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Difference Between Gold Bar and Gold Coin

Individuals like to purchase gold in various forms for investment, gifting, or rituals. Two of the most sought-after forms are gold coins and bars. A gold coin is a smaller, round piece made of gold, typically purchased for gifting, festivals, and saving.
In contrast, a gold bar is typically a larger, rectangular piece mainly purchased for investment and wealth preservation for generations to come. Both have their uses, and the best option depends on your purchase.
This article breaks down the key differences between gold coins and gold bars, their advantages and disadvantages, and helps you choose the best option based on your investment goals.
Table of Contents
What is a Gold Coin?
A gold coin is a valuable item made from gold. They have existed since the 1800s and typically use 90-92% gold, which is 22 karat. Today, almost all gold coins are made with pure gold.
Gold coins command higher prices than their actual value because they have intrinsic value as a form of legal tender. For many people, a gold coin is also an attraction because of its history and what it represents.
What is a Gold Bar?
A gold bar is a plain block of refined precious metal with standard weight and certified purity. Indian buyers can find gold bars from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. Most bars have 995 (99.5%) or 999 (99.9%) purity levels. These bars show few design elements but display important marks like the maker's name, weight, purity level, and unique serial numbers.
Gold bars give you maximum gold content for every rupee you spend. Unlike fancy coins, bars focus only on investment value. This makes them popular with serious investors who want to buy the most gold while paying the smallest extra cost above the basic gold price.
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:
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:
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:
Which is Better to Buy - a Gold Coin or a Gold Bar?
Why Choose Gold Coins?
- Ideal for beginning with small weights like 0.5g or 1g.
- It can be purchased affordably, so there is no large expense at one time.
- Widely popular for gifts for weddings, Diwali, and other special occasions.
- Can find simple, attractive designs and patterns.
- It can be quickly sold at a local jewellery shop.
Why Choose Gold Bars?
- Applicable for larger, longer-term investments.
- Sold in larger weights like 10g, 50g, and 100g.
- Lower price per gram than coins.
- Great for long-term wealth accumulation.
- Easy to store, pure quality, and high resale value.
Gold coins and gold bars are two trustworthy physical gold ownership options. Their differences are in their weight, price, use, and resale process. Gold coins and gold bars are both made of pure gold and are generally used for different purposes at the time of purchase, storage, which can differ, and resale. Regardless, both gold options retain value and are popular forms of gold investment.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information for your specific needs.
We do not promote or endorse any financial product or service mentioned in these articles. Readers are advised to conduct their own research, consult with financial experts, and make informed decisions based on their unique financial circumstances. Any reliance you place on the information provided here is strictly at your own risk.
FAQs about Gold Bar vs Gold Coin
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What form of gold is best to buy?
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Gold bars vs gold coins: which is better?
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