How Bullion Packaging and Assay Cards Can Affect Handling and Resale

Investment in precious metals is perceived as an easy venture; just choose the metal you prefer, the weight, buy at the going rate, and secure it. However, at the moment of selling precious metals, another factor might be considered: the condition of your bullion and the documents related to it.

The packaging and assay cards of Australian bullion can make the identification and assessment of the bullion easier in the secondary market. Even though they cannot change the nature of the metal itself, the presence of the original manufacturer’s packaging and documentation can reveal a lot of things about your precious metal product.

What Is Bullion Packaging?

The type of packaging used in minted bars that provides protection and security is called bullion packaging. This can include a sealed blister, card, serial number, security features, and product information, depending on the refiner or mint.

For example, The Perth Mint states that their minted bars are enclosed in tamper-proof, serial-numbered display cards, and inscribed on the product are the weight and purity of the metal. There are several roles played by the packaging. It ensures the bar is not manipulated physically and is not exposed to environmental factors.

There are types of packaging specifically created for interference. For instance, there is tamper evident packaging in Perth Mint minted bars where the blister is enclosed in a card stamped with the word "VOID".

Why Packaging Matters When Handling Bullion

Although gold and silver bullion are durable, there is a chance that such materials might be affected due to unnecessary handling. The interaction with the metal is limited, and the unique qualities will remain unchanged if the bullion bar is stored in its original packaging.

This is especially helpful for investors who plan on having their bullion investment for a few years before they sell.

Original Packaging can help with:

Physical protection: There is less extraneous contact with the bar in the blister or protective enclosure.

Identification: Product information continues to be connected to the bullion.

Security: Tamper-evident characteristics such as color changes, perforations, and embossing can give a visual clue that the packaging may have been tampered with.

Storage: Packaged bars can be easier to organise and catalogue.

Easier resale evaluation: The dealer can review the product and information more easily.

The packaging should therefore be considered as an integral part of the product presentation and protection and not as a waste product to be thrown away after the product is consumed.

What is an Assay Card?

The assay card is basically the documentation that comes along with some of the bullion products, providing information regarding the bullion bars and specifications. It can have information on metal types, weight, fineness, serial numbers, and other information, depending on the manufacturer.

Different manufacturers provide different documentation, and therefore, investors must ensure which documentation is provided for the specific bullion bars they invest in.

It is also important for one to be able to distinguish between the assay card and a Certificate of Authenticity, and understand that they are utilized for different purposes, and not every bullion product has the same documentation.

How Assay Information Can Support Resale

When one decides to sell a bullion bar, it is upon the purchaser to know exactly what the product is, its authenticity, and its condition. This is easy when there is an authentic manufacturer's card containing all the necessary information about the bar.

This might come in handy in case of smaller minted bars, in which case the packaging will offer more information in order to aid in the identification process without necessarily having to handle the metals extensively. However, the investor should not rely on documentation alone when confirming the authenticity of his bullion.

Does Damaged Packaging Reduce Resale Value?

This may affect resale in terms of either ease or speed with which the gold could be resold, but this does not necessarily mean that the gold is worthless or that the price offered for the gold is necessarily decreased due to the opened packaging.

The intrinsic value of the investment gold has a lot to do with the intrinsic value or the market situation. However, packaging conditions are going to have an effect on the attitude of the dealer toward the product.

If there is any damage to the blister or it gets opened, it is likely to:

• Put in additional means of authentication
• Spoil the recognition of the product
• Strip away some of the security features
• Decrease the confidence of the buyer
• Get the chance to affect the price that the dealer offers for the packaged product

The effects may vary according to the particular mint, product, condition and market demand.

Best Practices for Australian Bullion Owners

Bullion has a tendency to be a long-term investment, and there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep it in pristine condition and well-documented.

Keep Original Packaging

Don't open sealed mined bars unless you have a good reason to do so.

Keep Assay Cards in a Safe Place

If documentation is provided separately, store it in a separate, dry place with your investment documentation.

Record Product Details

Keep logs of the:

• Manufacturer or mint
• Metal type
• Weight
• Fineness
• The serial number (if applicable)
• Purchase date
• Purchase documentation

Handle Bullion Carefully

Do not touch, scratch, or have unnecessary exposure to environments that are too cold or hot. Store according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Buy Through Reputable Dealers

Provenance matters. A good dealer can offer more assurance about the origin and authenticity of bullion. Perth Mint advises buyers to buy gold bars from a reputable dealer and cautions about the presence of gold bars that are counterfeit in third-party markets.

The Bottom Line

The packaging and assay cards of the bullion help with identification, security, and authentication while the packaging along with the purchase records help with resale. However, packaging is not all there is, as proper sourcing and testing are just as important.

This is where we at Perth Bullion Exchange come into the picture to help our clients make an informed decision regarding their bullion purchase. We aim to help you handle your precious metals with the assurance of your investment in life.