10g Argor-Heraeus Lunar Gold Bar

Swiss Zodiac Gold in a Collectible 10g Bar

The 10g Argor-Heraeus Lunar gold bar is part of an annual limited-edition series from one of Switzerland's most established refineries. Each year features a new Chinese zodiac animal design, following the 12-year cycle, and the 10g size represents one of four available weights in the series (alongside 1g, 5g, and 1 oz). Every bar contains 0.3215 troy ounces of 999.9 fine gold.

Argor-Heraeus was founded in 1951 in Mendrisio, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, and is now a subsidiary of the Heraeus Group. It is one of only five members of the LBMA referee panel for gold refining, placing it at the highest tier of the global refining industry. The refinery processes approximately 400 tonnes of gold annually, making the Lunar series a tiny fraction of its total output.

The series' limited mintage is part of its appeal. Mintage numbers vary by year and size, with culturally significant digits often incorporated. The 1g Snake bar for 2025 was limited to 18,888 pieces and the 1g Dragon for 2024 to 28,888, both numbers reflecting the Chinese cultural significance of the digit 8 (associated with wealth and prosperity). The 10g bars have their own mintage limits, and each carries a serial number formatted to show its position within the total production run (e.g., 00142/18888).

The Lunar bar series is gold-only. Argor-Heraeus does not produce silver or platinum versions in this range. Buyers seeking zodiac-themed silver should look to the PAMP Lunar series or the Perth Mint's Lunar coin programme, both of which include silver denominations.

10g Argor-Heraeus Lunar Gold Bar Specifications

Design

The obverse carries Argor-Heraeus mint markings arranged vertically: manufacturer name, Swiss origin marking, weight, gold content, purity, and serial number. The reverse features the year's zodiac animal rendered in detailed engraving with the corresponding Chinese character. Recent designs include the Ox (2021), Tiger (2022), Rabbit (2023), Dragon (2024), Snake (2025), and Horse (2026). The aesthetic is more understated and elegant than competing lunar ranges from PAMP or the Perth Mint, drawing on traditional Chinese artistic styles combined with decorative natural elements.

Tax Position for the 10g Argor-Heraeus Lunar Bar

The Argor-Heraeus Lunar bar is a refinery bar with no legal tender status. Its 999.9 purity and LBMA accreditation qualify it for investment gold treatment across all major jurisdictions.

United Kingdom

VAT-exempt as investment gold (purity exceeds the 995 threshold). Subject to Capital Gains Tax on disposal at 18% or 24% above the annual £3,000 allowance. Not CGT-exempt, as that benefit applies only to UK legal tender coins. For UK buyers seeking CGT efficiency, the Lunar coin ranges from the Royal Mint (legal tender, CGT-exempt) or the Perth Mint are alternatives in a different product class.

European Union and Switzerland

VAT-exempt under the EU Investment Gold Directive. Switzerland has no VAT on investment gold. In Germany, gains on gold held for more than one year are tax-free, making Swiss and German gold bars particularly attractive for German investors. The Argor-Heraeus bar is widely available through European dealer networks given its Swiss origin.

United States

No federal sales tax. The bar qualifies for IRA inclusion as 999.9 gold from an LBMA-accredited refiner. State sales tax exemptions apply in most states. Capital gains are taxed at the collectible rate (28% long-term maximum).

Canada

GST/HST-exempt for gold at 99.5%+ purity. Capital gains subject to the 50% inclusion rate (66.67% above CAD 250,000 from June 2024).

Australia

GST-exempt for investment-grade gold at 99.5%+ purity. Argor-Heraeus bars are available through specialist Australian dealers, though Perth Mint products dominate the domestic market.

Singapore

GST-exempt under the Investment Precious Metals scheme. No capital gains tax. Argor-Heraeus bars are stocked by Singapore dealers including LPM.

Argor-Heraeus Lunar vs Competing Zodiac and 10g Bars

vs PAMP Lunar 10g: PAMP produces its own Chinese zodiac bar series at the same weight and purity, also from Switzerland and with LBMA accreditation. PAMP generally commands slightly higher premiums due to stronger retail brand recognition, and its bars feature the CertiPAMP packaging system. The two series compete directly for the same collector-investor audience. Design is a matter of taste: PAMP's zodiac designs tend toward more detailed, decorative artwork, while Argor-Heraeus favours a cleaner, more understated aesthetic.

vs Perth Mint Lunar coins: The Perth Mint's Lunar series consists of sovereign coins with AUD legal tender status, produced in both gold and silver. The coins have broader collector appeal, higher liquidity, and are CGT-exempt in Australia. They also carry slightly higher premiums than bars. The Perth Mint Lunar is a coin; the Argor-Heraeus Lunar is a bar. For investors who want a zodiac-themed gold product with legal tender status and coin-grade liquidity, the Perth Mint is the stronger choice. For those who prefer Swiss-refined bars with limited mintage, the Argor-Heraeus is the alternative.

vs 10g Credit Suisse bar: A standard Credit Suisse 10g bar offers the same gold content at a lower premium, without the annual design or limited mintage. Credit Suisse bars are among the most liquid 10g gold bars in the secondary market. The Argor-Heraeus Lunar carries a collectible premium above the standard bar price, which may or may not be recovered at resale depending on the buyer's interest in the zodiac design.

vs 10g Heraeus bar: Heraeus produces straightforward 10g bars without thematic designs. Both manufacturers are LBMA-accredited and German-connected (Argor-Heraeus is owned by the Heraeus Group). A standard Heraeus bar will carry a lower premium and is the more cost-efficient investment choice. The Lunar bar appeals to buyers who value the zodiac design and limited production run.