Buy Gold Bars Online from Goldmart

Simple, Aesthetic, and Collectible Gold Bar Designs

Traditionally, gold bars have been stamped simply with only the precious metal type, weight, and purity and the brand name, assay hallmark, and serial number.  However, nowadays, mints also create gold bars with special designs that enhance their appeal, make them recognizable, and also which can make them become collectible items.  One of the most famous brands that creates gold bars with unique designs is PAMP Suisse.  While their most noticeable design depicts the Roman goddess of fortune, Lady Fortuna, they also issue an annual Lunar Calendar series to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  Beginning in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon, PAMP releases a new design of the current year’s zodiac animal and its corresponding Hanzi character.

The Shift from Gold Coins to Gold Bars

Gold as a medium of exchange predates the Greek Classical Period by nearly 300 years—into the Archaic Period. However, that currency—called the Shekel—was not cast from pure gold, but instead from electrum, a gold/silver alloy.

The first pure gold coins appeared circa 570 B.C. in Lydia (now part of Turkey), upon the order of King Croesus who is most strongly associated with Aesop and his Fables. “As rich as Croesus,” is a common way to describe someone possessing immense wealth.

Throughout subsequent decades, as regulation regarding gold ownership fluctuated spasmodically depending on international political and financial conditions in both the New and Old Worlds, ownership of gold became an attractive alternative to fiat currency. Not surprisingly the demand for an affordable alternative to gold coins arose in the form of gold bars.

Acknowledging this demand, private mints and refineries began issuing gold bullion bars in units that would be accessible to the average investor. 

History of Gold Bars

Gold bars have an illustrious history, beginning with gold ingots. These were made by pouring molten gold into molds, which is similar to the method used in producing modern-day cast gold bars. However, the old ingots were not formed into bars but rather irregularly shaped, which made standardization difficult.

Pinpointing when standardized weights for gold bars were implemented is quite difficult.  However, it should be noted that the Bank of England’s Bullion Office began accepting 200 oz gold bars in 1810. From here, it may be assumed that 400 oz bars might have existed during that time which ultimately became favored size to be the Good Delivery bar traded in over-the-counter exchanges such as the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and commodity markets such as the Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) and the reserves of governments, banks, and the IMF.

Gold Bars in Modern Times

Today, gold bars are available on the open market in sizes ranging from 1 ounce to 400 ounces and from 1 gram to 1 kilogram.  Typically, the purity of these bars is .9999 fine or 99.99% pure.

Gold bars are made either through casting or minting processes. Cast gold bars, as earlier mentioned, are formed by pouring molten gold into bar-shaped molds. This process creates uneven edges and surfaces, which makes each gold bar distinct. Cast gold bars are quicker to produce and easier to handle, which makes them more affordable than minted bars.

Minted gold bars, on the other hand, are made from blank gold bars known simply as “blanks” that have been cut to specified dimensions from a flat piece of gold. Minted gold bars are smooth, have even surfaces, and are usually sealed in tamper-proof packaging to prevent damage and deter any illicit altering of the gold bar.  It is advised to not take minted gold bars out of their packaging; in fact, the packaging often adds value to the bar and opening the package usually devalues the gold bar.

The choice of size and between cast or minted styles ultimately depends on personal preferences. If you want to be able to handle the metal in the future, cast gold bars are more ideal. They are also more affordable, although they are more rugged-looking. For those who like the clean, polished look or would like to own a few uniquely designed pieces, then minted gold bars are the way to go.

Popular Private Mints

Gold bars are produced by private mints and refineries including but not limited to:

Popular Sovereign Mints

In addition to these private mints, some Government or National Mints produce gold bars as well, the most prominent being Australia’s Perth Mint and Canada’s Royal Canadian Mint. Gold bars having a Government Mint pedigree are especially sought after as they carry their government’s guarantee as to their weights, gold content, and purity. The United States Mint does not produce Gold Bars.

How to Order Gold Bars Online from Goldmart

Whichever you choose, you can purchase gold bars through different means; the most reliable way is by placing an order with a reliable gold seller.  Make Goldmart your trusted source of cast or minted gold bars for buying, selling, investing, and trading or other purposes. We are committed to delivering only the highest quality name-brand gold bars at the most affordable prices and, with our years of industry experience, you can rest assured that you will get only legitimate precious metals.

If you have any questions about your gold bar options or how to place an order, please don’t hesitate to call an account representative at 1-888-470-0170, chat with an online agent, or email us at sales@goldmart.com.