Valcambi Gold Bars – Swiss Innovation and the CombiBar Revolution
Valcambi is one of the world's largest and most innovative precious metals refineries – headquartered in Balerna in the Swiss Canton of Ticino, near the Italian border. Founded in 1961, Valcambi rose to global prominence through its partnership with Credit Suisse and its invention of the revolutionary CombiBar concept. With 12 products at CelticGold, Valcambi offers an exceptional range from the 1 gram minted bar to the 1 kilo cast bar, all in 999.9/1,000 fineness.
History – Swiss Precision and the CombiBar
Valcambi started in 1961 as a regional refinery serving northern Italy's jewellery industry. Its strategic location – equidistant between Milan, Lugano and Zurich – made it a natural hub for European precious metals flows. In the 1980s, Credit Suisse selected Valcambi as its gold bar manufacturer, giving the Balerna refinery a global distribution network and the prestigious Credit Suisse brand on its products.
In 2011, Valcambi launched the most significant innovation in retail gold since the minted blister bar: the CombiBar – a breakable plate of 50 × 1 gram gold segments that can be separated individually along precision score lines. The concept, first applied to gold and later to silver, addressed a longstanding demand from investors for fractional flexibility without fractional-weight premiums.
Valcambi is listed on the LBMA Good Delivery List for both gold and silver.
What exactly is the CombiBar?
A plate of 50 individual 1 gram gold segments, each carrying its own Valcambi logo, weight and fineness stamp. The segments can be cleanly separated along precision score lines and used individually – for gifting, spending in a hypothetical barter scenario, or selling in small increments.
Does breaking a CombiBar affect its value?
No – each separated 1 gram segment is a complete, certified gold bar. Valcambi and all reputable dealers buy individual segments at the 1 gram spot price plus normal premium.
Are Valcambi bars the same as old Credit Suisse bars?
Yes – Credit Suisse gold bars were manufactured by Valcambi. After Credit Suisse sold its gold business, the bars have been marketed under the Valcambi brand. Gold quality is identical.
