What are the differences between bars, ingots and gold coins ?

gold bars and ingots offer a sustainable solution for starting or enriching an existing gold holding . Their different weights and sizes allow for easy storage and resale.

The unit of measurement of gold

The unit of measurement for gold is the carat. Unlike diamonds, the carat does not represent the weight (0.20 grams), but the degree of purity. Indeed, we find caratage in gold coins, but also in jewelry. We then know, thanks to the hallmarks or the inscribed title, the precise content of pure gold in the object. So, gold bars and bars are made from pure 24-karat gold. This means that the bar contains 99.99% pure gold. Other purity levels are:

• 18 carat gold: 75% pure gold;
• 14 carat gold: 58.5% pure gold;
• 9 carat gold: 37.5% pure gold.

We find these notions in the composition of jewelry. Necklaces and other accessories require gold that is rigid and can be worked. This is not the case for pure, malleable and ductile gold. This is why jewelers create alloys, a mixture of pure gold and other metals (silver, zinc, copper, palladium, platinum, etc.).

Why aren't all ingots the same size ?

There are two types of ingots:

• Ingots: gross weight greater than 500 grams;
• Ingots: gross weight less than 500 grams.

The size difference allows a wider choice. Investors can therefore buy a 100 gram bar or a kilo bar depending on their needs and desires. gold bars have the advantage of being able to complete a collection, of being easily resold and of requiring little storage space.

Ingots are manufactured using two processes:

• Casting: the molten gold is poured into a mold or into cookie cutters. Shapes and sizes vary depending on the containers used;
• Once cast, certain ingots are minted: the ingots are cut to give them the chosen size. In addition, you can make ingots of different shapes (flat, rectangular, round, oval, square) and wear them as pendants.

Purchasing gold in bars or coins depends on your goals. Bars weighing more than 1 kilo are more difficult to resell than 10 gram bars or gold coins. In fact, if you want to sell 500 grams, but you only have bars weighing several kilos, your operation is impossible. On the other hand, if you have gold bars and coins in your collection, you can resell them easily and separately according to your needs.

Moreover, the purchase of coins or ingots also depends on the place of storage. At home, a fireproof safe can hold a limited quantity of gold items. Private companies or shared safes offer more suitable solutions for larger collections.

Gold Union offers a range of gold and silver bars, as well as bullion gold coins. Our Gold Union advisors are waiting for you in an agency or via the e-commerce site, to present the different investment solutions to you!