There are many different sizes and types when it comes to bullion. Gold, being of higher value, has many more sizes than silver, such as fractional coins and smaller minted bars which are usually in grams. Silver will most commonly start at 1oz and go up from there, usually 10oz and 1kg, although other sizes do exist.
In order to be considered ‘bullion’, a bar must have its purity stamped on alongside its weight. Bullion will generally fall into one of three categories; cast bars, minted bars, or coins. The difference between each three is in appearance and manufacturing process, rather than purity and weight.
Cast bars
● Will typically be more economical as they’re cast by pouring and setting into a mould
● Have the stamp of the manufacturer as well as the weight and purity
Minted bars
● Have more detail in presentation and manufacturing
● Often have a serial number
● Often come enclosed in a tamper proof case
● Cost more to manufacture and therefore cost more than an equivalent cast bar
Coins
● Similar to minted bars, they are manufactured with a finer detail and design
● Will generally cost more than a cast bar of the same size
● Come in a huge variety, from annual mintages to unique one-off designs
● Especially popular amongst collectors
