How to test and steer clear of counterfeit bullion

[mybullion.com.au]

Gold recently nudged past $A4,400 and bullion in general is getting more and more public attention. As positive as this for stackers it does unfortunately also incentivise unscrupulous actors from making fakes.

The video below was made to highlight some of the tools we use to stop counterfeits in their tracks, and how you can do so yourself:

Happy to answer any questions if you have them.

 

[bubblebobble2]

wow...even fakes costing more than $100AUD...but you can tell the fakes straight away from the hologram strip on the reverse...

 

[mybullion.com.au]

Yeah to be fair, it is legitimately gold plated which contributes to its cost. The manufacturer stipulates this, so fair game. I take issue with the scumbags who buy it and try to palm it off as real.

Didn't know about the hologram strip.... thanks.

 

[bubblebobble2]

to be honest, if this is listed on flleeeBay, as static pictures, then hologram wont flicker...Ive only noticed it in the clip that the hologram was not flickering.

 

[SKULL]

Gold recently nudged past $A4,400 and bullion in general is getting more and more public attention. As positive as this for stackers it does unfortunately also incentivise unscrupulous actors from making fakes.

The video below was made to highlight some of the tools we use to stop counterfeits in their tracks, and how you can do so yourself:

Happy to answer any questions if you have them.

Just watch the Video. Very interesting & informative. Thanks for posting

 

[betterinvestmentthanshare]

Has served me well

 

[mybullion.com.au]

The Sigma is a great all-rounder no doubt about it, but if anyone is after a unit that specialises in verifying .999 gold than look no further than the Zappitec GM9

Its much more affordable, plus Australian made

 

[Snaerff]

I hadn’t heard about Zappitec but it looks interesting. Which of their machines would be roughly equivalent to Sigma’s ‘Investor’ do you think? I’d like it to verify silver as well as gold if I could get both in one unit.

I’ve never tested my purchases before, since most of them come from dealers I consider a very low risk like Bullion Now. Purchases on this forum have all been from highly recommended members but I guess there’s always the chance they were hoodwinked when they bought stuff and passed it on, not realising it’s not genuine? What do you use?

 

[betterinvestmentthanshare]

Was $1600 a while back, not sure how much they are now
Verification includes specific coins like maples, buffalos, Roos and Bullion all sizes both in gold and silver. Jewellery verification is NOT good

All my purchases from SS are verified and all have been 100% pure.
I did purchase a few silver Au coins elsewhere that turned out to be brilliant UNC coins not silver. Oh well, wasn’t a big purchase

 

[Snaerff]

Yes, I reckon I’m pretty safe buying here, but you never know for sure I guess and buying elsewhere would be problematic. How did you verify your purchases?

 

[betterinvestmentthanshare]

Has served me well

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[betterinvestmentthanshare]

I haven’t received fakes on SS but I have been short changed, not receiving the amount I purchased, only once though

 

[mybullion.com.au]

Hey Snaerff,

The Zappitec unit costs approx. $1000, however I believe it may be less. It has served me very well - just remember it only tests fine gold (range 23K - 24K)

Regarding the Sigma, @Holy Grail is currently selling them starting at $1519.02. See here.

In my humble opinion, the Sigma is like buying a Rolls Royce, whereas the Zappitec is grabbing yourself a Toyota. If you're just testing for Gold items, I'd recommend the latter.