The gold market has evolved to offer not just large bars or coins, but also innovative forms that combine convenience with value. One of the most practical innovations in modern combi bar bullion is the Combi Bar. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a beginner, understanding what a Combi Bar is—and why it’s so popular—can help you make smarter gold investment choices.
What Is a Combi Bar?
A Combi Bar is a gold bar made up of small, detachable gold pieces, typically in 1-gram segments. These segments are individually minted and stamped, and they are joined together in a way that allows them to be easily snapped off by hand without the need for tools.
Think of it as a “chocolate bar” of gold—one that you can break apart into individual squares. The most common formats are:
20 x 1g Combi Bar
50 x 1g Combi Bar
100 x 1g Combi Bar
Also available in silver and platinum
Who Makes Combi Bars?
The Combi Bar was popularized by Valcambi Suisse, a globally respected Swiss refinery known for innovation in precious metals. Other manufacturers like Heimerle + Meule and Münze Österreich (Austrian Mint) also produce similar products under different names, such as Multigram or Multibar.
Why Invest in a Combi Bar?
✅ Flexibility
Unlike a single 100-gram gold bar that must be sold or kept as a whole, a 100g Combi Bar lets you sell individual 1g pieces as needed. This makes it ideal for liquidity during emergencies or gradual profit-taking.
✅ Portability
Combi Bars are compact, usually sealed in a credit card-sized protective case, making them easy to store, transport, or even gift.
✅ Security and Purity
Each segment is stamped with:
Weight (1g)
Purity (999.9 fine gold)
Manufacturer's hallmark
Serial number or batch ID
✅ Perfect for Gifting
The ability to separate segments makes Combi Bars a great option for combi bar gifting small quantities of gold at weddings, birthdays, or religious festivals.
Combi Bar vs Traditional Gold Bars
| Feature | Combi Bar | Traditional Gold Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Size Flexibility | High – individual grams | Fixed – not divisible |
| Liquidity | Easy to sell in small units | May need full resale |
| Premium | Slightly higher per gram | Lower for large weights |
| Use Case | Gifting, emergencies | Long-term investment |
Price of a Combi Bar
The price of a Combi Bar is calculated based on:
Live gold spot price
Number of grams (e.g., 50g = 50 × spot price)
Premiums for minting, packaging, and flexibility
Because of the convenience they offer, Combi Bars carry a higher premium per gram compared to larger, single-piece bars. But this is offset by the added value of divisibility and liquidity.
Where to Buy Combi Bars
Reputable sources include:
Valcambi’s official dealers
Online bullion retailers like BullionVault, APMEX, GoldCore, and Kitco
Local gold dealers or jewelers
Bank-affiliated gold investment platforms in many countries
Always ensure the product is LBMA-certified, and comes with proper packaging and a certificate of authenticity.
Conclusion
The Combi Bar is a revolutionary gold product that merges the value of traditional bullion with the convenience of divisible segments. Whether you want to invest, prepare for economic uncertainty, or simply gift gold in an elegant and practical way, Combi Bars offer unmatched flexibility and global recognition. While they may come at a slight premium, the advantages in versatility, liquidity, and convenience make them well worth it for many buyers.
