Antam, Galeri24, and UBS Gold: What are the differences?
For those new to gold investing, the names Antam, Galeri24, and UBS may already be familiar. All three are easily found in the market and offer gold bullion with high levels of purity.
At first glance, gold from these three brands appears almost identical. However, upon closer inspection, there are several differences ranging from the producers, certificates, and sizes to the price and the venues for buying and selling them back.
So, what are the actual differences between Antam, Galeri24, and UBS gold?
The same 99.99% purity, but different producers
The most fundamental difference between the three is the producer. Antam gold is produced by PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam), a company that is part of Indonesia’s mining holding company. Meanwhile, Galeri24 is produced by PT Pegadaian Galeri Dua Empat, a subsidiary of PT Pegadaian. As for UBS gold, it is produced by PT Untung Bersama Sejahtera, a private company based in Surabaya that is also known as a jewellery producer.
Despite the different producers, all three offer gold bullion with a purity level of 99.99%, or equivalent to 24 carats, for their pure gold products. Therefore, if looking solely at the gold content, all three possess a high level of purity.
What about the certificates?
The next difference lies in the certification system and how consumers verify authenticity. The latest Antam gold uses packaging with a QR Code that can be verified using the CertiEye application. Older versions of Antam products can still be found with certificates in the form of cards or separate documents.
Galeri24 has met SNI 8880 standards and provides certificates as proof of product authenticity. Meanwhile, UBS has a different certification system based on the size of the gold. For UBS gold sized 0.5 to 4 grams, the certificate is integrated into the packaging in the form of a laminated card. Larger sizes use a separate holographic paper certificate.
This means that the form of the certificate does not determine whether the gold content is higher or lower; rather, it relates to the security and verification systems of each producer. All three brands provide gold in various sizes, so buyers do not necessarily have to purchase large quantities immediately.
Galeri24, for example, provides options ranging from 0.5 grams to larger sizes. UBS also offers various denominations, while Antam is available in a wide range of sizes from small fractions to large quantities. For beginners, small denominations can be an option if they wish to accumulate gold gradually. However, do not forget to compare the price per gram, as the price of small gold fractions usually cannot be directly equated to the price of larger gold sizes.
Why does Antam’s price often differ?
Price differences are one of the most visible factors when comparing the three. Antam gold prices are generally higher than both UBS and Galeri24. This difference is not solely caused by the gold content, as all three have a purity of 99.99%.
The price of a gold product is also influenced by production costs, certification, packaging, distribution, branding, as well as market conditions and demand. Therefore, one should not immediately assume that cheaper gold is of lower quality.
For potential buyers, it is more important to compare the purchase price with the buyback price of the same brand or from places that provide buyback services. This part is crucial for gold investors. When buying gold, do not only look at the price you must pay. Pay attention to the price you can obtain when the gold is sold back.
Buyback terms can differ between brands and between different outlets. Antam gold has an official buyback service through Logam Mulia, while Galeri24 offers buyback services through the Galeri24 network. For UBS gold, buyback services may be available through gold shops or parties that accept UBS products. Prices and terms may vary, so they should be checked before conducting a transaction. Therefore, before buying, it is advisable to note three things simultaneously: the purchase price, the buyback price, and the spread between the two.
Which is suitable for beginners?
No single brand is automatically suitable for everyone. If looking for gold from a highly well-known producer in Indonesia, Antam is one of the available choices. Meanwhile, Galeri24 can be an alternative for buyers who wish to utilise the Pegadaian and Galeri24 networks. UBS can also be a choice for those seeking gold bullion from a private producer with various product and size options.
Ultimately, the choice of gold should not be based solely on the brand. Pay attention to the purity, price per gram, the spread between the purchase and buyback prices, certificates, packaging, purchase locations, and the ease of selling it back. For beginners, comparing these various aspects will be far more helpful than simply choosing gold because a brand is currently popular.