20g Credit Suisse Silver Bar

A Legacy Swiss Brand at Entry-Level Silver

The 20g Credit Suisse silver bar carries one of the most recognised names in Swiss banking and bullion production. Credit Suisse bars have been manufactured by Valcambi SA since 1979, making Valcambi (an LBMA-accredited refiner in Balerna, Switzerland) the actual producer behind the brand. Each bar carries the CHI melter's mark and "Essayeur Fondeur" assayer designation that identifies Valcambi as the certifying refinery.

The Credit Suisse brand underwent a significant ownership change when UBS acquired Credit Suisse in March 2023, with the merger completing in May 2024. Existing bars remain fully valid investment-grade bullion with unchanged metal content and refiner backing. The long-term future of Credit Suisse branding on new bar production under UBS ownership remains uncertain, which has created some collector interest in bars produced before the acquisition.

At the 20g weight in silver, the absolute value of this bar is modest (approximately $21 in metal content at current prices). The Credit Suisse name and Valcambi manufacturing provide authentication assurance and global dealer recognition that supports resale, though at this low value the practical difference between brands is measured in single dollars rather than meaningful percentages.

Compared to the 20g Argor-Heraeus bar, which comes from a refiner with its own LBMA Good Delivery listing, the Credit Suisse bar relies on Valcambi's accreditation. Both are Swiss-produced, .999 fine, and sealed in assay packaging. The choice between them is largely one of brand preference and availability.

20g Credit Suisse Silver Bar Specifications

Credit Suisse established its bullion bar programme in 1979, with Valcambi SA as the sole manufacturing partner since 2003 (and primary partner before that). The bars carry Credit Suisse branding on the obverse with the bank's logo, weight, purity, and serial number. The reverse on standard Credit Suisse minted bars features repeating diagonal CS logos.

Valcambi SA is one of the world's largest precious metals refiners, processing over 2,000 tonnes of gold equivalent annually. Their LBMA Good Delivery accreditation covers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, placing them among the most broadly accredited refineries globally. The CHI hallmark on each bar identifies it as Swiss-assayed and authenticated by a recognised Swiss assay office, providing international verification of metal content and purity claims.

Tax Position for the 20g Credit Suisse Silver Bar

Silver bars attract purchase taxes in most jurisdictions where gold bars would be exempt. The Credit Suisse brand and Valcambi manufacture do not alter the fundamental tax treatment, which is determined by the metal type (silver), purity (.999), and form (bar).

• United Kingdom: 20% VAT applies on purchase. Not CGT-exempt (no legal tender status). Pre-owned bars may qualify for the margin scheme (VAT on dealer's margin only) if purchased through participating dealers.
• United States: State-dependent sales tax. Most states exempt bullion; approximately 10 states and DC charge sales tax. IRA-eligible as .999 fine silver from an LBMA-accredited refiner (Valcambi). Capital gains taxed at up to 28% (collectibles rate).
• Canada: GST/HST exempt as silver meeting the 99.9%+ purity threshold in bar form.
• Australia: GST-free as investment-grade silver (99.9%+ purity) in standard bar form.
• New Zealand: GST-exempt for silver bars at 99.9%+ purity.
• Singapore: GST-exempt under the IPM scheme for qualifying silver at 99.9%+ purity.
• Hong Kong: No sales tax of any kind. No import duty. No capital gains tax.
• European Union: Full VAT at national rates (17-27%). German dealers may offer margin-scheme pricing on pre-owned stock.
• South Africa: 15% VAT applies to all silver bullion regardless of brand or purity.