A kinebar is a gold bar that has a diffractive optically variable image device (similar to a security hologram) embossed into the surface of the gold. The device used is a "Kinegram" made by OVD Kinegram AG (Switzerland).[1] The Kinegram technology is exclusively provided to governments,[2] and is intended both as a high-security feature and for visual appeal.

Union Bank of Switzerland, through Argor-Heraeus SA (subsidiary of Commerzbank), has been applying the kinegram as a security device to the reverse of its minted bars since December 1993. The kinebar, now produced by UBS AG, is a registered trade mark of UBS.[3]

Argor-Heraeus gold Kinebars were introduced in 1994 in the following weights - 1 g, 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 20 g, and 1 oz. The 50 g and 100 g gold Kinebars were subsequently released in 2012.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Disclaimer". www.kinegram.com. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
  2. ^ "Why the KINEGRAM is not a security hologram". www.kinegram.com. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  3. ^ "New gold kinebar unveiled in the United States; Advanced high-tech security feature marks breakthrough in gold minting" Archived 2010-04-26 at the Wayback Machine, press release, Dec 6, 1995
  4. ^ "Argor-Heraeus SA" (PDF). Gold Bars Worldwide. 2014.
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