How to Spot Fake Gold
Counterfeit gold coins and bars are more common than you think. Here are 7 tests you can do at home to verify authenticity—plus the only way to know for sure.
⚠️ The Best Protection
Buy only from reputable dealers (JM Bullion, SD Bullion, APMEX). These dealers source directly from mints and refiners, authenticate everything, and guarantee authenticity. No home test is foolproof—buying from trusted sources is your best defense.
Test 1: Visual Inspection
Start with your eyes. Real gold has distinct characteristics:
Real Gold
- • Consistent, warm yellow color
- • Sharp, crisp design details
- • Uniform finish
- • Correct weight and size
- • Proper mint marks
Red Flags
- • Color variations or spots
- • Blurry or soft details
- • Visible seams or bubbles
- • Wrong color (too orange/pale)
- • Incorrect font or spacing
Pro tip: Compare against known authentic coins. The U.S. Mint and other official sources have detailed images of genuine coins.
Test 2: The Magnet Test
How it works: Gold is not magnetic. If a coin or bar is attracted to a strong magnet, it contains iron or other magnetic metals—it's fake.
What you need: A strong neodymium magnet (regular fridge magnets aren't strong enough).
Limitation
Passing the magnet test doesn't prove it's real gold. Sophisticated fakes use non-magnetic metals like tungsten. This test only catches cheap fakes.
Test 3: Weight & Dimensions
Gold has a very specific density. Fakes are often the wrong weight or size:
| Coin | Weight | Diameter | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz Gold Eagle | 33.93g | 32.7mm | 2.87mm |
| 1 oz Gold Maple | 31.10g | 30.0mm | 2.87mm |
| 1 oz Gold Buffalo | 31.10g | 32.7mm | 2.95mm |
What you need: A precision scale (0.01g accuracy) and calipers. Measure weight and dimensions—any significant deviation is a red flag.
Test 4: The Ping Test
How it works: Real gold coins produce a distinct, high-pitched ring when tapped. Base metals produce a dull thud.
How to do it: Balance the coin on your fingertip and tap it with another coin or pencil. Listen for a clear, sustained ring.
Apps available: "Bullion Test" and similar apps can analyze the sound frequency to verify gold content.
Test 5: The Ceramic Test
How it works: Drag the gold across unglazed ceramic (like the back of a tile). Real gold leaves a gold streak. Fake gold often leaves a black streak.
Caution: This can scratch your gold. Only use on pieces you're willing to mark.
Test 6: Specific Gravity Test
The most reliable home test. Gold has a specific gravity of 19.3 (very dense):
How to Perform:
- 1. Weigh the gold in air (record as "A")
- 2. Suspend gold in water on the scale (record as "W")
- 3. Calculate: Specific Gravity = A ÷ (A - W)
- 4. Pure gold should be ~19.3, 22k gold ~17.7-18.5
Note: Tungsten has similar density to gold (19.25), so this won't catch tungsten-filled fakes.
Test 7: Sigma Metalytics Tester
The Professional Solution
The Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier uses electromagnetic waves to measure the metal's resistivity through the entire thickness of the coin—not just the surface.
- • Detects tungsten-filled fakes
- • Non-destructive testing
- • Works through plastic holders
- • Cost: ~$700-$1,000
This is what dealers use. Worth the investment if you buy significant amounts of gold, especially from private sellers.
The Tungsten Problem
Tungsten has nearly identical density to gold (19.25 vs 19.3). Sophisticated counterfeiters create tungsten cores with gold plating that pass most home tests.
How to detect tungsten fakes:
- • Sigma Metalytics tester (measures resistivity)
- • Ultrasonic thickness gauge
- • Professional XRF analysis
- • Ice test (gold conducts heat faster—ice melts quicker)
Best protection: Buy only from reputable dealers who guarantee authenticity.
Bottom Line
- • Best protection: Buy from reputable dealers only
- • Basic tests: Visual, magnet, weight/dimensions, ping
- • Advanced: Specific gravity, Sigma tester
- • Be extra careful: Private sales, eBay, pawn shops
- • When in doubt: Have it professionally tested before buying