Which gold bar should I buy to start investing?

Are you interested in investing in physical gold but aren’t sure which bar to choose? Between small bars weighing just a few grams, one-ounce bars, 50- or 100-gram bars, and the traditional 1-kilogram bar, the choice can seem complicated when making your first purchase.

In reality, there is no such thing as an ideal gold bar for all investors. The right size depends mainly on your budget, your strategy, and the flexibility you want to maintain in case you decide to resell.

Here are the key things to know when choosing your first gold bar.

Why invest in a gold bar?

Gold has been used for centuries as a store of value. Unlike some financial investments, a gold bar is a physical asset that its owner can hold directly.

Buying gold can, among other things, help you diversify your assets and spread your savings across different asset classes.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that the price of gold is constantly fluctuating. Its value can go up or down, and no future returns can be guaranteed.

Buying a gold bar should therefore be part of a strategy tailored to your situation and goals.

Small ingot or large ingot: What's the difference?

The first difference is, of course, the amount of gold contained in the product.

But that's not the only one.

Small gold bars are generally more affordable and allow you to start investing with a smaller budget. They also offer greater flexibility when it comes time to resell them.

Conversely, larger bars require a higher initial investment, but their cost per gram is generally more favorable.

This difference can be explained in part by the premium—that is, the difference between the value of the gold contained in the product and its selling price.

5-gram bar: Start gradually

The 5-gram gold bar is an accessible way to get started with physical gold.

It may be suitable for someone who wants to:

• make your first gold purchase;
• invest a limited amount;
• spread out purchases over time;
• Learn how investment gold works.

Its main drawback is its premium, which is generally proportionally higher than that of larger bars.

10-gram ingot: a good option for beginners

The 10-gram bar is a particularly attractive option for a first investment.

It remains affordable compared to larger denominations, while still representing a significant amount of physical gold.

It also offers good flexibility for people who want to gradually build their gold holdings.

For an investor who wants to get started without immediately buying an ounce or a 100-gram bar, the 10-gram bar can be an excellent compromise.

One-ounce bar: an international standard

One troy ounce of gold is equal to 31.1 grams.

The ounce is one of the standard units of measurement on the international gold market.

The one-ounce bar is therefore particularly appealing to investors who wish to own a size that is widely recognized in the precious metals market.

However, its price means it requires a larger budget than 5- or 10-gram bars.

50-gram bar: for larger investments

The 50-gram bar allows you to make a more substantial investment while maintaining a relatively compact size.

It may be suitable for investors who wish to invest a larger amount in physical gold without jumping straight to 100-, 250-, or 500-gram bars.

It thus serves as a middle ground between small ingots and sizes intended for larger investments.

100-gram bar: a great option for those with larger budgets

A 100-gram bar is already a significant investment.

It may be particularly well-suited for people who want to own a significant amount of gold while retaining more flexibility than with a 500-gram or 1-kilogram bar.

For a first purchase, this property type is primarily aimed at investors with a larger budget.

250-gram and 500-gram bars: for substantial investments

Starting at 250 grams, the amounts invested become significantly larger.

These investment options are primarily intended for individuals who wish to allocate a significant portion of their assets to physical gold.

However, you need to keep the future resale in mind.

If you own a single 500-gram bar and want to recoup only a small portion of your investment, you will still have to sell the entire bar.

That is why the size of the bar should be chosen based not only on the purchase price, but also on the desired long-term flexibility.

1-kg gold bar: Is it a good choice for beginners?

The 1-kilogram gold bar is probably the most iconic size when it comes to investment gold.

But it isn't necessarily the best option for beginners.

Its price represents a very significant investment, and it offers less flexibility than several smaller ingots.

For example, if you own several 100-gram bars, you can choose to sell only a portion of them. With a 1-kilogram bar, however, you must sell the entire bar.

The 1-kg bar is therefore primarily intended for investors with substantial assets who wish to hold a significant amount of physical gold.

Several small ingots or one large ingot?

This is an important question to ask before making any purchase.

Having several small bars generally offers more flexibility.

You can choose to sell one or more of them depending on your needs without having to give up your entire investment.

Conversely, a larger bar generally offers a better price per gram, particularly because the proportional premium is often lower.

We must therefore strike a balance between:

• the price per gram;
• your budget;
• flexibility;
• your long-term strategy.

Which gold bar should you choose based on your budget?

For a first investment on a limited budget, the 5 gor 10 g let you start gradually.

To strike a balance between affordability and the amount of gold held, the sizes 10 g, 1 ounceor 50 g may be good options.

With a larger budget, the 100-gram bar offers a balance between the amount of gold and flexibility.

Formats 250 g, 500 gand 1 kg are more suited to substantial purchases.

Above all, your choice should be consistent with your financial situation and your wealth management strategy.

Should you buy all your gold at once?

Not necessarily.

Some investors choose to spread out their purchases over time rather than invest their entire budget all at once.

This approach allows you to buy at different price levels.

She also avoids trying to pinpoint the "best time" to buy gold, which is impossible to predict with certainty.

Investing gradually can therefore be a good approach for someone just starting out.

What should you check before buying a gold bar?

Before purchasing a bullion bar, there are several things you should check:

• its weight;
• its purity;
• its manufacturer;
• its markings;
• its certificate, when provided;
• the product's origin;
• the seller's reputation;
• the proposed price relative to the price of gold.

It is recommended that you purchase gold from a specialized professional to ensure better traceability and guarantees regarding the product's authenticity.

Which bullion should you choose for your first investment?

There is no single format that is universally better.

For many individuals interested in exploring physical gold, 5- or 10-gram gold bars offer a more affordable way to get started.

The one-ounce bar and the 50- or 100-gram sizes may be suitable for people looking to invest larger amounts.

The key is to choose a format that fits your budget while considering, right from the moment of purchase, how you might want to sell your gold in the future.

Buy your gold bar online or at one of our 8 branches

Are you interested in starting to invest in gold but still can't decide between the different options?

At Agence de l’Or, we help you choose a gold bar that fits your budget and investment goals.

You can purchase your gold bars and coins directly from our online store, with prices updated based on the current gold price.

Would you prefer to speak with a specialist before making your purchase? You can also visit one of our 8 branches in Belgium, where our experts can provide you with information and help you make your choice.

Whether you choose to buy gold online or in person at a branch, Agence de l’Or is here to help you invest in physical gold in a simple, transparent, and secure way.