Argor-Heraeus Gold Bars – Swiss Precision Since 1951
Argor-Heraeus is one of the world's three largest gold refineries and the preeminent name in Swiss gold bar production. Founded in 1951 in Chiasso, in the Italian-speaking Canton of Ticino, the company is today jointly owned by the Heraeus Group (Germany), Commerzbank (Germany), the Generali Group (Italy) and the management. With 12 products at CelticGold across all standard bar weights, Argor-Heraeus bars are found in the vaults of central banks, institutional investors and private savers on every continent.
History – From the Swiss-Italian Border to the World's Vaults
Argor SA was founded in 1951 as a regional gold refinery serving the jewellery industry of northern Italy and southern Switzerland – one of the world's most concentrated jewellery manufacturing areas, centred on Valenza, Arezzo and Vicenza. The proximity to Milan's Banca d'Italia and Zurich's major financial institutions gave Argor early access to the high-quality precious metals flows that built its reputation.
In 1986, Heraeus – the German industrial precious metals group founded in Hanau in 1851 – acquired a significant stake in Argor, and the company was renamed Argor-Heraeus SA. This partnership combined Swiss refining expertise with German industrial know-how and global distribution networks, creating a truly international refinery operation.
Argor-Heraeus developed the proprietary Kinebar® technology – a laser-engraved holographic security feature applied to minted gold bars – which revolutionised anti-counterfeiting in private investment gold. The Kinebar® hologram changes appearance at different viewing angles and cannot be reproduced using standard printing or engraving equipment.
What is the Kinebar® and why does it matter?
The Kinebar® is a laser-engraved holographic security strip on Argor-Heraeus minted bars. It provides the same level of anti-counterfeiting protection as modern banknotes – making Argor-Heraeus bars among the most secure private investment gold products available.
Are Argor-Heraeus bars LBMA-certified?
Yes. Argor-Heraeus is listed on the LBMA Good Delivery List for both gold and silver – one of the most demanding quality certifications in the precious metals industry.
Can I sell Argor-Heraeus bars anywhere in the world?
Yes – as one of the three largest global refiners with universal LBMA recognition, Argor-Heraeus bars are accepted without question by every reputable bullion dealer worldwide.
