Categories of Gold Bars

INTERNATIONAL GROUPING Standard, innovative and unusual gold bars, manufactured around the world, can be grouped into 55 categories. This supplement provides concise information and a photograph of each category. The grouping by Grendon International Research (GIR) relies on information derived from associated GIR projects: The Industry Catalogue of Gold Bars Worldwide and The Industry Collection of Gold Bars Worldwide. The categorization is based on weight denomination, shape, decoration or a distinctive feature. Although jewellery, industrial and other fabricators absorb the bulk of bars manufactured, the bars in 46 of the 55 categories have the capacity to fulfill an investment role, as they would normally be issued at a low premium above the prevailing value of their fine gold content. The 9 supplementary categories include newly-mined doré bars, melted scrap bars, bars which are issued at a fixed price or at a relatively high premium, and sample bars. For a definition of a gold bar, cast bar and minted bar, refer to the website section: " Definitions: Bar Types " .