What Is Gold Bullion?

Cast bars are produced by pouring molten metal into a mould and have a rougher, more individual surface. Minted bars are cut from rolled sheet and pressed, giving sharper edges and a uniform finish. Coins and rounds are also bullion when their value derives from metal content.

Form affects handling and cost of production but does not change the underlying principle: the value follows the metal.

Fineness expresses purity in parts per thousand. Investment-grade gold bullion is commonly produced at high fineness, and the figure is normally stamped on the bar together with weight and an identifying mark.

Markings support identification but do not replace verification. Weight, dimensions and fineness can all be checked, and serious transactions include an agreed verification step.

Bullion pricing starts from the international gold price, adjusted for the fine gold content of the specific product and the commercial terms of the transaction.

Smaller units generally carry proportionally higher production costs per unit of metal than larger bars.

Physical bullion requires secure handling. Buyers should consider where material will be held, how it will be moved, and how it is insured in transit.

These arrangements are agreed as part of the commercial terms rather than assumed.