5 g Minted Gold Bar Argor-Heraeus — 999.9/1000 fineness, LBMA Good Delivery, assay card with serial number
5 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 5 g format is the most popular micro-denomination in the Argor-Heraeus minted series — it forms a natural bridge between the smallest formats (1-2 g) and classic bars from 10 g upwards. The dimensions of 14 × 23 × 0.5 mm give the bar SIM-card-like proportions, facilitating compact storage of multiple pieces. At five times the weight of the 1 g format, the percentage premium drops noticeably, making 5 g one of the most frequently chosen entry-level denominations in the bullion bar market.
Technical specification
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product type |
Gold bullion bar — minted |
| Producer / refinery |
Argor-Heraeus SA |
| Producer headquarters |
Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, Switzerland |
| Year founded |
1951 |
| Accreditation |
LBMA Good Delivery (gold) since 1961 |
| Precious metal |
Gold (Au) |
| Fineness |
999.9/1000 (.9999) |
| Weight |
5 g (0.16075 troy oz) |
| Dimensions |
approx. 14 × 23 × 0.5 mm |
| Form |
Minted bar with individual serial number |
| Surface |
Smooth, mirror-finish — standard minting technique |
| Packaging |
Blister with Argor-Heraeus assay card |
| Serial number |
Individual — stamped on bar and repeated on assay card |
| VAT |
Exempt (Council Directive 2006/112/EC, Art. 346) |
Why the 5 g Minted Gold Bar from Argor-Heraeus
The 5 g format combines an accessible entry point with a noticeably lower percentage premium than the 1-2 g micro-denominations. 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 assay card with serial number eliminates the need for additional verification upon resale. The 5 g bar ranks among the most popular entry-level formats — it offers tangible precious metal ownership at a moderate outlay and can be sold individually, enabling flexible partial liquidation without disposing of an entire position.
Argor-Heraeus SA — over seven decades of precious metal refining
The Argor-Heraeus SA refinery commenced operations in 1951 in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino, southern Switzerland. Originally operating as Argor SA, it offered gold and silver refining for the Swiss banking sector. The turning point came in 1999 — a merger with the precious metals division of Heraeus Holding GmbH, a German industrial group with a tradition dating back to 1851, shaped the present-day 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), 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. 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 manufacturer's hallmark.
Denominations in the Argor-Heraeus minted series
The minted series encompasses seven denominations: 1 g, 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 20 g, 50 g, and 100 g. Each format is delivered in the same finish with serial number and assay card. The manufacturer also offers the parallel Kinebar line with KineGram hologram and cast bars from 50 g upwards. Explore the full selection of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.
The 5 g format holds the central position among micro-denominations, closing the 1-5 g segment and opening the transition to standard weights. The percentage premium sits below that of the 1 g and 2 g formats but above the 10 g and larger denominations where fixed costs are spread over more metal. Buyers focused on the best per-gram cost may consider 10 g or 20 g, while 5 g remains the optimal entry point to the gold bar market. Current gold quotes on the precious metals prices page.
What to look for when buying a 5 g bar
Packaging completeness — the bar should be in its original, unopened manufacturer blister with assay card. The serial number stamped on the bar must match the number on the assay card. For micro-denominations (1-5 g), the percentage premium is naturally higher than for larger formats — a consequence of fixed costs spread over a small amount of metal. The 5 g format marks the upper boundary of this segment, offering a noticeably better premium-to-weight ratio than 1 g or 2 g.
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
| Denomination |
Dimensions (mm) |
Troy ounces |
Fineness |
Accreditation |
| 1 g |
8 × 15 × 0.4 |
0.03215 |
999.9 |
LBMA Good Delivery |
| 2 g |
14.5 × 8.5 × 0.5 |
0.06430 |
999.9 |
LBMA Good Delivery |
| 5 g |
14 × 23 × 0.5 |
0.16075 |
999.9 |
LBMA Good Delivery |
| 10 g |
27 × 15 × 0.7 |
0.32150 |
999.9 |
LBMA Good Delivery |
| 20 g |
31 × 18 × 1.1 |
0.64300 |
999.9 |
LBMA Good Delivery |
Frequently asked questions — 5 g Minted Gold Bar Argor-Heraeus
Is the 5 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). 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 serial number on the card matches the number stamped on the bar. The Argor-Heraeus assay card is integral to the packaging and crucial for resale — its absence may require additional verification, reducing secondary-market liquidity.
Why is 5 g a popular entry-level denomination?
The 5 g format combines a moderate financial outlay with a noticeably lower percentage premium than the 1-2 g micro-denominations. At the same time, five grams provides tangible contact with physical precious metal — unlike 1 g, a 5 g bar is unmistakably a bullion product. It is affordable enough for regular purchases yet substantial enough to constitute a standalone portfolio position.
What is the difference between the minted and Kinebar series?
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 with the viewing angle. Both share identical 999.9/1000 fineness and LBMA accreditation.
How does the premium on 5 g compare with other denominations?
The 5 g format offers a noticeably lower percentage premium than 1 g and 2 g, though higher than denominations from 10 g upwards. It represents the optimal compromise for buyers seeking a balance between moderate outlay and reasonable premium. The most favourable per-gram ratio begins at the 10-20 g formats.
How should 5 g Argor-Heraeus bars be stored?
Bars should be kept in the original manufacturer blister. Optimal conditions: dry, dark location at room temperature. For individual pieces, a home safe (minimum class S1 per EN 14450) or a lockable cassette suffices. For larger quantities, at least class S2 (EN 14450) or class 0 (EN 1143-1) is recommended. Home insurance should include a precious metals clause.
How many troy ounces does a 5 g bar contain?
A 5 g bar contains 0.16075 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).
