Q: What Does 999.9 Gold Mean?

The number 999.9 refers to the purity of the gold. A gold bar with a fineness of 999.9 consists of 99.99% pure gold. This is commonly referred to as fine gold and is one of the highest purity levels commonly used for investment gold bars. Gold bars will often show this as: 999.9 Fine Gold or: Au 999.9 Au is the chemical symbol for gold.

Question 1

Buying Gold at Christiaan Robert

Accepted Answer

At Christiaan Robert, you can buy physical gold in a range of sizes from reputable international producers. Our selection mainly consists of gold bars containing 999.9 fine gold, complemented by gold coins when available.

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We offer both smaller gold bars for customers who want to purchase physical gold with a relatively modest amount and larger bars for those looking to purchase more gold at once. Our selection and available weights may change depending on current stock.

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Every product is clearly described with information including its weight, purity and producer, so you know exactly what you are buying.

Question 2

Which Gold Bar Is Right for Me?

Accepted Answer

Gold bars are available in a wide range of weights. The most suitable size mainly depends on how much you want to spend and how much flexibility you would like to retain.

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1 gram and 2.5 gram
Small gold bars make it possible to purchase physical gold with a relatively modest amount. Because production and packaging costs are spread across a small amount of gold, the premium per gram is generally higher.

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5 gram and 10 gram
Popular intermediate sizes offering a balance between purchase price, premium per gram and flexibility.

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20 gram and 1 troy ounce (31.1 grams)
Suitable for buyers who want to hold a larger amount of gold in a single bar. Premiums per gram generally decrease as bar size increases.

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50 gram, 100 gram and larger
Larger gold bars often have a relatively low premium per gram. The trade-off is that the complete bar must normally be sold if you later decide to sell it.

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Buyers who value flexibility may therefore choose to divide their purchase between several smaller gold bars rather than one large bar.

Question 3

Gold Bars vs Gold Coins

Accepted Answer

Both gold bars and gold coins can be used to hold physical gold, but there are some important differences.

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Gold bars are primarily valued for their gold content.​They are available in many different weights and larger bars generally carry a relatively low premium over the underlying gold value.

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Gold coins combine their gold content with a recognisable design and, in some cases, collectible value. Well-known bullion coins are traded internationally and are therefore widely recognisable.

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Buyers primarily interested in obtaining as much gold as possible for their budget often choose gold bars. Buyers who also value design, history or collectability may prefer gold coins.

Question 4

What Does 999.9 Gold Mean?

Accepted Answer

The number 999.9 refers to the purity of the gold.

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A gold bar with a fineness of 999.9 consists of 99.99% pure gold. This is commonly referred to as fine gold and is one of the highest purity levels commonly used for investment gold bars.

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Gold bars will often show this as:

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999.9 Fine Gold

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or:

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Au 999.9

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Au is the chemical symbol for gold.

Question 5

Why Is the Price of a Gold Bar Different From the Gold Price?

Accepted Answer

The international gold price represents the market value of pure gold. The retail price of a physical gold bar is generally higher.

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The difference is commonly referred to as the premium.

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This premium may include costs associated with:

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refining and production;

minting or casting the bar;

packaging and certification;

transport and insurance;

distribution;

and margins charged by the producer and retailer.

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With small gold bars, these costs are spread across fewer grams of gold. As a result, the premium per gram is generally higher than for a 50 gram or 100 gram gold bar.

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The price of physical gold products can also change as the international gold price moves.

Question 6

Is Gold Exempt From VAT?

Accepted Answer

Investment gold is exempt from VAT in the Netherlands and almost every other country, when it meets the applicable legal requirements.

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For gold bars, this includes a minimum purity of 995/1000 and a weight accepted by the bullion markets.

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Certain gold coins can also qualify as investment gold. Additional conditions apply relating to factors such as purity, year of minting, legal-tender status and the relationship between the selling price and the underlying gold value.

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Not every product containing gold automatically qualifies for the VAT exemption. The applicable price is clearly displayed with each product on our website.

Question 7

How Is Gold Shipped?

Accepted Answer

Gold is a high-value product and is therefore handled with additional care.

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Orders from Christiaan Robert are carefully and discreetly packaged and shipped insured, helping to protect the contents while in transit.

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For current shipping methods, conditions and delivery times, please consult our delivery and shipping information.

Question 8

What Should You Look for When Buying Physical Gold?

Accepted Answer

There are several important factors to consider when purchasing physical gold.

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Purity
Check how much pure gold the product contains. Many modern gold bars have a fineness of 999.9.

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Weight
Smaller bars offer greater flexibility, while larger bars generally have a lower premium per gram.

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Producer
Products from established refiners and producers are often easier to recognise and compare.

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Premium Over the Gold Price
Do not compare retail prices alone. Also consider how much physical gold you receive for the amount you pay.

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Condition and Packaging
Some gold bars are supplied in protective packaging or an assay card. Where applicable, keeping this packaging in good condition is recommended.

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Shipping and Insurance
Secure and insured delivery is particularly important when purchasing high-value products

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Reliability of the Seller
Make sure it is clear who you are buying from, exactly what you will receive, the weight and purity of the product, and how the order will be delivered.

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At Christiaan Robert, we aim to provide this information as clearly as possible with every product, allowing you to make an informed purchase.