500 g Cast Gold Bar | Argor-Heraeus

Argor-Heraeus 500 g cast gold bar — 999.9/1000 fineness, half a kilogram of gold in a single unit, LBMA Good Delivery

500 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 500 g format (16.07536 troy ounces) concentrates half a kilogram of gold in a single cast bar measuring 78 × 41 × 12 mm. Available exclusively in casting technology — the Argor-Heraeus minted and Kinebar series ends at 100 g. Half a kilogram is the middle denomination in the cast series, positioned between 250 g and 1 kg. The rough, matte surface with pronounced casting marks is particularly visible at this format — the larger front surface exposes the characteristic texture of the casting process.

Technical specification

Why the 500 g cast gold bar from Argor-Heraeus

The 500 g format (16.07536 troy oz) concentrates over sixteen troy ounces in a single unit — half a kilogram of gold at one of the lowest percentage premiums in the entire Argor-Heraeus range. Only the 1 kg bar offers a lower premium per gram. Available exclusively as a cast bar — the minted and Kinebar series ends at 100 g. Argor-Heraeus SA processes over 400 tonnes of gold annually and holds simultaneous LBMA Good Delivery accreditation for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The 78 × 41 × 12 mm dimensions maintain a compact form despite the substantial weight. The 500 g format represents the equilibrium point between unit value and liquidity.

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). After cooling, the bar is removed, cleaned, and marked — the producer's logo, weight, fineness, and serial number are stamped directly onto the surface using an engraving die.

At the 500 g denomination, the surface displays the rough, matte texture of the casting process over a considerably larger area than smaller formats. Visible casting traces — fine irregularities, wavy solidification lines, and gently rounded edges — give each bar an individual character. The absence of additional surface processing is one reason for the lower premium — fewer production steps 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, only casting technology is employed. The 500 g format is the third position in the series and the bar where the premium per gram begins to approach the level of the largest 1 kg format noticeably. Explore the full selection of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.

Half a kilogram of gold in a single bar combines a low percentage premium with moderate liquidity. Only the 1 kg bar offers a lower premium, but with a substantially higher entry threshold and a smaller pool of secondary-market buyers. Current gold quotes on the precious metals prices page.

What to look for when buying a cast 500 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 — irregularities and casting traces are a design feature, not a defect.

When buying 500 g, consider the alternative: two 250 g bars yield the same total weight but at a higher combined premium — in return, they offer the option of partial resale. A single 500 g bar is indivisible and requires finding a buyer for the full half kilogram.

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 — 500 g cast gold bar Argor-Heraeus

Is the 500 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.

How many troy ounces does a 500 g bar weigh?

A 500 g bar equals 16.07536 troy ounces — over sixteen troy ounces concentrated in a single unit measuring 78 × 41 × 12 mm. The troy ounce (31.1035 g) is the standard trading unit on global precious metals exchanges.

Why is the 500 g available only as a cast bar?

The Argor-Heraeus minted and Kinebar series ends at 100 g. Above that, the manufacturer offers exclusively casting technology. All four cast series denominations (100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg) undergo the same production process.

One 500 g bar or two 250 g bars?

A 500 g bar carries a lower percentage premium per gram than two 250 g bars. Two smaller bars offer flexibility for partial selling. The choice depends on whether the half kilogram is intended to be held as an indivisible unit.

What is an assay card and why is it especially important at 500 g?

An assay card is a manufacturer's certificate for weight, fineness, and authenticity. At 500 g, its absence is particularly costly — external verification (e.g. XRF analysis) may be required, reducing secondary-market liquidity.

Why is the bar's surface uneven?

Surface irregularity is a natural characteristic of the casting process. At 500 g, casting traces are more pronounced than in smaller denominations due to the larger contact area with the mould. This is not a defect — each cast bar is unique.

How should a cast 500 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 essential. Avoid contact with other metals. Do not remove the protective foil or tamper with the assay card.