50g Degussa Gold Bar

A 50g Gold Bar Carrying One of Germany's Most Recognised Precious Metals Brands

The 50g Degussa Gold Bar carries one of the most recognised names in European precious metals. The Degussa brand traces its origins to 1843, when Friedrich Ernst Roessler, Keeper of the Frankfurt Mint, was authorised to operate the Mint's refinery as a private enterprise. The company was incorporated in 1873 as Deutsche Gold- und Silber-Scheideanstalt vormals Roessler (German Gold and Silver Refinery, formerly Roessler) and the name was shortened to Degussa in the 1920s.

There is an important distinction between historic and modern Degussa bars. The original Degussa AG was an LBMA-accredited refinery from 1930, operating refineries in Frankfurt, Hanau, and Pforzheim. The precious metals division was sold to OM Group in 2001, then acquired by Umicore in 2003. Umicore continued issuing Degussa-branded bars until the end of 2005, then switched to the Umicore stamp. The Degussa brand was separately revived in 2010 by the von Finck family, launching retail operations in November 2011. By 2016, the revived Degussa had become Europe's largest gold retailer, selling 42.5 tonnes of physical gold that year.

The modern Degussa is a retailer and dealer, not a refiner. Its bars are manufactured by LBMA-accredited partner refineries. This means a modern 50g Degussa bar contains the same quality gold as any other LBMA bar, but the refining is not done in-house. The brand recognition, particularly in Germany, is the distinguishing factor. Degussa reports that customers ask for "a Degussa bar" by name rather than simply "a gold bar", indicating a level of brand loyalty unusual in the bar market.

50g Degussa Gold Bar Specifications

The Degussa sun-moon-diamond logo is one of the most recognised marks in precious metals, appearing on both historic and modern bars. Modern bars carry updated packaging and certification while maintaining the classic logo. The 50g size is available in the minted format, with a smooth stamped finish. Degussa's full modern bar range includes minted bars from 0.5g to 50g, both minted and cast at 1 oz and 100g, and cast-only at 250g, 500g, and 1,000g.

The historic Degussa AG produced bars through multiple design variations across Frankfurt, Hanau, and Pforzheim production periods, including 10 tola bars (1 tola = 11.664g) for Indian and Asian markets. Historic cast bars from before 2006 are separately collected and often command premiums above the metal value on the secondary market.

Tax Position for the 50g Degussa Gold Bar

As a 999.9 fine gold bar manufactured by LBMA-accredited refineries, this bar qualifies for investment gold tax exemptions in major markets.

Germany

Investment gold is VAT-exempt. Capital gains on gold held for more than one year are completely tax-free in Germany, making bars (with their lower premiums compared to coins) the most cost-efficient format for German investors willing to hold. Degussa operates 12 retail stores across Germany plus locations in Geneva, Zurich, Madrid, and London, making it one of the most accessible gold retailers for German buyers.

United Kingdom

Gold bars at 995+ purity are VAT-exempt. Capital Gains Tax applies at 18-24% on gains above £3,000. Not CGT-exempt (not UK legal tender). Degussa has a London retail location. SIPP-eligible at 999.9 purity, exceeding the HMRC 99.5% minimum.

European Union

VAT-exempt under the Investment Gold Directive at 995+ fineness. Capital gains vary by country. In Belgium, no CGT applies to personal capital gains. In Germany, gains are tax-free after one year. Degussa's retail stores in Geneva, Zurich, and Madrid provide direct access for EU buyers.

Other Markets

• United States: State sales tax varies. Federal capital gains at collectibles rate (up to 28%). Meets IRA purity requirements.
• Canada: GST/HST exempt at 99.5%+ purity.
• Australia: GST-free as investment-grade gold.
• Singapore: GST-exempt as Investment Precious Metal.
• Hong Kong: No sales tax, no import duty, no capital gains tax.

From Frankfurt Mint Keeper to Europe's Largest Gold Retailer

The Degussa story begins in 1843 when Friedrich Ernst Roessler was authorised to privately operate the Frankfurt Mint's refinery. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1871, Germany needed refining capacity to convert from a silver-backed to a gold-backed currency, and the old Frankfurt Mint was chosen for this role, giving Degussa its foundational position in German gold refining. The name itself, Deutsche Gold- und Silber-Scheideanstalt, translates to German Gold and Silver Separation Works, describing exactly what the company did.

The company incorporated as a joint-stock company in 1873 and earned LBMA accreditation in 1930. Over the following decades, it built a network of LBMA-accredited subsidiaries including Schone Edelmetaal in the Netherlands, Degussa SA in Brazil, Degussa Private Limited in Singapore, and Degussa Canada Ltd. The Frankfurt refinery operated from 1843 to 1975, when production moved to Hanau and Pforzheim. By the late 20th century, Degussa's 162-year production span made it one of the longest-running gold bar producers in history.

The corporate split happened in stages. The precious metals division was sold to OM Group in 2001, then acquired by Umicore in 2003. Umicore continued using the Degussa stamp until the end of 2005. The parent company renamed itself Evonik in 2005. In 2010, the von Finck family acquired the Degussa brand name and launched a new retail business, opening the first store in November 2011. The revived company grew rapidly, selling 42.5 tonnes of gold in 2016 (roughly 25% through online channels) and offering over 1,500 products including bars, coins, jewellery, and watches.

The result is two distinct entities sharing a name. Historic Degussa AG bars, made before 2006, are collectible vintage products from an actual LBMA refinery. Modern Degussa bars, from 2011 onward, are manufactured by partner refineries and carry the Degussa brand as a retailer's mark. The sun-moon-diamond logo appears on both, creating a visual continuity that spans nearly two centuries of German precious metals history. Historic Degussa AG cast bars, particularly from the Frankfurt and Hanau periods, command collector premiums on the secondary market that reflect this provenance.