1 g Minted Gold Bar | Argor-Heraeus

1 g Minted Gold Bar Argor-Heraeus — 999.9/1000 fineness, LBMA Good Delivery, assay card with serial number

1 g of gold, 999.9/1000 fineness (.9999), in minted bar form from Argor-Heraeus SA — a Swiss refinery based in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, founded in 1951 and LBMA Good Delivery accredited since 1961. Argor-Heraeus is part of Heraeus Holding GmbH — a German group with a precious metals processing tradition dating back to 1851. Each bar carries an individual serial number and is delivered in a blister with an assay card confirming weight, fineness, and authenticity.

The 1 g format is the smallest denomination in the Argor-Heraeus minted series — the lowest entry point to physical gold from one of the five most important LBMA-accredited refineries worldwide. The compact dimensions of 8 × 15 × 0.4 mm allow for space-efficient storage, and the low unit weight enables gradual accumulation of a precious metal reserve without a large one-time capital outlay.

Technical specification

Why the 1 g Minted Gold Bar from Argor-Heraeus

Argor-Heraeus SA processes over 400 tonnes of gold annually and is one of the few entities worldwide holding simultaneous LBMA Good Delivery accreditation for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The 1 g minted bar combines the producer's prestige with the lowest entry point in the range — it requires a minimal one-time outlay while ensuring full recognition on the European secondary market. The assay card with serial number eliminates the need for additional verification upon resale. The 1 g format is particularly valued by buyers starting to build a precious metal reserve or following a regular small-purchase strategy (Dollar-Cost Averaging).

Argor-Heraeus SA — over seven decades of precious metal refining

The Argor-Heraeus SA refinery was established in 1951 in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, southern Switzerland. Originally operating as Argor SA, it specialised in gold and silver refining for the Swiss banking sector. In 1999, it merged with the precious metals division of Heraeus Holding GmbH — a German industrial group with a tradition dating back to 1851, forming the present-day Argor-Heraeus structure. Today, the company is part of the Heraeus group and ranks among the world's largest gold processors, with an annual refining capacity exceeding 400 tonnes.

Argor-Heraeus obtained LBMA Good Delivery accreditation for gold in 1961 — just a decade after its founding, confirming its exceptionally rapid achievement of the highest industry standards. The refinery also holds LBMA accreditations for silver, platinum, and palladium, as well as Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certification and compliance with the LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance. The product portfolio includes minted bars in a full range from 1 g to 100 g, cast bars in larger formats, and the Kinebar series featuring a KineGram hologram as an additional anti-counterfeiting measure.

Minting technology — precision and production consistency

The Argor-Heraeus minted series comprises bars produced by precision die stamping from a gold strip of 999.9/1000 fineness. The process begins with casting gold refined to .9999 purity, which is then rolled into a thin strip of precisely controlled thickness. Blanks of exact weight are cut from the strip, and each blank is stamped in a die to form a rectangular bar bearing the Argor-Heraeus logo, weight designation, fineness marking, and individual serial number.

The obverse features the characteristic smooth, mirror-like surface typical of the minting technique. Each bar is placed in a manufacturer's protective blister with an assay card on which the bar's serial number, weight, and fineness are repeated. The blister protects the product from environmental contact and mechanical damage while allowing visual verification without opening the packaging. Unlike the Kinebar series, minted bars do not feature a KineGram hologram — their authenticity relies on the serial number, assay card, and recognition of the manufacturer's hallmark.

Denominations in the Argor-Heraeus minted series

The Argor-Heraeus minted series encompasses seven denominations: 1 g, 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 20 g, 50 g, and 100 g. Each format is available in the same finish standard with an individual serial number and assay card. The manufacturer also offers the parallel Kinebar product line with KineGram hologram (1 g — 100 g) and cast bars in larger formats. Explore the full selection of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.

The 1 g format serves as the entry point to the minted series — the smallest denomination for systematic accumulation of precious metal in small increments. The percentage premium over the spot price is the highest in the series, as fixed production and logistics costs are spread over the minimum metal content. Buyers seeking a lower per-gram cost may consider the 10 g, 20 g, or 50 g formats. Current gold quotes are available on the precious metals prices page.

What to look for when buying a 1 g bar

Packaging completeness — the bar should be in its original, unopened manufacturer blister with assay card. The serial number stamped on the bar surface must match the number on the assay card. Damage to the blister or a missing assay card may reduce the product's value on resale, as additional authenticity verification would be required. When purchasing 1 g bars, the percentage premium should be considered — on micro-denominations it can exceed ten per cent above the spot price, which is a natural consequence of fixed costs spread over the minimum amount of metal. The 1 g format is optimal for regular purchases, gifts, and as a diversification element alongside larger formats.

Why GoldInvest24

GoldInvest24 offers exclusively original Argor-Heraeus bars with full manufacturer packaging and assay card. Every product originates from the authorised distribution chain and is backed by an authenticity guarantee. Insured shipping in discreet packaging ensures safe delivery. Explore also gold bullion coins and silver bullion bars available in the store.

Comparison of Argor-Heraeus minted bars — 1 g to 20 g

Frequently asked questions — 1 g Minted Gold Bar Argor-Heraeus

Is the 1 g Argor-Heraeus gold bar VAT-exempt?

Yes. The bar meets the definition of gold bullion (minimum 995/1000 fineness, market-accepted weight) and is exempt from VAT under Council Directive 2006/112/EC (Art. 346) as transposed into national legislation. The buyer pays only the net product price.

What is an assay card and what is its purpose?

An assay card is a manufacturer's certificate confirming the bar's weight, fineness, and authenticity. The card bears a serial number matching the number stamped directly on the bar. The Argor-Heraeus assay card is an integral part of the packaging and is crucial for resale — its absence may require additional verification, reducing the product's liquidity.

What are the dimensions of the 1 g Argor-Heraeus bar?

The bar measures approximately 8 × 15 × 0.4 mm — one of the smallest formats available on the market. The compact size allows easy storage of multiple pieces in standard cases, numismatic cassettes, or a home safe.

What is the difference between the minted and Kinebar series at Argor-Heraeus?

The minted series comprises standard bars with a smooth, mirror-like surface, serial number, and assay card. The Kinebar series differs by featuring an additional KineGram hologram on the reverse — a dynamic security element that changes its pattern depending on the viewing angle. Both variants share identical 999.9/1000 fineness and LBMA accreditation, but Kinebar carries a slightly higher premium due to the holographic security cost.

Is the premium on 1 g higher than on larger formats?

Yes. Production, logistics, and certification costs are largely fixed regardless of denomination. For a 1 g bar, these costs are spread over the minimum amount of metal, raising the percentage premium above the spot price. Buyers seeking a lower per-gram cost may consider formats from 10 g upwards.

How should 1 g Argor-Heraeus bars be stored?

Bars should be kept in the original manufacturer blister without removing them from the packaging. Optimal conditions are a dry, dark location at room temperature. For individual pieces, a home safe (minimum class S1 per EN 14450) or a lockable cassette is sufficient. For larger quantities, a safe of at least class S2 (EN 14450) or class 0 (EN 1143-1) is recommended.

How many troy ounces does a 1 g bar contain?

A 1 g bar contains 0.03215 troy ounces (1 oz t = 31.1035 g). The troy ounce is the standard global trading unit for precious metals on exchanges (LBMA, COMEX, SGE). This conversion factor is useful when comparing the bar price to current spot quotes per ounce.