A bar of noble metal or an alloy containing noble metal having a mass mB is subdivided into n×m miniature bars 2, 3 each having a specified mass mk, wherein n and m each denote an integer ≧2, there being an interconnection of solid material (8) between directly adjacent miniature bars (2, 3). Another bar is affixed to a backing (13), to which the miniature bars are releasably attached. A method for the production of the bar consists in dividing up the same while leaving an interconnection of solid material or producing an arrangement thereof on a backing.