as gold’s spot price. It’s always best to compare prices from different sources and take into account additional costs like taxes and storage.
• Storage: Before you decide to bulk buy gold bars, carefully consider where you’ll be storing them. Gold should always be kept in a safe, secure location to protect them from damage or theft. (See: What is the Proper Way to Store Gold?).
• Packaging: The best gold bar manufacturers will ensure your investment is well-protected when being shipped to your home. Usually, this means arriving in a secure package or a tamper-evident assay card. Our advice is to not open the packaging of your gold bar to preserve their resale value and keep them secure and protected.
• Certification: If your gold bar came with a certification, you should take care to keep that just as safe as the gold bar itself. This provides a guarantee of authenticity to future buyers and ensures you maximize the resale value of your gold.

Gold bars FAQ

Still have some questions on your mind? Below, we answer some of the most common questions people ask about investing in gold bars.

How much does a gold bar cost?

The price of a gold bar depends on its weight, manufacturer, and current gold spot price. Generally, the most affordable gold bars will be 1g gold bars while more expensive options can include 1kg gold bars.

Are gold bars easy to sell?

The ease of selling a gold bar will typically depend on its size. While it can be more cost-effective to buy a larger gold bar, they tend to be more difficult to sell in the future and are better for long-term investments. If you plan to resell your gold bars in the near-future, it’s better to go with smaller gold bars as they offer more flexibility.

Should I invest in gold bars or coins?

This all depends on what you value in an investment, how long you plan to hold your investment for, and your budget. We suggest reading this article for more information: Pros and Cons of Buying Gold Bars vs Gold Coins.

What are the best gold bar brands to buy as an investor?

Investors should always look towards the most respected, internationally recognized manufacturers when buying gold bars. We recommend PAMP Suisse, The Perth Mint, Valcambi Suisse, The Royal Canadian Mint, and Credit Suisse gold bars.

How can I choose a trustworthy online dealer for gold bars?

Buying gold bars online is one of the most popular ways to invest in this precious metal, but how can you be sure an online dealer is trustworthy? Below are some questions to consider when searching for a reputable and trusted precious metals dealer.

• How long have they been in business?
• Are there many positive reviews online you can use as social proof?
• How long has the company been operating for?
• Are they an affiliate member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)?
• Do they carry reputable brands?
• Is it easy to contact the company?
• Does it feel like the representatives are pushing you to make a purchase?

Start investing in gold bars

Whether you’re new to investing in gold bars or a seasoned investor looking to expand your collection, you’ll find the highest-quality gold bars here at StoneX Bullion. We’ve been trading since 2019 as part of StoneX Group Inc, a Fortune 500 company listed on NASDAQ, and are proud affiliate members of the London Bullion Market Association.

Each gold bar we stock comes from the best-known mints in the world, and we're able to offer competitive prices by avoiding intermediaries and buying our stock straight from producers. All gold bars purchased through StoneX Bullion are shipped securely to arrive safely and preserve their value. As one of Europe's leading gold bar sellers, you'll discover a comprehensive selection at StoneX Bullion - browse our range now!