Heraeus

Heraeus: frequently asked questions

What is Heraeus and what does it produce?

Heraeus is a German technology group with a major precious metals division, headquartered in Hanau, Germany. Its precious metals arm refines and fabricates gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, producing investment bars, industrial grain, and large-format Good Delivery bars. The group holds LBMA Good Delivery accreditation for gold and silver and LPPM accreditation for platinum and palladium.

Who owns Heraeus?

Heraeus is a privately held family company, not publicly traded. The Heraeus family has owned and controlled the business since Wilhelm Carl Heraeus founded it in 1851. The strategic holding entity, Heraeus Holding GmbH, was established in 1985 to manage the group's decentralised divisions.

Where is Heraeus based?

Heraeus is headquartered in Hanau, Germany, approximately 25 km east of Frankfurt. Its precious metals operations run from Hanau and Hong Kong, with trading desks in New York City and Shanghai and recycling facilities in several countries.

What is the history of Heraeus?

Heraeus was founded in 1851 in Hanau when Wilhelm Carl Heraeus took over the family pharmacy and turned it into a platinum smelting operation. A breakthrough in 1856, melting platinum with an oxyhydrogen blowpipe he developed himself, launched the refining business. The company has remained family-owned ever since and has grown into a global technology group with operations in 40 countries.

How can I verify a Heraeus gold bar is genuine?

Heraeus minted bars come with an assay card that states the bar's weight, fineness, and serial number. The serial number on the bar and card should match. Heraeus Kinebars carry a Kinegram hologram on the reverse, a high-security optically variable device that is difficult to replicate. Buying from a reputable dealer and checking the assay documentation are the standard verification steps.