Buying Gold Bars
Gold bars often provide a low-premium route to physical gold, from tiny gram wafers to one-ounce and larger bars. Their value depends heavily on trustworthy refining, authentic markings, and a practical resale market.
In This Guide
Common Retail Sizes
Retail bars are commonly sold in 1-gram, 2.5-gram, 5-gram, 10-gram, 20-gram, one-ounce, 50-gram, 100-gram, and kilogram sizes. One troy ounce equals approximately 31.1035 grams.
Minted vs. Cast Bars
Minted bars are cut or struck with refined surfaces and frequently sealed in branded assay cards. Cast bars are poured into molds and have more individual surface character.
Production style does not determine gold content. Weight, fineness, producer, and authenticity do.
Refiner Recognition and Good Delivery
Bars from established refiners are generally easier to trade. The LBMA Good Delivery List identifies refiners accredited for the wholesale market, although ordinary retail bars are not themselves 400-ounce Good Delivery bars.
Do not describe a one-ounce or kilogram retail bar as London Good Delivery merely because its refiner appears on an accredited list.
Assay Cards and Serial Numbers
Many minted bars are sealed in tamper-evident assay packaging displaying weight, fineness, and serial information. Packaging supports identification but can be counterfeited along with the bar.
Damage or removal may affect some buyers’ confidence. Testing methods that do not require opening the package may be useful, depending on equipment and bar design.
Premium, Size, and Liquidity
| Size | Typical Strength | Typical Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 g | Low dollar entry | High premium percentage |
| 10–20 g | Moderate purchase size | Less familiar than 1 oz in some markets |
| 1 troy oz | Strong standard recognition | Large single resale amount |
| 100 g–1 kg | Lower premium per ounce | Less divisible and expensive to verify |
Authentication, Storage, and Mistakes
Counterfeit bars may imitate packaging, serial numbers, weight, and appearance. Combine reputable sourcing with dimensions, density, electrical, ultrasound, X-ray, or professional verification appropriate to the value.
- Do not trust packaging alone.
- Do not buy an unknown brand solely for a lower premium.
- Do not confuse grams with troy ounces.
- Do not postpone secure storage and insurance decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gold bars cheaper than coins?
Bars often carry lower premiums, but compare delivered price, refiner recognition, authentication cost, and buyback bid.
Does an assay card guarantee authenticity?
No. It supports identification but can be counterfeited. Seller reputation and suitable testing still matter.
What size is best for a beginner?
A recognized 10-gram or one-ounce product often balances market familiarity and premium, but the correct size must fit the buyer’s budget and resale plan.
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A gold bar is only a bargain when its purity, producer, authenticity, delivered cost, storage, and resale path are all understood.