Aug 2024
Aug 2024
What are the Types of Gold Bars?
If you’re new to buying gold bars, you’ll find a wealth of different types out on the market. From cast gold bars to minted gold bars, CombiBars, and Kinebars in numerous different sizes and denominations, it helps to understand the different types of gold bars available.
In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know about gold bars, including the difference between cast, minted, and CombiBars, the various sizes and weights of gold bars, and different mints and refineries that produce gold bars.
Cast vs minted vs combi gold bars
Gold bars come in three main forms: cast, minted, and combi bars. Each of these is manufactured differently and has a distinct appearance. Let’s take a look at the difference between cast, minted, and combi gold bars.
Cast gold bars
Cast gold bars are one of the most traditional forms of bullion. They’re made by pouring molten gold into a mold until it cools and solidifies naturally. The casted gold is then removed from the mold and engraved with details, such as weight, purity, and manufacturer information.
The casting process gives cast gold bars a rougher, less polished appearance compared to their minted bar counterparts. Even if the same mold is used for several gold bars, each cast gold bullion bar is completely unique with slight variations in texture and shape. For certain investors, this adds to their appeal.
One of the main advantages of cast gold bars is their lower production cost. The simple manufacturing process makes a cast bar cheaper to produce, which often translates to a lower premium over the spot price of gold. This makes cast gold bars an attractive option for investors wanting to maximize the amount of gold they can buy for their money. Cast gold bars are also usually available in larger sizes, making them ideal for investors looking to invest in bulk amounts of gold.
On the other hand, cast gold bars can be more difficult to sell as some investors find their irregularities and visible blemishes less appealing compared to minted bars.
Buy cast gold bars
Minted gold bars
Minted gold bars have a more refined and polished appearance compared to cast bars. These are usually made by cutting or stamping gold blanks from a rolled sheet of gold. Each gold block is then inspected, measured, polished, and cleaned before being pressed with logos, designs, and information about the bar’s weight and purity. The result is a uniform minted gold bar with sharp edges, a smooth surface, and intricate levels of detail. For some investors, the clean-cut look of minted bars makes them more aesthetically pleasing.
Minted bars generally carry a higher premium than cast bars due to the more complex production process and higher level of craftsmanship involved. A lot of money, effort, and time is spent getting these bars to look the way they do, and they’re usually more expensive as a result.
Minted bars tend to be more popular amongst investors who value their visual appeal and plan to resell the bars in the future. They’re also available in a wider range of sizes compared to cast gold bars, making them more accessible to a broader range of investors.
Buy minted gold bars
Combi bars
Combi gold bars are a special type of gold bar produced by Swiss refinery, Valcambi, in collaboration with precious metals recycling company, ESG, and the Colorado-based Newmont Mining Corporation.
These gold bars are produced as a single unit but pre-scored into smaller segments, allowing them to be easily broken apart into individual pieces without losing value. For example, a 50 x 1g Valcambi CombiBar can be divided into 50 individual one gram wafers, each with its own serial number and purity mark.
The main advantage of CombiBars is their versatility and flexibility. Investors can pay lower premiums on a larger bar and then split it into smaller denominations as needed. This is much easier and more affordable than purchasing 50 small bars or melting down a 50 gram bar to sell off in portions.
Overall, CombiBars tend to have a slightly higher premium than standard cast or minted bars due to the additional workmanship required. However, their unique benefits justify the cost for investors who value the option of dividing their investment easily.
Buy CombiBars
Should I buy a cast, minted, or combi bar?
Let’s recap the difference between these three types of gold bars to help you choose which is best for your investment strategy.
CAST GOLD BARS | MINTED GOLD BARS | COMBI GOLD BARS | |
PRODUCTION PROCESS | Molten gold poured into molds | Gold blanks stamped from rolled sheets | Large bar scored into smaller segments |
APPEARANCE | Rough, unpolished, unique | Smooth, polished, intricate designs | Smooth, polished, scored segments |
PREMIUMS | Lower premium | Higher premium | Higher premium |
SIZE AVAILABILITY | Larger sizes | Wide range of sizes, from small to large | Larger bar that can be divided into smaller units |
IDEAL FOR | Investors making bulk investments | Investors prioritizing visual appeal and resale value | Investors needing flexibility |
What are the different sizes of gold bars?
Gold bars are usually sold in two different weight classes: grams and ounces. Each weight class has different sizes, shapes, and brands available. Let’s take a look at the different sizes of gold bars available.
1 gram gold bars
One gram gold bars are an excellent entry-level investment for new investors. Our range of 1g PAMP Suisse Gold Bar include:
2 gram gold bars
Two gram gold bars are a great option for those who want to slowly build their holdings with smaller gold bars. Our range of 2g Argor-Heraeus Gold Bar include: