What is a Gold Bullion Bar

Gold bars are a popular form of bullion that is often considered a safer investment than coins. 39th official annual release available in a wide range of sizes and typically carry lower premiums than coins, making them cost-effective for larger purchases. These advantages, combined with their uniform shape and easy stacking, make them a practical choice for serious investors looking to diversify their portfolio with physical precious metals.

A gold bullion bar is a quantity of refined metallic gold that can be shaped into various forms under standardized conditions of manufacture, labeling and record-keeping. Smaller varieties of gold bullion are cast into ingots, while larger bars are minted or pressed into shape. Minting/pressing produces a higher quality finish, but comes with added manufacturing costs. As a result, mints will typically charge a higher premium for their minted bars than their cast bars, although this difference can be lessened by purchasing from non-government mints which may offer better prices per ounce.

The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) offers gold bars in a variety of sizes, starting with the 1 oz bar which has been popular among investors since its introduction in 1996. In addition to the standard 1 oz size, the RCM also produces a number of smaller gold bars, from 5 oz all the way down to a single gram. Smaller bars are often sold as investment or gift items.

Unlike gold coins, which feature intricate designs and have a collectible appeal, the primary advantage of gold bars is their high purity levels. They are widely used by investors as a store of value, an inflation hedge, a diversification asset and as a means of saving for retirement or other personal investments. The RCM has a reputation for producing high-quality products, and its bullion bars are no exception.

While some investors choose to store their gold bars at home, it is recommended that large holdings be kept at professional storage facilities. These vaults, such as those offered by Money Metals, are extremely secure and can be accessed more quickly than storage at private residences or bank safety deposit boxes. Furthermore, these professional storage facilities ensure that your gold bars remain within the "chain of integrity" and are eligible to be sold more easily than bars held at private residences or safe deposit boxes, which would need to go through a process of re-authentication before being accepted by a dealer.

Gold bars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most popular being the 1 oz gold bullion bar. They are made from.9999 fine gold, with each bar featuring a stamped weight and purity along with a serial number on the reverse. In addition, the obverse features a logo of the Royal Canadian Mint above a repeating pattern of maple leafs.

As with any investment, it is important to do your research and compare the different options before deciding which type of gold bar to purchase. Buying from a reputable dealer with competitive pricing is essential, as it can mean the difference between a higher or lower premium over the spot price of gold.