A 10 oz Johnson Matthey Gold Bar is a well-known and highly regarded product in the world of precious metals. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about it:
Company History and Reputation
- Johnson Matthey (JM): Founded in 1817, Johnson Matthey was a British multinational chemical and precious metals company with a long and respected history in refining. For over 160 years, they were the official assayers and refiners to the Bank of England. Their reputation for quality and purity makes their bullion products highly sought after by investors.
- The Transition: In late 2014, Johnson Matthey announced they were exiting the gold and silver refining business. Their refining assets in the U.S. and Canada were sold to Asahi Holdings of Japan in 2015. As a result, new Johnson Matthey bullion products are no longer being produced.
Key Features of a 10 oz JM Gold Bar
- Weight and Purity: The bar contains 10 troy ounces of gold, typically with a purity of .9999 fine gold (24 karat). This is a common and highly desired purity level for bullion.
- “Vintage” Status: Because Johnson Matthey no longer produces these bars, they are considered “vintage” or “legacy” bullion. This can sometimes add a small premium to their price, as collectors and investors value the brand’s history and reputation.
- Markings: The bar will be stamped with the Johnson Matthey name, the weight (10 OUNCES), and the purity (.9999 FINE GOLD). The designs and markings may vary slightly depending on the specific year and minting facility.
- IRA Eligibility: Johnson Matthey gold bars are generally eligible for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA, as they meet the strict purity standards.
- Poured vs. Minted: Johnson Matthey produced both poured and minted bars. Poured bars have a more rustic, hand-stamped appearance, while minted bars are more uniform and polished. The appearance can influence the specific bar you receive.
Buying a Johnson Matthey Gold Bar Today
When you buy a Johnson Matthey gold bar from a dealer today, you are purchasing a product from the “secondary market.” This means the bar has been previously owned but is verified for its authenticity and purity by the dealer.
The price of the bar will be based on:
- The Spot Price of Gold: The current market price for one troy ounce of gold.
- Premium: The dealer’s markup, which covers their costs and profit. The premium on a Johnson Matthey bar can sometimes be slightly higher than for a modern bar from another reputable refiner due to its vintage appeal.
In summary, a 10 oz Johnson Matthey gold bar represents a solid investment in a well-established and trusted brand from the bullion industry’s history. It’s a popular choice for investors looking for a significant and easily tradable gold holding.
