CombiBar / Tablet Bar
Also: Tablet bar, Break bar, Gram bar, CombiBar
A CombiBar (tablet bar) is a pre-scored precious-metal bar that can be broken along stamped break lines into smaller individual one-gram pieces, without tools and without loss of weight.
The CombiBar — also known as a tablet bar — combines the economy of a larger bar with the divisibility of the smallest units. The rectangular tablet is divided by stamped grooves into even 1-gram segments that can be broken off cleanly with bare fingers. Each segment carries a fineness stamp and weight indication, so that individual gram pieces can be independently traded or verified if needed. You can use the current gold price per gram as a reference at any time.
Structure and manufacture
CombiBar tablet bars are minted (not cast), which allows a more precise surface and sharper stamping. The best-known product line comes from Valcambi (Switzerland), one of the world's leading refineries. Other providers include Argor-Heraeus and C. Hafner. The finished tablet is supplied in a sealed assay card (blister) confirming authenticity and weight.
Common sizes (gold)
| Total weight | Segments | Individual 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 usually offered as a 100 g tablet (100 × 1 g); occasionally also as a 10 g variant.
Fineness and quality
Gold tablet bars are made exclusively from fine gold 999.9 ‰ (24 carat) and thus meet the requirements for investment gold under HMRC rules. Silver variants consist of fine silver 999 ‰. CombiBars therefore do not differ in material value from conventional bars of the same weight — only the form and the associated extra effort in manufacture are reflected in the premium.
Premium and cost structure
The premium of a CombiBar is noticeably higher than that of a classic cast bar of the same weight. Causes are:
- Higher minting effort and material precision
- Sealed blister certificate per unit
- Brand presence (Valcambi, Argor-Heraeus)
Anyone breaking up the tablet and passing on or selling individual segments should note that broken segments without original packaging are harder to market and are bought by some dealers only at the melt value. Check the purchase price with the gold calculator in advance.
Use cases
- Emergency reserve in small units — divisible without a bank connection or change problem.
- Gift — individual 1 g segments can be handed over separately.
- Gradual sale — anyone wishing to sell only part of their gold reserve breaks off the required amount.
- Building up savings — regular purchase of small units, similar to a precious-metal savings plan.
Authenticity check
Every segment of a CombiBar can be tested with common methods: weight, dimensions and density match the manufacturer's specifications exactly for genuine fine gold. Use the coin authenticity checker for this. Tungsten counterfeits can be reliably detected by density determination (Archimedes' principle), since tungsten has almost the same density as gold but is immediately noticeable in X-ray fluorescence analysis.
Tax treatment in the United Kingdom
Gold CombiBar: since gold tablet bars have a fineness of 999.9 ‰, they qualify as investment gold (purity ≥ 995‰) and are exempt from VAT on purchase. On sale at a profit: gains from gold bars may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) above the annual exempt amount (gain = disposal proceeds − acquisition cost). Note that gold bars — unlike UK legal-tender coins from The Royal Mint — do not enjoy the CGT exemption. There is no German-style one-year speculation period.
Silver CombiBar: silver is not investment gold and is subject on purchase to the full 20% VAT (or a lower effective rate under the margin scheme). Silver gains may likewise be subject to CGT above the annual exempt amount.
For cash payments, dealers dealing in high-value goods must comply with the UK Money Laundering Regulations, which require customer due diligence and identity verification.
Note: This is not tax or investment advice. For your individual situation, please consult a tax adviser.
In brief
The CombiBar is a mature product for anyone wishing to divide physical fine gold or fine silver into the smallest possible units without having to buy several separate bars. The higher premium compared with standard bars is the price for this flexibility — anyone who does not need it is better off, cost-wise, with classic bars or bullion coins.