Argor-Heraeus Lunar Gold

Swiss-Refined Zodiac Gold Bars

The Argor-Heraeus Lunar series is an annual limited-edition collection of minted gold bars, each featuring the Chinese zodiac animal for that year. Produced by Argor-Heraeus at their facility in Mendrisio, Switzerland, the bars are .9999 fine gold (24 karat) and available in four sizes: 1g, 5g, 10g, and 1 oz.

Argor-Heraeus is one of the world's largest gold refiners, processing approximately 400 tonnes of gold annually. The company was founded in 1951 in the Ticino canton of Switzerland and became part of the Heraeus Group in 1999. It holds LBMA Good Delivery accreditation and is one of only five LBMA referee panel members for gold refining, a distinction that places it at the very top of the global refining hierarchy.

Each year's design follows the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Recent issues include the Ox (2021), Tiger (2022), Rabbit (2023), Dragon (2024), Snake (2025), and Horse (2026). Mintage numbers often incorporate culturally significant digits: the number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture (representing wealth and prosperity), which explains mintages like 18,888 and 28,888 for the 1g bars. The Dragon year (2024) typically commands the highest premiums and largest mintage among zodiac animals due to the dragon's supreme significance in Chinese culture.

The Lunar series represents a tiny fraction of Argor-Heraeus's output but serves an important niche: collectors and investors who want Swiss-refined limited-edition bars with zodiac theming. The bars are gold-only; there are no silver or platinum versions in this series.

Argor-Heraeus Lunar Bar Specifications

Each bar carries a unique serial number in a format showing position within the total mintage run (e.g. XXXXX/18888). The bars are sealed in CertiCard blistercard packaging that provides tamper-evident protection, and each comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The obverse features the Argor-Heraeus mint logo and identifying hallmarks arranged vertically: manufacturer name at top, followed by Swiss origin marking, weight, content, purity, and serial number. The reverse carries the annual zodiac animal design with detailed engraving, including the Chinese character for that year's animal in the lower corner. The design aesthetic is more understated and elegant compared to the colourful Perth Mint Lunar or PAMP Lunar ranges, reflecting traditional Chinese artistic styles combined with decorative natural elements.

Unlike PAMP's CertiPAMP system, which offers digital serial number verification through an online portal, Argor-Heraeus does not appear to offer a comparable digital verification service. Authentication relies on the physical serial number, sealed packaging, hallmarks, and the refinery's LBMA accreditation.

Argor-Heraeus Lunar Tax Treatment

The Argor-Heraeus Lunar bars are investment bars with no legal tender status. Their .9999 gold purity qualifies them for investment gold exemptions in all major markets.

United Kingdom

Gold bars at 995+ fineness are VAT-exempt as investment gold. The Argor-Heraeus Lunar qualifies at .9999. Bars are CGT-liable in the UK, as they are not legal tender. Gold held within a SIPP pension wrapper is exempt from CGT. UK buyers who want CGT exemption on gold should consider legal tender coins such as the gold Britannia or gold Sovereign.

United States

IRA-eligible due to .9999 purity from an LBMA-accredited refiner, meeting the requirements of IRS Section 408(m). State sales tax varies; roughly 35 states exempt bullion purchases. Capital gains are taxed at the collectibles rate of up to 28%.

European Union and Switzerland

Investment gold bars are VAT-exempt across all EU member states under Directive 98/80/EC. Switzerland applies no VAT on investment gold. Argor-Heraeus bars are widely available through European dealers given their Swiss origin.

Canada

GST/HST-exempt for gold bars at 99.5%+ purity.

Australia

GST-exempt as investment-grade gold bullion meeting the 99.5% purity threshold.

Singapore

GST-exempt under the Investment Precious Metals (IPM) scheme. Argor-Heraeus bars are stocked by Singapore dealers including LPM.

Argor-Heraeus Lunar vs PAMP Lunar, Perth Mint Lunar, and Royal Mint Shengxiao

The PAMP Lunar bar series is the most direct competitor: another Swiss LBMA-accredited refiner producing .9999 gold bars with Chinese zodiac designs in similar sizes. PAMP generally commands slightly higher premiums due to stronger retail brand recognition and the availability of CertiPAMP digital authentication. Both offer comparable gold content and purity. The choice between them is largely one of brand preference and dealer availability.

The Perth Mint Lunar gold coins occupy a different category entirely. As Australian legal tender carrying AUD face values, they have higher liquidity and wider dealer recognition than either Swiss bar series. Perth Mint Lunar coins are CGT-exempt in Australia and potentially IRA-eligible in the US. Their sovereign coin status gives them an authentication advantage and broader secondary market acceptance. The tradeoff is higher premiums than bars and larger denominations typically available.

The Royal Mint Lunar coins (Shengxiao) are UK legal tender, making them CGT-exempt for UK buyers. This is a significant tax advantage that no bar series can match. The Royal Mint's Lunar range uses sterling face values and the standard Royal Mint security features.

The Argor-Heraeus Lunar's specific niche is the collector who wants Swiss-refined, limited-mintage gold bars with zodiac theming at moderate premiums. Lower liquidity than Perth Mint Lunar coins, but similar gold content and purity. The limited mintages (particularly at smaller sizes with their culturally significant numbering) appeal to buyers who value exclusivity alongside their gold content.