This is general information, not financial or investment advice.
Ainslie offers a variety of bars, coins and rounds. The right format depends on your preferences, budget, and intended use.
Cast bars
Produced by pouring molten metal into a mould and allowing it to cool.
The most cost-effective way to produce bullion.
Typically have a rough or natural finish.
Favoured by investors seeking lower premiums. Cast bars may have minor scuffs or cosmetic imperfections due to the molding and stamping process. These imperfections do not affect the purity or value of the bars but reflect their natural aesthetic.
Minted bars
Produced by rolling, cutting, and stamping metal blanks.
Higher premiums than cast bars due to additional processing.
Have a smooth, uniform finish.
May include serial numbers and come in assay packaging.
Commonly chosen for presentation and aesthetics.
Coins
Produced using a multi-step minting process (designing, die creation, striking, and finishing).
Issued by government mints and stamped with an official mark (e.g. monarch or state emblem).
Recognised as legal tender with a face value (symbolic for bullion purposes).
Include additional security features and design detail.
Typically carry higher premiums due to increased production costs.
In some countries, coins may be tax-exempt where bars are not.
Coin-shaped bullion without official government marks are known as rounds, not coins.
Which format should you choose?
Choose cast bars if your priority is lower cost.
Choose minted bars if you prefer presentation and finish.
Choose coins if you value government backing, security features, or worldwide recognition.
Important to note
Regardless of format, Ainslie’s buyback prices are based solely on metal content and do not vary by format. Premiums paid at purchase are not realised on resale. Buyback pricing is based solely on metal content and spot price.