As an investor, you must keep a list separate from your gold that details all your serial numbers so that you can prove which bars are yours. Some of the smaller bars (below 1g) are impractical to stamp with a serial number and should, therefore, be sealed in protective packaging, which should then be stamped with a serial number. Secondly, some refineries also place their logo, mark, or some artistic design onto bars as a means of identification. For one, bars are stamped with serial numbers that can be traced back to their manufacturer.

Gold bars can be traced in one of two ways. These bars are usually known as Kinebars Tracing Gold Bars Occasionally, since it is packaged in protective plastic with a card displaying information, some of the minted bars include a hologram security feature, which is a chip, also called a Kinegram. Coverings will not only protect the bar but also be printed with the refiner’s details, a serial number, and/or authentication number. Minted bars are often smaller than cast bars and, depending on their size and manufacturer, can be packaged in protective coverings that can be used to trace the bar back to its manufacturer. Some minted bars even incorporate artistic designs on their glossy exteriors, but the design, albeit aesthetically appealing, will have little to no effect on the value.įor example, Johnson Matthey gold bars contain the distinctive Johnson Matthey logo of crossed hammers next to the initials JM, followed underneath by “JOHNSON MATTHEY ASSAYERS & REFINERS,” the fineness of the gold (assay), the weight in Troy ounces, and then a six-digit serial number when they have one at all ( source). The process for making them also differs from cast bars as they are either hand-cut or punched from a large, flat piece of gold. These bars also tend to be thinner and look more like cards than bars. Minted gold bars differ from cast bars in that they’re shiny and sleek and generally perfect. The London Bullion Market Association (LMBA) is the leading authority on the over-the-counter gold marketĮven though these bars tend to be less sleek and shiny in appearance, many gold bar purchasers actually prefer this type as it makes the bars look more natural and speaks to the long and impressive history of gold. Some have an irregular appearance and may even look gritty.Ĭast gold bars are usually stamped with a serial number, under 11 digits, and the manufacturer or refiner’s details.

Cast bars are roughcast by pouring molten gold into a mold and are generally not very shiny, differing in appearance depending on the pouring and cooling method.

Gold bar serial number lookup