250 g Cast Gold Bar | Argor-Heraeus

Argor-Heraeus 250 g cast gold bar — 999.9/1000 fineness, quarter kilogram of gold in a single unit, LBMA Good Delivery

250 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 250 g format (8.03768 troy ounces) is the first denomination in the Argor-Heraeus cast series available exclusively as a cast bar — below this threshold (up to 100 g) the manufacturer offers three techniques: minted, Kinebar, and cast. Above 100 g, only casting technology is available. The 63 × 36 × 9 mm dimensions make this bar compact relative to its weight — a quarter kilogram of gold fits in the palm of a hand. The rough, matte surface with visible casting marks is a hallmark of the oldest gold bar manufacturing technique.

Technical specification

Why the 250 g cast gold bar from Argor-Heraeus

The 250 g format (8.03768 troy oz) is the first denomination in the Argor-Heraeus range offered exclusively as a cast bar. Below this threshold — up to 100 g — the buyer can choose between three techniques (minted, Kinebar, cast), whereas from 250 g upwards only casting technology is available. A quarter kilogram of gold in a single unit means a lower percentage premium per gram than 100 g, but a higher entry threshold. Argor-Heraeus SA processes over 400 tonnes of gold annually and holds simultaneous LBMA Good Delivery accreditation for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The 63 × 36 × 9 mm dimensions make the 250 g the most compact of the exclusively cast denominations.

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. 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. In the 250 g format, this effect is particularly pronounced due to the larger casting surface compared to 100 g. The absence of additional surface processing is one reason for the 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.

Denominations in the Argor-Heraeus cast series

The Argor-Heraeus cast series encompasses four denominations: 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg. Minted bars and Kinebar are available up to 100 g — above that threshold, only casting technology is employed. The 250 g format is therefore the smallest denomination reserved exclusively for cast bar buyers. Explore the full selection of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.

A quarter kilogram of gold in a single bar delivers a lower percentage premium per gram than 100 g, yet higher than 500 g or 1 kg. An intermediate format — suited for buyers who have moved beyond the 100 g threshold but are not yet committing to half a kilogram. Current gold quotes on the precious metals prices page.

What to look for when buying a cast 250 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.

Unlike the 100 g format, at 250 g there is no choice of manufacturing technique — only the cast bar is available. Buyers should consider whether a single 250 g bar (lower premium per gram, higher entry threshold) or two to three 100 g bars in various variants (greater flexibility at resale) better suits their requirements.

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 cast bars — cast series and 100 g minted reference

Frequently asked questions — 250 g cast gold bar Argor-Heraeus

Is the 250 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.

Why is the 250 g available only as a cast bar?

The Argor-Heraeus minted and Kinebar series ends at 100 g — that is the highest denomination where rolling and die-stamping is economically viable. Above 100 g, the manufacturer offers exclusively casting technology. The 250 g format is therefore the first denomination available only in cast form.

How many troy ounces does a 250 g bar weigh?

A 250 g bar equals 8.03768 troy ounces — over eight troy ounces concentrated in a single unit measuring 63 × 36 × 9 mm. The troy ounce (31.1035 g) is the standard trading unit on global precious metals exchanges (LBMA, COMEX, SGE).

How does the surface of a cast bar differ from a minted one?

A cast bar has a rough, matte texture with visible casting traces and rounded edges. A minted bar has a smooth, mirror-finish surface with sharp edges. The difference is purely aesthetic — bullion content, fineness, and LBMA accreditation are identical.

What is an assay card and why is it important?

An assay card is a manufacturer's certificate confirming weight, fineness, and authenticity. The serial number on the card matches the number stamped on the bar. It is crucial for resale — its absence may reduce secondary-market liquidity.

One 250 g bar or several smaller ones?

A 250 g bar carries a lower percentage premium per gram than smaller units. Smaller bars offer greater flexibility for partial selling. The 250 g format is optimal when the quarter kilogram is intended to be held as a single unit.

How should a cast 250 g bar be stored?

In the manufacturer's original protective foil, in a dry location. At this value, a safe rated at least class S2 (EN 14450) or a bank deposit box is recommended. Avoid contact with other metals and chemical substances. Do not remove the protective foil or tamper with the assay card.