All gold could be considered the same, and in so much as its atomic symbol is Au and it appears at the 79^th square on the periodic table, it is. But for some people that is where the consistency ends. Swiss gold (like their chocolate perhaps) has a reputation of fineness, consistency and a provision of quality than spans a period of many decades.

 

Due to gold’s very versatile nature, bullion is often produced in two forms. Cast (or poured) and minted (or stamped). Cast bars tend to have a deeper dimension, and therefore tend to be shorter and narrower with a less “finished” appearance than minted bars. This is due to them having been “poured” as molten metal into a mould whereas minted ingots are cold stamped or pressed from sheets of metal, and so can be given a sharper and potentially even polished finish.

 

This flexibility allows minted bars to incorporate aesthetic appeal and creative presentation and bridge the gap between simple, intrinsically valued bullion and artistically appealing and potentially “collectible” ingots.

 

Whilst minted ingots are made in sizes as small as 1gm, the cost of production causes premium prices over “spot” to exceed margins considered prudent for most investors. Because of this, at GoldSilverBullion we tend to keep our inventory more in line with the requirements of investors, but still have access to a wide range of swiss refinaries so please feel free to call us or use info@goldsilverbullion.com.au to discuss your specific requirements.

 

There are three primary refineries in Switzerland and all are known and accepted internationally. Valcambi, PAMP, and Argor-Hereaus. Each produce bars of 99.99% (24 karat) purity and in a range of commonly accepted sizes. The Swiss tend to supply their minted bars in individually sealed packaging along with serial numbered authentication certificates or numbering stamped directly into the bar. These features rate in varying importance according to the purchaser but can provide a degree of additional security around the pedigree of the bullion.

 

Valcambi was started in 1961. In 1967, 80% of the company was sold to Credit Suisse who went on to purchase the final 20% in 1980 and remained outright owners until December 1983. At tht time Valcambi was bought by EGR- European Gold Refineries Holding SA. Valcambi will always have the distinction of having produced the world’s first minted 1oz ingot, have been and remain, the sole refiner of Credit Suisse gold bars for 40 years, and their laboratories are accredited by the Suisse Government for their assay quality. They certainly deserve their reputation for quality. 

 

Perhaps no other company offers bullion in such an artistically oriented way. Famous for its Fortuna design, PAMP also provides the “Rose” and “Liberty” motifs on its ingots and they continue to be favourites of purchasers. You will generally pay an additional premium over a poured bar, but if you want to admire your bullion as well as touch it, PAMP could be the bullion for you.

 

Combining the refining history of Argor SA (1951) and the technological capabilities of Heraeus, this company produces a standard range of cast and minted bars recognised throughout the world for their quality. Their bars are individually numbered and come with a special certificate of authentication coated in PVC. In line with its Swiss/German heritage, Argor-Heraeus bullion is exacting in its standards, and precise with its product.