Valcambi authenticity check

Discussion in 'General Precious Metals Discussion' started by Michael Kay, Dec 2, 2021.

  1. Michael Kay

    Michael Kay Active Member

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    Hi

    I purchased a Valcambi 50g combi bar today. A new member with no rep, but f2f.

    Just a few questions. The combination package inlay looks slightly different from the others I've seen online. Others have a person's signature where it says "certified assayer". Mine is a bit different. FWIW, it came in an APMEX box and 1g plastic cases if it was to be broken up, but no proof of purchase.

    The 1gs look significantly smaller than the PM one. Long story short, is this legit?

    Cheers
    Mike


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    Last edited: Dec 2, 2021
  2. mmm....shiney!

    mmm....shiney! Administrator Staff Member Silver Stacker

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    Images aren’t working, try uploading
     
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  3. Michael Kay

    Michael Kay Active Member

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    here are the pics
     

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  4. Bullion_ron

    Bullion_ron Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    you can check serial #'s on their site afaik
     
  5. 66rounds

    66rounds Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    send an image of the reverse too, i will compare against mine
     
  6. Michael Kay

    Michael Kay Active Member

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    Thx, mate, I will - just bear with me. This is the one that was advertised last week. The smaller size of the 1gs I think is due to thickness, the PM 1g is definitely flatter. It's just that " Certified Assayer" inlay which is different than all the images I've seen online.
     
  7. 66rounds

    66rounds Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Size looks perfect
     
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  8. Bullion_ron

    Bullion_ron Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Tangential reply, check aliexpress/alibaba to see if fakes of the thing you bought even exist...
     
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  9. Michael Kay

    Michael Kay Active Member

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    Thanks for the replies, everyone. Here is a photo of the flip side.

    Can't seem to find where you can look up serial numbers for Valcambi. Haven't checked Ali Express - good lord! I don't even wanna look.

    But, overall it does look well-made and not an obvious fake.
     

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  10. Bullion_ron

    Bullion_ron Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    had a quick look, maybe its only pamp that does the serial check?

    See if you can get it xrf'd for total peace of mind
     
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  11. 66rounds

    66rounds Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Looks legit to the naked eye mate. Any specific concerns you have with it?
     
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  12. 66rounds

    66rounds Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Screenshot_2021-12-02-17-00-58-61.jpg

    These both came off of genuine bars from Bullion Now
     
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  13. Michael Kay

    Michael Kay Active Member

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    It seems legit, it's just the seller was a big ??? He seemed ok, but no reputation. Outward appearance came across as possibly a loose character, but in our conversations he seemed on the level.

    He said he bought it from APMEX a year ago for 5,000. He said he'd bring proof of purchase, but once we met said he couldn't find it. It did come with plastic 1g cases and he said he ditched his plan to break it up. Said he didn't have time to wait for price to go back up. Selling at a loss.

    I paid 4475, but still wouldn't want to spend that much on something fake.

    Its just that Assay Cert. inlay that threw me. No signature, just that logo stamped "(CHI) ESSAYEUR FONDEUR". Apart from that, it's a lovely bar
     
  14. Michael Kay

    Michael Kay Active Member

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    Thanks for that - that left one is the same - similar serial numbers, too. Must be more recent batches.
    Unless the guy stole it off someone, I think i am in the clear :) Thanks for all the responses, great community we have here.
     
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