Latest news with #goldbars
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Royal Mint brings in easy way to authenticate gold bars after ‘unprecedented demand'
The Royal Mint has announced a new range of gold bars incorporating advanced security features currently used on its coins. These features allow investors to easily verify the authenticity of their purchase. The Britannia bullion bar range includes four security elements, the first of which is latent imagery that functions as a hologram. When the bar is rotated, the image changes from a padlock to a trident. The second feature involves micro detailing, which creates the illusion of waves rolling behind the figure of Britannia as the bar is turned. Micro text is another feature, with an inscription reading: 'Decus et Tutamen' ('an ornament and a safeguard') surrounding Britannia, created using specialist lasers. The fourth feature is tincture lines, depicting colours and patterns on metal. The bars are also protected by tamper-proof packaging and extra layers of protection including a UV watermark and a serial number. Andrew Dickey, director of precious metals for the Royal Mint, said: 'By extending these innovative security features to our bars, we're giving investors even greater confidence when purchasing our products. 'We have seen unprecedented demand for physical precious metals as investors increasingly look to diversify their portfolios through 'safe haven' assets. 'These new enhancements ensure authenticity and offer greater protection for investors, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the precious metals industry. 'The Royal Mint uses advanced picosecond lasers – technology used in medicine and aerospace – in the production of bullion products. The technology enables the Mint to create complex designs using indents which are 200 times narrower than the width of a human hair. The gold Britannia bullion minted bar range, from 1g to 100g, is available to purchase from the Mint's website.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
New Royal Mint gold bars can be authenticated by ‘rotating them in the light'
The Royal Mint is bringing security features to gold bars that already exist on its coins, allowing investors to authenticate their purchase simply by rotating them in the light. The new Britannia bullion bar range features four security elements, including latent imagery acting like a hologram. The image changes from a padlock to a trident when viewed from different angles. The second feature is micro detailing, creating the illusion of waves rolling behind the figure of Britannia when the bar is rotated. Micro text is another feature, with an inscription reading: 'Decus et Tutamen' ('an ornament and a safeguard') surrounding Britannia, created using specialist lasers. The fourth feature is tincture lines, depicting colours and patterns on metal. The bars are also protected by tamper-proof packaging and extra layers of protection including a UV watermark and a serial number. Andrew Dickey, director of precious metals for the Royal Mint, said: 'By extending these innovative security features to our bars, we're giving investors even greater confidence when purchasing our products. 'We have seen unprecedented demand for physical precious metals as investors increasingly look to diversify their portfolios through 'safe haven' assets. 'These new enhancements ensure authenticity and offer greater protection for investors, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the precious metals industry.' The Royal Mint uses advanced picosecond lasers – technology used in medicine and aerospace – in the production of bullion products. The technology enables the Mint to create complex designs using indents which are 200 times narrower than the width of a human hair. The gold Britannia bullion minted bar range, from 1g to 100g, is available to purchase from the Mint's website.
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Timeframe: When the world's first 'gold to go' ATM was launched at Emirates Palace
On May 12, 2010, the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, now known as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, introduced the world's first gold-dispensing ATM. Known as Gold to Go, it was developed by the German company Ex Oriente Lux. The ATM sold 24-carat gold bars and coins directly to users. Within a day of being unveiled, the machine sold out. Although capable of holding up to 300 pieces, the gold ATM carried only 100 for its debut, said Thomas Geissler, the chief executive of Ex Oriente Lux. The first piece of gold, a one-ounce bar, was presented as a token of respect to Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation. On the day of the unveiling, two men each spent almost Dh20,000 buying each of the 10 gold products on offer, The National reported at the time. Mohamed Al Foulathi, an engineer and businessman who was an investor with Gold To Go, said then that the idea was to develop the device and expand across the region and beyond. "Anything to do with gold has to come to Abu Dhabi and then go on through to the world," he said. The machine dispensed 24-carat gold bars in a range of sizes, including 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 250 grams, as well as one-ounce options. It also offered gift boxes containing gold coins embossed with designs such as the South African Krugerrand, Canadian maple leaf and Australian kangaroo. Each gold bar was sealed in plastic with an anti-counterfeit hologram and included details of its purity, price per gram and the company's 10-day return policy. Prices were updated every 10 minutes based on real-time gold market rates. The ATM itself was gold-plated, matching the opulence of the Emirates Palace Hotel. The machine was equipped with advanced security features, including anti-money laundering software and a robust physical structure designed to resist tampering. It also had an automatic shutdown mechanism in case of malfunction. Two more machines were installed in Dubai, one at Atlantis, The Palm in 2011 and another in Souk Madinat Jumeirah in 2013. The machines could also be found around the world, with three in the US and Germany, two in Portugal and one each in Italy, Switzerland and the UK. The Abu Dhabi gold ATM had been removed by 2016 and the two in Dubai were taken out by 2017.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Investing in gold bars and coins now? Here are 3 tips beginners should know now.
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Gold coins and bars could be a worthwhile investment, even for beginners, in today's economic climate. Getty Images While inflation may be much cooler than it was in recent years, the damage from the latest cycle is already complete, and savvy investors who didn't have their portfolios properly secured have likely learned their lesson. In inflationary periods and after such times, it's generally smart to have a reliable hedge and portfolio diversification tool available. For many, gold has provided exactly those functions. And with a variety of types to choose from, it's relatively easy to get invested in. Gold bars and coins, specifically, are seemingly ubiquitous right now, whether seen on a television commercial or highlighted by investors as a safe bet in an otherwise tumultuous financial landscape. If you're new to gold investing, however, it helps to know a few tips before you start buying gold bars and coins, specifically. Since gold doesn't operate in the same manner that other assets do, the difference between having this knowledge and not could be costly. To that end, below we'll break down three timely tips beginners should know now, before investing in gold bars and coins specifically. Explore your top gold investing options here. 3 tips beginners should know about investing in gold bars and coins now Ready to add gold bars and coins to your portfolio (or home safe)? Here are three tips beginners should familiarize themselves with now: There are new ways to invest now The days of calling a telephone number advertised at the bottom of a TV commercial are long over. Gold bars and coins are easier to buy than arguably ever before. Not only can you visit your local jewelry store or pawn shop to get started, but you can also do so from the comfort of your home by exploring multiple gold investment companies online. And, in recent years, even big box retailers have gotten involved in the gold investing landscape. Walmart and Costco both offer gold bars and coins to shoppers, which they can inspect in the store or add to their online shopping cart right now. Beginners should understand all of the ways to invest in gold bars and coins, then, before completing a transaction. By reviewing all of their options, they can improve their chances of investing in gold in the right amount at an affordable price. Start reviewing your gold bars and coins options now. You don't have to pay today's top price Not accounting for some recent declines, gold's price is high right now. Recently having surpassed the $3,400 price record, gold prices have been on the rise for much of the last 18 months, specifically, seemingly putting the precious metal out of reach for many. But you don't necessarily have to pay today's top price to get invested in gold bars and coins. Fractional gold, for example, offers beginners all of the same safeguards a regular gold investment provides for a fraction of the cost. By investing in gold in amounts less than an ounce, for instance, beginners can get started at a lower price point and then build up their investment total over time. Just understand that a rising price will cause fractional gold prices to increase, too, so if you know you need the protection gold bars and coins provide, it can be beneficial to get started sooner rather than later. The price is likely to rise again Sure, gold's price is currently "lower" than what it was. But $3,302.23 per ounce isn't exactly cheap, either. As mentioned above, gold prices only increase over time, accounting for minor declines and fluctuations. So, waiting for the perfect gold bar or coin to appear isn't the right approach. Any number of factors – from inflation to interest rates to geopolitical tensions abroad and domestic policies at home – could cause gold's price to spike again, potentially permanently making it unavailable for your portfolio. So, don't let your research and exploration overwhelm the realities of the market. If you want to buy gold bars and coins now, then consider being aggressive as the price is likely to rise again, perhaps earlier than expected. The bottom line Investing in gold bars and coins can be a prudent decision for investors of all ages and experiences. For beginners, in particular, with broader investment horizons, it can be particularly advantageous to get started now. With this type of gold being broadly available, even at a reduced price, many may want to get started soon. Considering that the factors that caused gold's price to spike are still largely prevalent, the price could rise again, underlining the urgency of evaluating – and committing to – gold bars and coins promptly. Just be sure to keep them as a small but healthy portion of a diversified portfolio (experts recommend capping gold to 10% or less of your portfolio) to better ensure long-term investing success.
Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Some UAE residents earn up to Dh20,000 selling gold as prices surge, reinvest after dip
As gold prices surged to historic highs in April, several UAE residents seized the opportunity to sell their gold holdings, locking in profits of up to 300 per cent. With prices now retreating from their peak, many of these investors are returning to the market, viewing the current dip as the ideal time to reinvest in the precious metal. Gold prices reached an all-time high of Dh420 per gram last month, but have since dropped below Dh390 per gram as of mid-May. This decline came after easing demand for the precious metal, driven by a trade agreement between China and the US and reduced geopolitical tensions. Globally, gold hit a record $3,500 per ounce in April but recently fell below $3,200. Asita Thakrar, a Dubai resident for 19 years, benefited from the recent price surge, earning around 15 per cent, or Dh20,000, in just one month from selling her gold bars. "When I arrived in 2006, the price was around Dh50- 60 per gram. I have been buying gold as a long-term investment. When prices peaked, I sold a couple of gold bars, which were a small part of my collection. In a month, I made around 10-15 per cent profit, or Dh20,000," said Thakrar, a jewellery enthusiast and collector who has never sold her entire collection. She explained two main reasons for her investment in gold: cultural preference and its value as an easily liquidated asset. "Gold is an investment that's hard to go wrong with, especially given global uncertainties and the strong demand for it. I never sold gold before, but this time, I knew the price surge was temporary, and it would eventually drop. So, I took advantage of the fluctuation and profited," she added. Another long-time UAE resident, Bity Babu, a loyal customer of Joyalukkas, regularly buys and sells gold as the price fluctuates. "I bought gold when the price was just Dh101 per gram, so I benefited both from the low price and new designs. Additionally, I pre-book with the jeweller at a fixed rate, which offers me further advantages," said Bity, a Dubai resident for 15 years. Re-entering the market Nishad Ali Theyathil, an Indian national who has lived in the UAE for 20 years, has invested in gold when the price was around Dh60 per gram. "You can imagine how much prices have increased over the past 20 years. It has been a great help to me as both a family man and an investor. I've invested heavily in gold bars, which helped me build capital over the years. In just one year, prices soared," he explained, adding that gold has been a reliable asset for long-term financial planning, including funding children's education and other family needs. "I sold some of my gold because prices peaked, and I had to make decisions. Sometimes you need to trade to make gains. Now that prices have dropped, it's the perfect time to buy more with the profits from my previous sales. I am going to re-enter the market," he said. Jewellers report sale increase Jewellers across the UAE have reported a noticeable increase in sales following the drop in gold prices from their peak last month. 'We have seen a significant rise in customer interest and foot traffic in our showrooms, particularly from price-conscious buyers eager to capitalise on the current dip in gold prices. This market shift presents an excellent opportunity to buy, and the strong customer response reflects continued confidence in gold as a reliable, safe-haven asset," said Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director of International Operations at Malabar Gold & Diamonds. John Paul Alukkas, Managing Director of Joyalukkas Group, also confirmed a "notable uptick" in gold and jewellery purchases following the recent price correction. 'With prices dropping from their peak, many customers are seizing this as a timely opportunity to purchase, particularly those who have been waiting for the right moment,' he added. 'While the current dip has reignited consumer interest—especially among value-conscious buyers and long-term investors—many experts believe the market may continue to consolidate before the next major price shift. There's also speculation that gold prices could dip below $3,000 per ounce, depending on broader market trends.'
