Difference Between Gold Bar and Gold Coin

What is a Gold Coin?

What is a Gold Bar?

Difference Between a Gold Bar and a Gold Coin

Gold coins and bars serve various purposes for Indian gold consumers. Coins are attractive to gift-givers and collectors, while bars appeal to investors who seek the maximum amount of gold for their money. The table below illustrates the difference between gold coins and gold bars:

Parameter Gold Coin Gold Bar
Meaning A small, round piece of gold, often with a design or stamp. A rectangular block of pure gold with no decorative features.
Sizes Gold coins are available in sizes like 1 gram, 5 gram, 8 gram, 10 gram, 20 gram, 50 gram, & 100 gram. Gold bars come in various sizes, including 1 gram to 400 troy ounces. 
Price The price is higher because coins usually cost extra due to design and packaging. The total price depends on the gold rate per gram multiplied by weight. Since bars are plain, you only pay for the gold weight.
Purity They comprise 90-92% of gold, i.e., 22 karat. However, nowadays, gold coins are also available in 24 karat. They consist of 24 karat gold (999.9 pure gold)
Making charges Charges for making coins range between 3% and 11%, as coins need designs, stamps, and packaging.  Very low or none, as bars are plain.
Liquidity Gold coins are easier to sell as they are offered in small sizes. Gold bars can take more time to sell. There are not as many people buying gold bars.
Storage It is easier to store at home or in a normal-sized safe because it is small. Due to its larger size, it requires proper and secure storage, such as a bank's safety deposit box or a safe at home.
Flexibility Gold coins come in varying weights from 0.5 grams and up. They provide flexibility in investing for the initial stages. Selling off the gold bars is complicated. It’s best for those who will invest more money at once.
Ease of Selling  Easier to sell, as many jewellers and banks accept them. Slightly tougher for small investors, as big bars need authorised buyers.
Ideal For Gifts, small savings, festivals, and sentimental occasions. Long-term investment, wealth accumulation, and bulk buying.
Availability Easily available at jewellery shops, banks, and online. Available at select bullion dealers, online platforms, or authorised sellers.

Pros of Investing in Gold Bars and Gold Coins

Whether you pick coins or bars, both come with their advantages. Here is a detailed table of the benefits you get from both:

Advantages Gold Coin Gold Bar
Where to Buy Easily available at jewellery shops, banks, and online stores. Available at bullion dealers, banks, and certified online platforms.
Investment Option You can start with as little as 0.5 grams. Usually, investment starts from 10 grams. Best for people with larger budgets
Resale Demand Popular in the Indian market, it is easy to sell or exchange at jewellery shops. Good resale value, especially in international trade.
Purity  It comes with a BIS hallmark, purity stamp, and packing seal. Certified 24K purity from reputed international mints.
Premium Higher premium due to design, making charges, and packaging. Lower premium as it’s a plain investment product without design.
Storage Easy to store at home, in lockers, or pouches. Small bars are easy to store. Bars above 100 grams need proper locker space.

Cons of Investing in Gold Bars and Gold Coins

Gold coins and bars are popular choices for Indian investors. However, like any investment, they are not perfect. Both come with a few downsides you should be aware of. Let’s look at the common drawbacks of both in the table below:

Aspect Gold Bar Gold Coin
Ease of Sell Large bars have fewer buyers in the local market. Easy to sell, but the resale value depends on the design and its condition.
Storage Space  Large bars need locker space, especially above 100 grams. Small coins are easy to store, but larger amounts need proper safety.
Daily Trading Not a practical option for regular buying and selling due to high value and bulk size. Gold coins have higher premiums and varying resale prices.
Liquidity  Selling large bars quickly can be tough without authorised dealers. Selling coins may take less time.

Which is Better to Buy - a Gold Coin or a Gold Bar?

FAQs about Gold Bar vs Gold Coin

What is a gold bar?

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A gold bar is a rectangular block of pure gold. It is typically made in larger weights, like 10 grams, 50 grams, 100 grams, or even 1 kg. People purchase gold in bars for long-term investment.

What is a gold coin?

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A gold coin is a small, circular piece of gold, usually stamped with something, and is sold in small increments by weight, such as 1 gram, 5 grams, or 10 grams. Many customers purchase gold coins for saving, giving, and during the holiday season.

Why is a gold coin costlier than a bar?

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Gold coins are costlier per gram due to higher minting, design, and distribution costs. Gold bars are cheaper per gram as they're simpler to produce and usually bought in larger weights.

What form of gold is best to buy?

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It depends on your purpose. Coins work well for small, flexible buys and gifting. Bars suit long-term investors who prefer larger quantities at a lower price per gram.

What is the cheapest way to buy gold: a gold coin or a gold bar?

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Gold bars are cheaper per gram because they have lower making charges. Coins cost more due to design work and packaging, even though the gold content stays the same.

Gold bars vs gold coins: which is better?

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Both are good investment options. Coins are more practical for small amounts and gifting, while bars are more practical for large-scale investments because they are cheaper per gram and easier to store.

What is the difference between a gold bar and a gold coin?

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The major factors of difference are shape, size, making charges, and use. For instance, Bars are larger, cost less per gram, and are ideal for investment. Coins are smaller, cost more per gram, and are better for gifting.

What are the disadvantages of gold coins over gold bars?

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Gold coins typically have a higher making charge per gram and a premium rate. Gold coins cost more than a big single bar when you buy many coins for large investments. In some cases, coins may have slightly lower resale value than gold bars.

Is a gold coin worth buying?

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Yes, a gold coin is a good purchase for gifts, small savings, or religious events. They are worth buying because they are easy to store, available in small denominations, and easier to sell when needed.

Which gold coin is better, 22K or 24K?

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Investing in 24K gold is a good idea because 24K gold is purer gold. Investing in 22K gold is mostly used for jewellery, but it has more strength since it’s slightly mixed with other metals.

How do gold bars and gold coins perform when the rupee drops in value?

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A low-valued rupee usually increases the price of gold bars and coins. Because gold is priced in dollars, a low-valued rupee means buying the same amount of gold takes more. Both bars and coins are safe havens from currency depreciation, but bars tend to offer more value for bigger investments.

Can I exchange gold coins for jewellery later?

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Yes, most established jewellers will accept standard coins as payment for jewellery, typically offering better exchange rates than for bars. However, they may deduct making charges when accepting either format.

How much gold is in 1 coin?

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The gold content in a coin depends on its size, purity (karat), and whether it’s a bullion coin or alloyed with other metals. For instance, a 1-gram 24K (99.9% pure) coin contains 1 gram of pure gold, whereas a 1-gram 22K (91.7% pure) coin holds 0.917 grams of gold.

Can I use gold bars or gold coins for loans?

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Yes, the vast majority of Indian banks and financial companies accept both bars and coins as collateral for a loan, but generally, bars receive a bit of a better loan value (up to 75% as a loan value vs. 60-70% for coins) simply because they are easier to verify and more commodity-standard.

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