Argos-Heraeus Mint, situated in Mendrisio, Switzerland, stands as a global leader in refining and minting precious metals. It ranks among the largest refineries worldwide, with an annual gold refining capacity of 350 to 400 tons.

Renowned for its history of excellence and commitment to unparalleled quality, the name Argor-Heraeus commands great respect in the precious metals sector. It is synonymous with a diverse array of top-tier bullion products.

History of Argor-Heraeus 

Argor-Heraeus’s origins trace back to its establishment in 1951 as Argor SA, primarily in refining precious metals like gold. In 1960, Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) acquired an 80% stake in the company, eventually attaining full ownership by 1973. In a significant development in 1986, Argor-Heraeus merged with Heraeus Group, a prominent German technology conglomerate, and relocated its headquarters to Mendrisio.

By 1999, UBS divested its ownership in the company. In the same year, Commerzbank International secured a 35% ownership share, with another 35% held by Heraeus, a renowned precious metals firm, and the remaining 30% under the control of Argor-Heraeus management. After this, in 2002, the Austrian Mint acquired a stake in the company. Argor-Heraeus is jointly owned by Heraeus, Commerzbank, the Austrian Mint, and its management team.

Argor-Heraeus bullion products

Argor-Heraeus specializes in processing and refining precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium sourced from mines and recycled materials. With precision, they achieve remarkable purities of up to 99.99% for gold and 99.999% for silver, along with high levels for platinum and palladium. Their clientele spans mining firms, bullion banks, central banks, mints, jewelers, traders, and industrial users.

Their diverse array of bullion offerings caters to both wholesale and retail markets. Their standout products are cast and minted gold bars, silver bars, platinum and palladium bars, kind bars, and multi-card bar items. Noteworthy examples include the 1kg Argor-Heraeus gold bar, and the 50g Argor-Heraeus cast gold bar, which is esteemed for their craftsmanship.

The Mint’s innovation extends to products like Kinebars, which feature a distinctive refractive security and design element, exemplified by the 100g gold Kinebar with a purity of 999.9. Argor-Heraeus provides silver grains for artisans and industrial applications, while its palladium bars, such as the 1oz Argor-Heraeus variant, cater to investors drawn to its rarity and industrial utility.

Beyond standard offerings, Argor-Heraeus provides bespoke minting services, allowing clients to create personalized bullion items or incorporate corporate branding into their products.

Argor-Heraeus reputation

Argor-Heraeus stands as a beacon of excellence in precious metals, renowned for its unwavering dedication to quality, integrity, and groundbreaking innovation. The Mint boasts accreditation from esteemed international bodies such as the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), and the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM).

Furthermore, Argor-Heraeus proudly holds membership in the “Association Suisse des Fabricants et Commerçants de Métaux Précieux” (ASFCMP), the Swiss Association of Precious Metals Manufacturers and Traders, a testament to its steadfast adherence to stringent standards of purity, quality, and ethical sourcing practices.

As one of only five refinery members on the LBMA’s prestigious good delivery referee panel, Argor-Heraeus collaborates closely with the organization to uphold global quality benchmarks. Since 1961, its gold and silver bars have held the coveted Good Delivery accreditation, a hallmark of superior craftsmanship and reliability. Moreover, the LBMA recognizes Argor-Heraeus’ palladium and platinum bars as Good Delivery, further underscoring the Mint’s commitment to excellence.

Argor-Heraeus has cemented its reputation as a paragon of refinement and minting in the precious metals sphere, with a history spanning decades. Serving a diverse clientele that includes investors, financial institutions, central banks, and industrial manufacturers worldwide, its products are esteemed for their authenticity, liquidity, and unparalleled quality. As such, they are coveted assets for investors seeking to safeguard wealth and diversify portfolios.

Argor-Heraeus Bullion Designs

Argor-Heraeus is renowned for its bullion products’ exceptional purity and quality and its distinctive and sophisticated designs. Whether investing in an Argor-Heraeus gold bar, you’ll encounter a range of notable options, including minted bars, cast bars, and gold Kinebars. While each showcases unique features, there are also common elements among them.

Logo and Branding: The Argor-Heraeus logo is seamlessly integrated into the design of its bullion bars. This comprises a stylized AH within the inner ring of a dual-circle motif, with “Argor-Heraeus SA” inscribed in the outer ring. Additionally, Argor-Heraeus gold bars display crucial details such as weight and purity, inscriptions like “Switzerland” and “fine gold” alongside the assayer’s mark, and a distinctive serial number etched onto the bar, varying according to the product. Conversely, the reverse side of bars typically remains unadorned, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic across classic cast bars and minted ingots.

Assay Certificates and Cards: Minted gold bars from Argor-Heraeus are commonly presented within assay card capsule packaging. This packaging consists of a central plastic capsule housing the gold bar, bordered by an assay card bearing the Argor-Heraeus logo at the top left corner and the slogan “The golden link” beneath it. The bottom section of the card features the serial number corresponding to that on the gold bar. Moreover, the obverse side of the assay card provides essential information such as weight, fineness, and details of the certified assayer responsible for evaluating the product post-production, often adorned with a small Swiss flag.

Collectible Series: Beyond its standard cast and minted gold bars, Argor-Heraeus also crafts collectible or limited-edition bars, distinguished by their unique designs, themes, or finishes. These offerings cater to collectors and investors seeking rare or visually captivating pieces. Examples include the 1oz Year of the Dragon Argor-Heraeus gold bar, boasting an intricate dragon motif, and the 10oz Year of the Rabbit Argor-Heraeus gold bar, appealing to those with a penchant for distinctive and sought-after bullion pieces.