How to Verify the Authenticity of Investment Gold
Authenticity is essential with investment gold. This practical guide shows how to verify a gold bar or coin – from simple visual signs to professional devices. The safest protection, however, is always buying new products from trusted refineries and mints.
1. Visual check
On a genuine product the minting is sharp and precise. Look for:
- a clean, sharp relief without blurring,
- the correct manufacturer logo and fineness marking (e.g. 999.9/1000 Au),
- even edges and a flawless surface,
- any security features (e.g. the holographic Kinebar® or microtext).
2. Dimensions and weight
Every bar and coin has precisely defined dimensions and weight. Even a small deviation can signal a problem. Gold is very dense – fakes with a cheaper core are either heavier or lighter, or have different dimensions. Compare the figures with the manufacturer’s official specification.
3. Certificate, serial number and original packaging
Minted bars usually come in a sealed original blister with a certificate of authenticity and a unique serial number that matches the number on the certificate. Damaged packaging or a missing certificate are warning signs and can lower the future buyback price.
4. Simple indicative tests
At home you can only carry out indicative checks, which do not confirm authenticity with 100% certainty:
- Magnet: gold and silver are not magnetic – if a magnet attracts the product, that is a warning sign (though no reaction does not rule out a fake),
- Visual and dimensional match according to the points above.
Treat these tests as a supplement, not a replacement for professional verification.
5. Professional verification
A reliable option is non-destructive testing with a device that measures the electromagnetic properties of the metal and works even through the original packaging. At GOLDU we use the Sigma Metalytics PMV PRO. Other professional methods include X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and an official assay test.
6. The best prevention: buy from a trusted dealer
You reduce the risk of a fake most by buying new, uncirculated products directly from official distribution. At GOLDU we sell only new products from renowned manufacturers, check every piece and also offer a buyback. Browse our investment gold and investment silver.
Have your gold verified
Do you have gold or silver at home and want to be sure? We will be happy to verify it non-destructively. Get in touch via the Contact page and we will arrange an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can a magnet detect a fake?
A magnet exposes only some fakes – gold and silver are not magnetic. No reaction does not guarantee authenticity, so treat the magnet as an indicative test only.
What is the most reliable verification?
Non-destructive device testing (e.g. Sigma Metalytics PMV PRO), XRF analysis or an official assay test.
Do I need to remove the bar from the blister to verify it?
No – modern devices measure through the original packaging, so the packaging stays intact.
Conclusion
You verify authenticity by combining a visual check, dimensions and weight, the certificate and a professional device. The safest approach, however, is to buy new products from a trusted dealer. If in doubt, bring us your gold – we will be happy to check it.
About the author
Adolf Baumann, analyst at Baumann Group a.s. (GOLDU), has been working with precious metals for over 30 years. He has seen euphoria, crashes and panic on the markets – and he still enjoys it. He explains in plain language what moves the price of gold and silver and how to handle them without unnecessary mistakes. His weakness? He refuses to wear a suit.
