Argor-Heraeus 5 g gold bar Year of the Snake 2025 — 999.9/1000 fineness, Lunar series with Chinese zodiac motif, LBMA Good Delivery
5 grams 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 a blister pack (85 × 55 mm) that serves as the assay card.
The 5 g format (0.16075 troy ounces) is a mid-range denomination in the Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 series — bar dimensions 23 × 14 × 0.9 mm. The reverse features a snake motif from the Chinese lunar calendar — 2025 is the Year of the Snake, the sixth sign in the twelve-year zodiac cycle, symbolising wisdom, intuition and renewal. The 5 g format offers a lower percentage premium than 1 g while remaining compact.
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 |
5 g (0.16075 troy oz) |
| Dimensions |
23 × 14 × 0.9 mm |
| Series |
Lunar — Year of the Snake 2025 |
| Form |
Minted bar with individual serial number |
| Surface |
Smooth, mirror-like — precise zodiac motif on reverse |
| Markings |
Logo, weight, fineness, serial number — obverse; snake motif — reverse |
| Packaging |
Blister pack 85 × 55 mm serving as assay card |
| Serial number |
Individual — on the bar and on the blister |
| VAT |
VAT-exempt (Council Directive 2006/112/EC, Art. 346) |
Why the 5 g Year of the Snake 2025 gold bar
The 5 g format (0.16075 troy oz) offers a lower premium per gram than 1 g in compact dimensions (23 × 14 × 0.9 mm). The snake motif is more detailed on the larger surface. Argor-Heraeus processes over 400 tonnes of gold annually. For an even lower premium, the 10 g and 1 oz (31.1035 g) formats 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. 2025 is the Year of the Snake (蛇) — symbolising wisdom, intuition, strategic thinking and renewal.
Minting technology allows detailed zodiac motifs on the reverse. The 5 g format contains five times the precious metal of 1 g at a proportionally lower premium. Each annual edition is produced once only.
Denominations in the Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 series
Four denominations: 1 g, 5 g, 10 g and 1 oz (31.1035 g). The 5 g format combines compact dimensions with a lower premium than 1 g. Browse the full range of gold bullion bars at GoldInvest24.
What to consider when buying the 5 g Year of the Snake bar
Bar should be in the original blister (85 × 55 mm) serving as assay card. Serial numbers must match. Do not open the blister. The premium at 5 g is lower than at 1 g but higher than at 10 g and 1 oz — a good choice for regular purchases in moderate amounts.
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 Snake 2025 bars
| Denomination / variant |
Dimensions (mm) |
Troy ounces |
Fineness |
Surface |
| 1 g Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 |
15 × 8.7 × 0.5 |
0.03215 |
999.9 |
Smooth, snake motif |
| 5 g Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 |
23 × 14 × 0.9 |
0.16075 |
999.9 |
Smooth, snake motif |
| 10 g Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 |
31.5 × 18.5 × 1.0 |
0.32151 |
999.9 |
Smooth, snake motif |
| 1 oz Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 |
42 × 24 × 1.5 |
1.00000 |
999.9 |
Smooth, snake motif |
| 5 g Classic minted |
23 × 14 × 0.9 |
0.16075 |
999.9 |
Smooth, logo |
Frequently asked questions — 5 g gold bar Year of the Snake 2025
Is the 5 g Year of the Snake 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.
How does the premium at 5 g compare to 1 g and 10 g?
The percentage premium decreases with weight. At 5 g it is lower than at 1 g but higher than at 10 g and 1 oz. Fixed production and packaging costs are spread across more metal.
Is the snake motif at 5 g identical to the other denominations?
Yes. All four formats carry the same snake motif on the reverse. On larger bars the details are proportionally more visible.
How many 5 g bars make one troy ounce?
Just over 6 bars. One troy ounce = 31.1035 g ÷ 5 g = 6.221. The 1 oz format is more cost-effective for full ounces.
Is the Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 series limited?
Time-limited — production covers the 2025 vintage only. The motif is not reissued. The next vintage (2026) will feature the Horse.
What distinguishes 5 g Lunar from 5 g classic minted?
Identical dimensions (23 × 14 × 0.9 mm) and fineness (999.9). The difference is the reverse — Lunar carries the snake motif, classic minted has the standard Argor-Heraeus logo. Both delivered in assay blister with serial number.
How to buy the 5 g bar at GoldInvest24?
Add to cart and complete the order. Price updated in real time. Original Argor-Heraeus from authorised distribution.
