Of all the precious metals, gold is the most popular as an investment. Investors generally buy gold as a way of diversifying risk, especially through the use of futures contracts and derivatives. The gold market is subject to speculation and volatility as are other markets. Compared to other precious metals used for investment, gold has been the most effective safe haven across a number of countries.
A Good Delivery bar, the standard for trade in the major international gold markets.
Size of a 100 gram gold bar - packaged inside an assay for proof of authenticity - compared to a playing card.
1 troy ounce (31 g) gold bar with certificate
Precious metals are rare, naturally occurring metallic chemical elements of high economic value. Precious metals, particularly the noble metals, are more corrosion resistant and less chemically reactive than most elements. They are usually ductile and have a high lustre. Historically, precious metals were important as currency but are now regarded mainly as investment and industrial raw materials. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium each have an ISO 4217 currency code.
Gold nugget
1,000 oz silver bar
500 g silver bullion bar produced by Johnson Matthey
1 oz Vienna Philharmonic gold coin