1 g Year of the Horse Gold Bar | Argor-Heraeus | 2026

Argor-Heraeus 1 g gold bar Year of the Horse 2026 — 999.9/1000 fineness, Lunar series with Chinese zodiac motif, LBMA Good Delivery

1 gram of gold, 999.9/1000 fineness (.9999), as a minted bar from the Lunar series by Argor-Heraeus SA — a Swiss refinery based in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, established 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 pack with the manufacturer's assay card confirming weight, fineness and authenticity.

The 1 g format (0.03215 troy ounces) is the smallest denomination in the Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 series — dimensions just 15 × 8.7 × 0.5 mm. The reverse features a horse motif from the Chinese lunar calendar — 2026 falls on the Year of the Horse, the seventh sign in the twelve-year zodiac cycle. The 1 g bar is the most affordable entry point for starting or expanding a Lunar collection.

Technical specification

Why the 1 g Year of the Horse 2026 gold bar from Argor-Heraeus

The 1 g format (0.03215 troy oz) offers the lowest entry threshold into the Lunar series — one gram of pure gold with LBMA Good Delivery accreditation. The Year of the Horse motif from the Chinese lunar calendar adds a collector dimension beyond pure metal value. Argor-Heraeus SA processes over 400 tonnes of gold annually and holds simultaneous LBMA Good Delivery accreditation for gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Dimensions 15 × 8.7 × 0.5 mm — smaller than a SIM card. The Lunar series comprises four denominations: 1 g, 5 g, 10 g and 1 oz (31.1035 g).

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

The Argor-Heraeus SA refinery was founded in 1951 in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, southern Switzerland. Initially operating as Argor SA, it provided 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. 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 received LBMA Good Delivery accreditation for gold in 1961. The refinery also holds LBMA accreditations for silver, platinum and palladium, as well as Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certification. The portfolio includes minted bars, the Kinebar series with KineGram hologram, cast bars, and thematic series — including the Lunar series with Chinese zodiac motifs.

Argor-Heraeus Lunar series — Chinese zodiac on gold bars

The Lunar series from Argor-Heraeus is a collection of minted gold bars in which each annual edition features one of the twelve animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. The zodiac cycle spans twelve years: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The year 2026 falls on the Year of the Horse (馬) — the seventh sign in the cycle, symbolising strength, determination and independence.

Each bar is produced using minting technology, allowing a detailed depiction of the zodiac animal on the reverse. The obverse retains standard Argor-Heraeus bullion markings: refinery logo, weight, fineness and individual serial number. The Lunar series combines precious metal value with collector appeal — each annual edition is produced for one year only.

Denominations in the Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 series

The Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 series comprises four denominations: 1 g, 5 g, 10 g and 1 oz (31.1035 g). All formats are minted bars with an identical horse motif. The 1 g format is the most affordable entry point. The 1 oz format offers the lowest premium per gram. Browse the full range of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.

What to consider when buying the 1 g Year of the Horse bar

Packaging completeness — the bar should be in the original Argor-Heraeus blister with assay card. The serial number on the bar must match the one on the assay card. The blister protects against mechanical damage and oxidation — it should not be opened.

At the 1 g denomination the percentage premium is the highest in the series — a feature of the lightest formats, resulting from fixed production and packaging costs per gram of metal. Buyers seeking lower premiums should consider the 10 g or 1 oz formats. Current gold prices on the precious metals prices page.

Why GoldInvest24

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

Comparison of Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 bars and reference 1 g classic minted

Frequently asked questions — 1 g gold bar Year of the Horse 2026 Argor-Heraeus

Is the 1 g Year of the Horse bar from Argor-Heraeus 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). The buyer pays only the net product price.

How does the Lunar series differ from classic minted bars?

The Lunar series is a thematic collection in which each annual edition carries a Chinese zodiac motif on the reverse. Classic minted bars show only the Argor-Heraeus logo and markings. Both series share identical 999.9/1000 fineness and LBMA accreditation — the difference lies solely in the reverse design.

What packaging does the 1 g Year of the Horse bar come in?

The original Argor-Heraeus blister pack with assay card confirming weight, fineness and serial number. The blister protects against mechanical damage and oxidation and should not be opened.

Why is the percentage premium on 1 g higher than on 1 oz?

Production, packaging and distribution costs are largely fixed per unit — at 1 g they are spread over a smaller quantity of metal, raising the percentage premium. The 1 oz format (31.1035 g) distributes these costs over more than thirty-one grams.

How many denominations does the Year of the Horse 2026 series include?

Four denominations: 1 g, 5 g, 10 g and 1 oz (31.1035 g). All minted with an identical horse motif, in blister packs with assay card. Each denomination carries an individual serial number.

Does the motif change every year?

Yes. The Lunar series follows a twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Each year receives a different animal motif — 2026 is the Horse, 2025 was the Snake. Once production of a given vintage ends, the motif is not reissued, giving the series a time-limited edition character.

How to buy the 1 g Year of the Horse bar at GoldInvest24?

Add the product to the cart and complete the order in the GoldInvest24 shop. The price is updated in real time based on global gold market quotations. GoldInvest24 offers exclusively original Argor-Heraeus products from the authorised distribution chain.