Coins and Small Bars

Bullion coins

Investors can choose from a range of gold bullion coins, issued by governments across the world. These coins are considered legal tender for their face value, rather than their gold content.

The market value of bullion coins is determined by their fine gold content, plus a premium or mark-up that varies between coins and dealers, the premium tends to be higher for smaller denominations.

Bullion coins may range in size from 1/20 ounce to 1000 grams, although the most common weights (in troy ounces of fine gold content) are 1/20, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce. It is important not to confuse bullion coins with commemorative or numismatic coins, whose value depends on their rarity, design and finish rather than on their fine gold content. Many dealers sell both.

Small gold bars

Gold bars can be bought in a variety of weights and sizes, ranging from as little as one gram to 400 troy ounces (the size of the internationally traded London Good Delivery bar). The definition of a small bar is one that weighs 1000g or less.

There are 110 accredited bar manufacturers and brands in 27 countries. Between them they produce a total of more than 400 types of standard gold bars, all of which normally contain a minimum of 99.5% fine gold.