Gold and silver bars are popular choices for Canadians who want to hold physical precious metals over the long term. Whether you are new to bullion or simply exploring different formats, understanding purity standards, product types, and resale considerations can help you buy with confidence.
This guide breaks down common gold and silver bar options, explains how bars and coins differ, and outlines what to expect when it comes time to sell.
What Is Considered High-Purity Bullion?
Bullion refers to physical precious metals that meet established purity standards. These products typically come in the form of bars or coins and are valued primarily for their metal content rather than collectibility.
High-purity bullion generally includes:
- Gold bullion with a purity of 99.99%
- Silver bullion with a purity of 99.9% or higher
These standards ensure the metal is widely recognized and easy to authenticate, which is important both when purchasing and when selling.
Gold Bars vs. Gold Coins: What’s the Difference?
When choosing between gold bars and gold coins, the main differences relate to form, recognition, and resale characteristics.
Recognized Gold Bars
Gold bars produced by well-known refiners are valued strictly for their gold content. They typically feature:
- Clearly stamped weight and purity
- Recognized hallmarks from trusted refiners
- Straightforward pricing that closely follows market rates
Because of their simplicity and standardization, bars are widely accepted and easy to liquidate when needed.
Government-Issued Gold Coins
Government-issued coins, such as Canadian Maple Leafs, are produced by national mints and generally offer:
- The same high purity as gold bars
- Government backing and an official face value
- Strong global recognition
Due to their official status and familiarity, bullion coins often carry slightly higher premiums and may resell for marginally more than bars of the same weight.
Do All Coins Resell for More Than Bars?
Not necessarily.
While government-issued bullion coins often resell at a premium compared to bars, this does not apply to every coin.
Coins that may resell at higher values include:
- Widely recognized bullion coins issued by national mints
- Coins in standard bullion condition
- Coins with strong market demand and recognition
Coins that may not carry additional premiums include:
- Circulated or damaged coins
- Non-government or novelty coins
- Common bullion coins in typical condition, which may be priced similarly to bars
In many cases, resale values between bars and coins can be very close, especially during stable market conditions.
Gold and Silver Bars: Size and Flexibility
Gold and silver bars are available in a wide range of sizes, from smaller bars to larger-format options. Choosing a size often comes down to personal preference, storage considerations, and how flexible you want your holdings to be.
Smaller bars can offer greater flexibility when selling, while larger bars typically carry lower premiums per ounce. Regardless of size, recognized silver bars are valued based on purity, weight, and current market pricing.
Availability and the In-Store Experience
Most standard bullion products are regularly stocked at Canada Gold locations. While pre-ordering is not usually required, availability can vary by store and market conditions.
Calling ahead to confirm stock or checking product availability on our website is always recommended, especially if you are looking for a specific product or size.
Selling Back: What to Expect
When selling gold or silver bullion, value is determined by:
- Live market prices
- Purity and weight
- Product recognition and condition
Recognized bars and government-issued coins are among the easiest forms of bullion to resell due to their standardized specifications and broad market acceptance.
At Canada Gold, pricing is based on live market rates, with testing completed in front of you so you can clearly understand how your offer is determined.
Learn More or Visit Us In Store
Whether you are exploring gold bars, silver bars, or government-issued bullion coins, our team is here to explain your options clearly and transparently.
You can:
- Check live bullion pricing at canadagold.ca
- Visit one of our locations to view products in person
- Speak with our Precious Metals Analysts for guidance and education
Physical precious metals come in many forms. Understanding how they differ is the first step toward making informed, confident decisions.
