What is 24k clad bullion bar?

A 24k clad bullion bar typically refers to a bar that has a core made of a less valuable metal, such as copper or silver, and is coated with a thin layer of 24-karat gold. The term "clad" indicates that the gold layer is not solid gold throughout but is bonded to the underlying metal. While it may resemble pure gold, its intrinsic value is significantly lower due to the presence of the base metal. Such bars are often used for decorative purposes or as investment novelties rather than as genuine bullion.