*Updated July 25, 2019
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What is LBMA certified gold? Actually, it’s more correct to say ‘LBMA accredited’ gold.
LBMA accredited gold is of superb and tested quality and is recognized wordwide.
‘LBMA’ is an acronym and stands for the London Bullion Market Association.
Located in London and established in 1987, LBMA is an international trade association for gold and silver bullion.
LBMA clients are located all over the world and include the majority of central banks, private investors, gold and silver mining companies, producers and refineries.
Although LBMA has a wide range of responsibilities, its key responsibility is to maintain a Good Delivery List.
LBMA Good Delivery List
Good Delivery List is the list of gold and silver refineries that meet the requirements and adhere to procedures and policies set by LBMA.
LBMA keeps two such Lists: one for gold and the other for silver.
If a specific refinery is on the Good Delivery List, it means that it has acquired LBMA accreditation. Moreover, to continue to maintain a spot on the List, a refinery must meet regular testing conducted by LBMA. Otherwise that refinery gets moved to the Former List.
Because of the stringent criteria that refineries must meet in order to acquire LBMA accreditation, the quality of gold and silver of the refineries that are already on the List is unquestionable and considered to be of universal standard.
The official website of LBMA is www.lbma.org.uk.
See Karatbars LBMA gold here
*Bullion – bars and ingots
**Refinery – receives raw gold and removes impurities so that it can be mixed with other metals (alloyed) or used in pure form
Main references:
www.lbma.org.uk
Hi,
an interesting read about the LBMA. I have often wondered about investing in precious metals such as gold, but haven’t been sure where to start.
Your karatgold system looks interesting and when I have some spare time might come back and check it out in more depth. What sort of minimum level of investment is there?
Hello Tony,
If you just wish to save in gold, it is free to open a savings account with Karatbars (no monthly charges). Gold is available in 1 gram, 2.5 gram and 5 gram cards. However, if you want to get much better commissions on your own gold purchases and referrals you need to buy one of four business packages.
Wow! I have been collecting coins for a long time and never heard of LBMA. The US started minting bullion coins in 1986, around the same time as LBMA. It’s a great idea to check on the refineries and give them accreditation based on their findings. I wonder if they have a group like that in the US?
Kevin,
LBMA is one in its kind. However, it approves gold refineries, mint companies and the like all over the world. For example, Republic Metals Corporation, the US-based company specializing in refining and minting has LBMA accreditation. It depends where your coins are coming from. There is chance that they might be LBMA accredited!
This is great information. I have been investing in gold for a very long time and I always go after LBMA accredited refineries.
You directly know that the gold will keep a high standard.
I have also heard that once you want to sell your gold it’s an easier task because you already have the LBMA stamp. People trust it more. What do you think about that?
Thanks for reading the post, Marcus. Of course. I think LBMA is there in the first place to do all the testing so that it doesn’t have to be done by a wholesaler, distributor or consumer. That’s why refineries apply for LBMA accreditation, it puts them ahead of their competitors if they have this mark of quality done and ready. But you should know better if you have been investing for a long time!
Hi Margarita !
I have a simple question.
How many “hall-marking” companies are certified by LBMA in the World?
Hi Chungo,
Apologizing for a delay.
Here is a list that are LBMA accredited:
https://www.lbma.org.uk/good-delivery/gold-current-list#-
Quite a bit!
🙂