Understand the Difference between Cast, Minted, and Combi Gold Bar
Gold bars come in many forms – Cast Bars, Minted bars, and combi Bars. This distinction results from their manufacturing process, which can influence their price and valuation in the market.
If you are in the market for some Gold bars investments, it is essential that you understand the types of gold bars available and how they might fit into your budget and meet your financial expectation.
Cast Gold Bars
Cast Gold Bars
Gold casting is one of the earliest forms of making Gold bars. This process involves the use of a mold to determine the weight and size of the Gold bar. To begin this process, the gold is heated till it becomes liquid. This liquid is then poured into the mold and left till the gold cools. Once the liquid cools, the casting process is complete. The casted gold is removed from the mold, and details like the manufacturer’s identity and the weight of the gold bar are engraved into it.
Although manufacturers may use the same mold for casting several Gold Bars, each gold bar is marked by its ruggedness and irregularity.
Compared to other Gold bars, the casting process is cheap and straightforward to perform. This reflects its valuation as they are usually the most affordable of all gold bars with a low premium over spot gold prices. However, they are more difficult to sell due to their less appeal and visible blemishes.
Minted Gold Bars
Minted Gold Bars
Minted Gold bars are aesthetically pleasing, with most bars looking clean, shining, and perfectly shaped. From its intricate designs to its flawless finishes, you can rightly guess that a lot of money, effort, and time goes into manufacturing each bar. Minted gold bars carry a premium and are more expensive to purchase.
Gold bars can be minted in different ways. One way this is done is by using a continuous casting machine to compress the gold to form a uniform shape. Another way is by casting a long strip of metal and subsequently cutting it into smaller pieces. Each minted bar is then inspected, measured, polished, cleaned, and dried. The result would see a well-sealed Gold bar ready to be sold.
Minted gold bars are easy to sell for cash due to their popularity among investors. Though they are highly valued in the market, this valuation may depend on how well the minted gold bar is preserved. So, if there are some damages to the seal or packaging, its value would be affected.
Combi Gold Bars
Combi Gold Bars
100 gram (100 x 1 g) Valcambi Gold CombiBar
Combi Bar is the product of a collaboration between Swiss refinery Valcambi, ESG, and Colorado-based Newmont Mining Corporation. These bars are jointly manufactured and marketed as a small flexible gold bar that contains 50 individual 1-gram of gold. These gold bars can be detached to form smaller gold wafers.
In summary, Cast gold bars are cheap but difficult to sell due to their lesser appeal among investors who are more inclined to buy minted Gold bars. Minted Gold bars have a higher market valuation and are often more expensive, with a higher premium over spot gold prices. Unlike Cast Gold bars, you need to ensure that your minted gold bars are well stored as they are more susceptible to devaluation when their packaging and seals are damaged.
As an investor, you need to consider each type of these gold bar that would fit your portfolio. For instance, if you are looking for a cheap gold bar option to preserve wealth, you may consider buying a cast gold bar. However, If you are in for higher resell value and lucrative returns, you could buy a minted gold bar. Combi Gold Bars are also a great option if you are interested in investing in smaller pieces of gold.
Overall, it is advisable to conduct thorough research on each type of gold bar before making your investment to ensure you buy one that suits your investment plans.