PAMP vs ARGOR at UOB: Which to Buy?

Choosing between PAMP Suisse and ARGOR-Heraeus gold bars at UOB? This detailed comparison covers premiums, features, resale value, and which Swiss refiner best suits your investment goals.

Understanding Your Options at UOB

UOB Singapore stocks gold bars from two world-class Swiss refiners:

• PAMP Suisse - Known for the iconic Lady Fortuna design and Veriscan technology
• ARGOR-Heraeus - Offers cast bars and the popular Lunar zodiac series

Both are LBMA-accredited (London Bullion Market Association), ensuring global recognition and liquidity. Both qualify for Singapore's GST exemption. So what's the difference, and which should you choose?

PAMP Suisse Gold Bars

What Makes PAMP Special

PAMP (Produits Artistiques Métaux Précieux) has been synonymous with premium gold since 1977. Their bars are immediately recognizable worldwide.

Key Features

• Lady Fortuna Design: The blindfolded Roman goddess of fortune is PAMP's signature motif, appearing on all standard bars
• Minted Production: Bars are cut from gold sheets and precision-stamped, resulting in mirror-like finishes
• Veriscan Technology: Proprietary anti-counterfeiting system that creates a unique "fingerprint" for each bar, verifiable via smartphone app
• Premium Packaging: Sealed in CertiPAMP assay card with security features

PAMP Premium Range

Who Should Choose PAMP

• Investors who value authentication technology (Veriscan)
• Those who may sell internationally where PAMP recognition is highest
• Buyers who appreciate refined aesthetics and presentation
• Gift-givers who want impressive, immediately recognizable gold

ARGOR-Heraeus Gold Bars

What Makes ARGOR-Heraeus Special

ARGOR-Heraeus (founded 1951) is one of Switzerland's oldest and largest gold refiners. They offer both economical cast bars and artistic Lunar series.

Cast Bars - Key Features

• Traditional Production: Molten gold poured into molds creates unique, slightly irregular surfaces
• Lower Premiums: Simpler manufacturing process means better value per gram
• Authentic Feel: The hand-poured character appeals to traditional gold investors
• Same Purity: 999.9 fine gold, identical to minted bars

Lunar Bars - Key Features

• Annual Zodiac Designs: New Chinese zodiac animal each year
• Collectible Appeal: Build a 12-year zodiac collection
• Cultural Significance: Popular for gifts and birth year commemorations
• Limited Production: Annual editions create potential scarcity value

ARGOR-Heraeus Premium Range

Who Should Choose ARGOR-Heraeus

• Cost-conscious investors: Cast bars offer the lowest premiums
• Traditional gold buyers: Who prefer the classic hand-poured aesthetic
• Collectors: The Lunar series combines investment with artistry
• Large purchases: Where premium savings compound significantly

Head-to-Head Comparison

Cost Comparison Example

Let's compare the real cost difference using a 100g bar example (assuming SGD 100/gram spot price):

For a single 100g bar, the difference is SGD 50-150—modest enough that other factors (design preference, authentication needs, gifting purpose) can reasonably influence your choice.

However, for larger purchases the difference compounds:

• 1kg purchase: Premium difference of SGD 500-1,500
• SGD 100,000 portfolio: Premium difference of SGD 500-1,500

Resale and Liquidity

Bank Buyback

UOB's "Bank Buy" price applies equally to PAMP and ARGOR bars—they pay for gold content regardless of design. The premium you paid at purchase typically isn't recovered through bank buyback.

Dealer Buyback

Specialized dealers may offer slightly better rates for PAMP bars due to their premium reputation, but differences are usually minimal (0.25-0.5%).

Private Sales

PAMP's strong brand recognition may help command better private sale prices. Lunar bars can attract collector premiums from buyers seeking specific zodiac years. Cast bars sell primarily on gold content value.

Making Your Decision

Choose PAMP Suisse If:

• You value Veriscan authentication for peace of mind
• You may sell internationally where PAMP recognition is strongest
• The aesthetic appeal and presentation matter to you
• You're buying for gifts and want impressive packaging
• The modest premium difference doesn't significantly impact your purchase

Choose ARGOR Cast If:

• Minimizing premiums is your priority
• You're making larger purchases where savings compound
• You prefer the traditional, hand-poured gold aesthetic
• You plan to hold long-term and sell at gold content value
• You're purely investment-focused without gifting considerations

Choose ARGOR Lunar If:

• You're commemorating birth years or special occasions
• Building a zodiac collection appeals to you
• You're buying for gifts with cultural significance
• You're patient enough to find collectors who value the designs
• The artistic element adds personal meaning beyond investment

The Bottom Line

There's no wrong choice between PAMP and ARGOR at UOB. Both offer:

• 999.9 purity: Identical gold content
• GST exemption: Under Singapore's IPM rules
• LBMA accreditation: Global recognition and liquidity
• Swiss quality: From world-leading refiners

For pure investment efficiency, ARGOR cast bars win on premiums. For authentication and global recognition, PAMP leads. For cultural significance and gifting, Lunar bars excel. Choose based on what matters most to you—the gold inside is equally valuable regardless of the design on the outside.

Visit ILoveUOBGold.com to check current prices for all UOB gold bar options.