Argor-Heraeus 1 oz gold bar Year of the Horse 2026 — 999.9/1000 fineness, Lunar series with Chinese zodiac motif, LBMA Good Delivery
One troy ounce (31.1035 g) 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 (est. 1851). Each bar carries an individual serial number and is delivered in the original blister pack with assay card.
The 1 oz format (31.1035 g) is the flagship denomination in the Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 series — bar dimensions approx. 42 × 24 × 1.5 mm. The reverse features a horse motif from the Chinese lunar calendar — 2026 is the Year of the Horse, the seventh sign in the twelve-year zodiac cycle. The troy ounce is the standard trading unit on global precious metals exchanges (LBMA, COMEX, SGE) — the 1 oz format offers the lowest premium per gram across the entire Lunar series, combining full bullion value with collector appeal.
Technical specification
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product type |
Gold bullion bar — minted, Lunar series |
| Manufacturer / refinery |
Argor-Heraeus SA |
| Manufacturer's headquarters |
Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, Switzerland |
| Year established |
1951 |
| Accreditation |
LBMA Good Delivery (gold) since 1961 |
| Metal |
Gold (Au) |
| Fineness |
999.9/1000 (.9999) |
| Weight |
1 oz (31.1035 g / 1.00000 troy oz) |
| Dimensions |
approx. 42 × 24 × 1.5 mm |
| Series |
Lunar — Year of the Horse 2026 |
| Form |
Minted bar with individual serial number |
| Surface |
Smooth, mirror-like — precise zodiac motif on reverse |
| Markings |
Logo, weight, fineness, serial number — obverse; horse motif — reverse |
| Packaging |
Blister pack with assay card |
| Serial number |
Individual — on the bar and on the assay card |
| VAT |
VAT-exempt (Council Directive 2006/112/EC, Art. 346) |
Why the 1 oz Year of the Horse 2026 gold bar
The 1 oz format (31.1035 g) is the flagship denomination of the Lunar series — one troy ounce of pure gold at the lowest premium of all four formats. The troy ounce is the reference unit on LBMA, COMEX and SGE — the gold spot price refers to exactly this unit. The horse motif adds collector value. Argor-Heraeus processes over 400 tonnes of gold annually. For smaller denominations, 1 g, 5 g and 10 g bars with identical motif are available.
Argor-Heraeus SA — over seven decades of precious metals refining
Argor-Heraeus SA, founded 1951 in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino. Merged with Heraeus Holding GmbH (est. 1851) in 1999. Annual refining capacity over 400 tonnes. LBMA Good Delivery for gold since 1961, plus silver, platinum and palladium. RJC certified.
Portfolio: minted bars (1 g — 100 g), Kinebar with KineGram hologram, cast bars (100 g — 1 kg), and thematic series — including the Lunar series with Chinese zodiac motifs.
Argor-Heraeus Lunar series — Chinese zodiac on gold bars
Annually changing zodiac motifs in a twelve-year cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. 2026 is the Year of the Horse (馬) — symbolising strength, determination and independence.
Minting technology allows detailed zodiac motifs on the reverse. The 1 oz format offers the largest front surface in the series — approx. 42 × 24 mm — displaying the horse motif in maximum detail. Each annual edition is produced once only.
Denominations in the Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 series
Four denominations: 1 g, 5 g, 10 g and 1 oz (31.1035 g). The 1 oz format is the flagship denomination — lowest premium per gram, direct correspondence to the spot price. Browse the full range of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.
What to consider when buying the 1 oz Year of the Horse bar
Bar should be in the original blister with assay card. Serial numbers must match. Do not open the blister. The 1 oz format has the lowest premium in the entire Lunar series — the bar corresponds to exactly one troy ounce, the standard trading unit on precious metals exchanges.
Current gold prices on the precious metals prices page.
Why GoldInvest24
Exclusively original Argor-Heraeus bars with manufacturer packaging. Authorised distribution chain and authenticity guarantee. Insured shipping in discreet packaging. Also explore gold bullion coins and silver bullion bars.
Comparison of Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 bars and reference 1 oz classic minted
| Denomination / variant |
Dimensions (mm) |
Troy ounces |
Fineness |
Surface |
| 1 oz Classic minted |
42 × 24 × 1.5 |
1.00000 |
999.9 |
Smooth, logo |
| 1 g Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 |
15 × 8.7 × 0.5 |
0.03215 |
999.9 |
Smooth, horse motif |
| 5 g Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 |
23 × 14 × 0.9 |
0.16075 |
999.9 |
Smooth, horse motif |
| 10 g Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 |
31.5 × 18.5 × 1.0 |
0.32151 |
999.9 |
Smooth, horse motif |
| 1 oz Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 |
42 × 24 × 1.5 |
1.00000 |
999.9 |
Smooth, horse motif |
Frequently asked questions — 1 oz gold bar Year of the Horse 2026
Is the 1 oz Year of the Horse bar VAT-exempt?
Yes. Gold bullion (minimum 995/1000 fineness) is exempt from VAT under Council Directive 2006/112/EC (Art. 346). The buyer pays only the net price.
Why is 1 oz the standard trading unit for gold?
The troy ounce (31.1035 g) is the reference unit on global precious metals exchanges — LBMA in London, COMEX in New York and SGE in Shanghai. The gold spot price in USD, EUR or GBP refers to exactly one troy ounce. A 1 oz bar corresponds directly to this reference value.
Does 1 oz have the lowest premium in the Lunar series?
Yes. The larger the denomination, the lower the percentage premium above metal value. The 1 oz format offers the lowest premium per gram among the four denominations in the Lunar Year of the Horse 2026 series.
What is the difference between a troy ounce and a regular ounce?
Troy ounce = 31.1035 g. Avoirdupois ounce (regular) = 28.3495 g. Precious metals markets use exclusively the troy ounce — it is approximately 9.7% heavier than the regular ounce.
How many denominations does the series include?
Four: 1 g, 5 g, 10 g and 1 oz. All minted with identical horse motif, in blister packs with assay data and individual serial number.
Does the motif change every year?
Yes. Twelve-year zodiac cycle — 2026 is Horse, 2025 was Snake. Discontinued vintages are not reissued.
How to buy the 1 oz bar at GoldInvest24?
Add to cart and complete the order. Price updated in real time. Original Argor-Heraeus from authorised distribution.
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