CombiBar / Divisible Bar
Also: Divisible bar, Break bar, Gram bar, CombiBar
A CombiBar (divisible bar) is a pre-scored precious metal bar that can be broken into smaller individual gram pieces along stamped break lines, without tools and without any loss of weight.
The CombiBar — also known as a divisible bar — combines the cost-efficiency of a larger bar with the divisibility of the smallest individual units. The rectangular tablet is divided by stamped grooves into uniform 1-gram segments that can be broken off cleanly with bare fingers. Each segment carries a fineness hallmark and weight indication, so individual gram pieces can be independently traded or verified when needed. You can use the current gold price per gram as a reference at any time.
Construction and manufacture
CombiBar divisible bars are minted (not cast), which allows for a more precise surface and sharper stampings. The best-known product line comes from Valcambi (Switzerland), one of the world's leading refineries. Other producers include Argor-Heraeus and C. Hafner. The finished tablet is delivered in a sealed assay card (blister) confirming authenticity and weight.
Common sizes (gold)
| Total weight | Segments | Weight per segment |
|---|---|---|
| 10 g | 10 | 1 g |
| 20 g | 20 | 1 g |
| 50 g | 50 | 1 g |
| 100 g | 100 | 1 g |
Silver CombiBars are generally offered as a 100 g tablet (100 × 1 g); occasionally also in a 10 g variant.
Fineness and quality
Gold divisible bars are manufactured exclusively from fine gold 999.9 ‰ (24 karat) and thus meet the requirements for investment gold under European tax law. Silver variants consist of fine silver 999 ‰. This means CombiBars do not differ in material value from conventional bars of the same weight — only the form and the associated additional manufacturing effort are reflected in the premium.
Premium and cost structure
The premium on a CombiBar is noticeably higher than on a classic cast bar of the same weight. The reasons are:
- Higher minting effort and material precision
- Sealed blister certificate per unit
- Brand presence (Valcambi, Argor-Heraeus)
Anyone who breaks the tablet and passes on or sells individual segments should note that broken segments without original packaging are harder to sell and may only be purchased by some dealers at melt value. Check the buying price with the gold calculator in advance.
Use cases
- Emergency reserve in small units — divisible without a bank account or change problem.
- Gift — individual 1 g segments can be passed on separately.
- Staged selling — those who only want to sell part of their gold reserve break off the required amount.
- Savings accumulation — regular purchases of small units, similar to a precious metal savings plan.
Authenticity testing
Each segment of a CombiBar can be tested using common methods: weight, dimensions and density will exactly match the manufacturer's specifications for genuine fine gold. Use the coin weight and authenticity checker for this. Tungsten forgeries can be reliably detected by density measurement (Archimedes principle), since tungsten has almost the same density as gold but is immediately apparent in X-ray fluorescence analysis.
Tax treatment
Gold CombiBars: Since gold divisible bars have a fineness of 999.9 ‰, they qualify as investment gold under EU VAT legislation and are exempt from VAT when purchased. When selling at a profit: if more than one year has passed between purchase and sale, the gain may be income-tax-free for private individuals under applicable national law. A sale within one year may count as taxable income above an annual tax-free allowance (rules vary by country).
Silver CombiBars: Silver is not investment gold and is subject to the full VAT rate when purchased (the rate and any margin scheme provisions vary by country). A one-year holding period for tax purposes also applies in many jurisdictions.
At cash payments above certain thresholds, identification requirements under anti-money laundering laws apply — the exact threshold varies by country.
Note: This is not tax or investment advice. Please consult a tax adviser for your individual situation.
In brief
The CombiBar is a mature product for anyone who wants to divide physical fine gold or fine silver into the smallest possible units without having to buy multiple separate bars. The higher premium compared to standard bars is the price for this flexibility — those who do not need it will find classic bars or bullion coins more cost-effective.