Check the purity of silver and gold following the tests and tips

Jan 31
10:01

2018

Dhivya

Dhivya

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There are many investors of bullion who are always worried about counterfeits. However, there are ways to magnify the concerns for first time buyers. The headlines also confirm that the gold bars and coins now available are not genuine, but there are ways to detect the fakes.

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Few facts

  • To begin with is to get from a knowledgeable and reputable dealer such as Money metals who was voted in the USA to be the best. He has internal screening standards and high quality control.
  • Secondly,Check the purity of silver and gold following the tests and tips Articles making fake bars or coins is also not an easy process. The involved equipment to do it takes more time, besides making fakes that appear genuine and pass few simple tests is totally impossible.

However, there are budget ways to determine whether the bullion is genuine or not. The proven 5 testing methods suit gold and silver purity check:

 

Gold checking

 

Test 1: Size and Weight

The silver and gold are dense metals. It is denser than any base metal. It also means the fakes need to correctly weigh means they will appear large or thick or will be underweight. Comparing the thickness and diameter of a coin will prove it is genuine or not.

 

In fact, even the jewelers scale and the calipers set is enough to check. Every round or coin is produced maintaining the diameter tolerances, weight and thickness.  Especially, jewelers can easily identify. Investors may consider the fact that genuine coins are thin and small in diameter.  This is an effective and simple test.

 

Test 2: Sound Testing

Genuine silver and gold coins chime and the difference is prominent in comparison to the base metals.  The metal coins base ring is shorter and sound duller, this is similar as the difference between glass champagne flutes and clinking crystal. Balance on your fingertip the coin and strike it to another coin.

 

  • iPhone users can install the application CoinTrust and use it to test by spinning gently the silver or gold coin positioning the microphone nearby.
  • Android users also can download the Bullion Test app. Once installed, choose from a drop down list the coin, balance on your fingertip the coin, press the microphone button and strike the coin with another coin or fingernail. The results are accurate and instant.

 

Test 3: Magnet Test

Both, silver and gold are non-magnetic.  You can place on a coin strong magnet to watch the magnet slides off. If it sticks, you have to consider checking with other methods to know if it is a counterfeit. This is because some base metals are non-magnetic and are used in counterfeiting.

 

Test 4: Acid Test

Investors may consider acid tests to know it is genuine. With one drop acid the color changes, but handle acid carefully.  The discoloration does not diminish the value of silver or bullion.

 

Tips for Avoid Fakes

The density of tungsten is very close to gold that the counterfeit gold products featuring tungsten is hard to detent, but you can avoid problems:

  • No large gold bars
  • Buy only from genuine dealers
  • Use ring testing
  • Buy silver and stay safe

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