100 g Cast Gold Bar | Argor-Heraeus

Argor-Heraeus 100 g cast gold bar — 999.9/1000 fineness, casting technology, LBMA Good Delivery

100 grams of gold, 999.9/1000 fineness (.9999), in cast 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 stamped directly on the surface and is delivered with a manufacturer's assay card confirming weight, fineness, and authenticity.

The 100 g format (3.21507 troy ounces) is the only denomination in the Argor-Heraeus range where the buyer can choose between three manufacturing techniques: minted bars, Kinebar with KineGram hologram, and cast bars. The cast 100 g dimensions of 44 × 25 × 7 mm are noticeably more compact than the minted version (31 × 54 × 3 mm) — smaller footprint, greater thickness. The rough, matte surface with visible casting marks is a hallmark of the oldest gold bar manufacturing technique, valued by buyers seeking the lowest premium while retaining full LBMA accreditation.

Technical specification

Why the 100 g cast gold bar from Argor-Heraeus

The 100 g format (3.21507 troy oz) is the only denomination where Argor-Heraeus simultaneously offers three variants: minted, Kinebar, and cast. The cast bar carries the lowest percentage premium among the three options — the difference stems from a simpler production process that requires neither die-stamping nor hologram application. 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 44 × 25 × 7 mm dimensions make this bar compact and easy to store. The 100 g denomination also serves as the entry point to the cast series — higher formats (250 g, 500 g, 1 kg) are available exclusively in cast form.

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

The Argor-Heraeus SA refinery was founded in 1951 in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, southern Switzerland. It initially operated as Argor SA, offering gold and silver refining for the Swiss banking sector. In 1999, a merger with the precious metals division of Heraeus Holding GmbH — a German industrial group with a tradition dating back to 1851 — created the present-day corporate structure. 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. 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 (1 g — 100 g), the Kinebar series with KineGram hologram (1 g — 100 g), and cast bars from 100 g to 1 kg.

Casting technology — the oldest method of gold bar production

Casting is the oldest and simplest technique for producing gold bars, practised for thousands of years. The process involves melting gold in a crucible and pouring the liquid metal into a mould (ingot mould) of precisely defined dimensions. After cooling, the bar is removed from the mould, cleaned, and marked — the producer's logo, weight, fineness, and serial number are stamped directly onto the surface using an engraving die.

The surface of a cast bar retains a rough, matte texture with visible casting traces — fine irregularities and gently rounded edges. This clearly distinguishes it from minted bars, which have a smooth, mirror-finish surface with sharp edges achieved through rolling and die-stamping. The absence of additional surface processing is one reason why cast bars carry a lower premium — fewer production steps mean lower manufacturing costs with identical bullion content.

Despite the simpler aesthetics, Argor-Heraeus cast bars are subject to identical quality standards as the minted and Kinebar series — the same 999.9/1000 fineness, the same refining process, and the same LBMA Good Delivery accreditation. The serial number stamped on the bar matches the number on the manufacturer's assay card, ensuring full product traceability.

Denominations in the Argor-Heraeus cast series

The Argor-Heraeus cast series encompasses four denominations: 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg. Unlike the minted and Kinebar series (available from 1 g to 100 g), cast bars start at 100 g — below this weight, casting technology is not employed for economic and technical reasons. The 100 g format therefore represents the intersection of both technologies — the only denomination where the buyer can directly compare minted, Kinebar, and cast bars from the same producer. Explore the full selection of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.

Above 100 g, only cast bars are available — in 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg formats. The higher the denomination, the lower the percentage premium per gram, but also the lower the secondary-market liquidity and the higher the entry threshold. Current gold quotes on the precious metals prices page.

What to look for when buying a cast 100 g bar

Packaging completeness — the bar should be in the manufacturer's protective foil with assay card. The serial number stamped on the surface must match the number on the assay card. The surface of a cast bar is naturally rough and matte — fine irregularities, casting traces, and rounded edges are a design feature, not a defect.

When buying 100 g, it is worth comparing the three available variants: minted (smooth surface, higher premium), Kinebar (KineGram hologram, highest premium), and cast (rough surface, lowest premium). All three contain identical bullion content, fineness, and LBMA accreditation — the difference lies in the manufacturing technique, aesthetics, and premium.

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 100 g bars — three manufacturing techniques and neighbouring cast denominations

Frequently asked questions — 100 g cast gold bar Argor-Heraeus

Is the 100 g cast 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.

What is the difference between a cast bar, a minted bar, and a Kinebar?

All three 100 g variants contain identical bullion content (100 g of 999.9/1000 gold) and carry LBMA Good Delivery accreditation. The differences concern manufacturing technique and aesthetics: the minted bar has a smooth, mirror-finish surface, the Kinebar additionally features a KineGram hologram, and the cast bar has a rough, matte texture with visible casting marks. The cast bar carries the lowest premium of the three.

Why is the surface of a cast bar uneven?

Surface irregularity is a natural characteristic of the casting process. Liquid gold poured into a mould retains a rough, matte texture with fine irregularities and gently rounded edges after solidification. This is not a defect — it is a design feature that distinguishes cast bars from minted ones. Each cast bar is unique in its surface details.

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 serial number on the card matches the number stamped on the bar. The Argor-Heraeus assay card is crucial for resale — its absence may require additional verification, reducing secondary-market liquidity.

Why is 100 g the smallest cast bar from Argor-Heraeus?

Below 100 g, casting technology is not economically viable — for small denominations, the unit cost of the mould and casting process is too high relative to the bullion value. Bars below 100 g are produced exclusively as minted bars or Kinebar. The 100 g format therefore represents the intersection of both technologies and the only denomination with all three Argor-Heraeus variants available.

How should a cast 100 g bar be stored?

In the manufacturer's original protective foil, in a dry location. A safe rated at least class S2 (EN 14450) or a bank deposit box is recommended. Avoid contact with other metals and chemical substances.

How many troy ounces does a 100 g bar weigh?

A 100 g bar equals 3.21507 troy ounces — over three troy ounces concentrated in a single unit. In the cast variant, this comes at the lowest premium among the three available manufacturing techniques.