Argor-Heraeus 10g Fine Silver Minted Bar
Coin/Bullion (Silver Bar) · Argor-Heraeus SA; headquartered in Mendrisio, Switzerland. One of the world's largest and most prestigious precious metal refineries, established in 1951 and now part of the Heraeus Precious Metals group.
Pattern: Standard Minted Bullion Bar; continuous production series
Type
Coin/Bullion (Silver Bar)
Maker
Argor-Heraeus SA; headquartered in Mendrisio, Switzerland. One of the world's largest and most prestigious precious metal refineries, established in 1951 and now part of the Heraeus Precious Metals group.
Material
Fine Silver (.999 pure); contains no base metals, 10 grams of pure silver.
Dimensions
Weight: 10 grams (approx. 0.32 troy oz). Dimensions typically approx. 31mm x 18mm x 1.5mm.
Description
A classic Swiss-made investment bar representing high-purity silver. This 10-gram minted bar by Argor-Heraeus features the iconic AH circular logo and the Melter Assayer hallmark, a symbol of Swiss metallurgical precision. Small bullion bars like these are highly liquid assets favored by collectors for their portability and guaranteed purity.
Key Features
AH Melter Assayer mark (crucial for authenticity); 999,0 decimal purity notation; raised outer border for protection; precision minted edges.
Material & Composition
Fine Silver (.999 pure); contains no base metals, 10 grams of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Minted (pressed) finish with raised lettering and logos. The surface has a industrial matte/satin texture from the die-striking process, now exhibiting natural oxidation (tarnish).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular 'ARGOR HERAUS SA' logo; 'Switzerland' origin mark; '10g' weight; 'Fine Silver 999,0' purity; 'AH Melter Assayer' official seal of accreditation.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck / minted from a rolled silver strip. Unlike cast bars, this is stamped with mechanical force to ensure uniform dimensions and clean lettering.
Functional Features
Investment vehicle; includes 'Melter Assayer' stamp which guarantees the bar is Good Delivery for international trade.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (Investment bullion object).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with industrial precision stamps. Quality is determined by the clarity of the stamps and the consistency of the 999,0 purity.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly defined lettering; accurate logo geometry; presence of the assayer's mark. Red flag: weight must be exactly 10.0g on a digital scale to confirm authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Mendrisio, Switzerland; manufactured by Argor-Heraeus SA, adhering to LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) standards.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Industrial Era; design consistent with late 20th and early 21st-century Swiss refining standards.
Age Estimate
Modern era, likely produced within the last 20-30 years based on the logo style and surface wear.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Swiss Gold/Silver Standard' in global finance; these bars are used as a store of wealth and hedge against inflation worldwide.
Condition Notes
Good condition with significant natural toning/sulfide tarnish covering the surface. No major structural damage or filing to the edges. Tarnish on bullion usually does not affect the silver melt value.
Value Estimate
Spot price of 10g silver plus a manufacturing premium of 10-30%. Current retail approx. $15-$25 USD depending on market fluctuations.
Care & Maintenance
Minimal care needed; avoid cleaning with abrasives as it may reduce the weight. Store in a PVC-free plastic pouch to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
PAMP Suisse Fortuna 10g bar, Valcambi Suisse 10g bar, Heraeus (German) 10g bar. Argor-Heraeus bars typically command a slightly higher premium due to brand prestige.
Interesting Facts
Argor-Heraeus was once owned by Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), which helped establish its reputation as a global gold and silver standard.