How to Spot Fake Gold
Counterfeit gold is a real problem. Learn the tests you can do at home, professional verification methods, and how to avoid getting scammed.
⚠️ The Best Protection
The single best way to avoid fake gold is to buy from reputable dealers. JM Bullion, SD Bullion, APMEX, and other major dealers authenticate their inventory. The tests below are for secondary market purchases or inheritance verification.
Tests You Can Do at Home
Weight Test
Gold is extremely dense. A 1 oz American Gold Eagle should weigh exactly 31.1 grams (1 troy ounce). Use a precision scale accurate to 0.1g.
Pass: Weight matches specifications exactly (±0.1g)
Fail: Any significant weight deviation
Dimensions Test
Measure diameter and thickness with calipers. Because gold is so dense, fakes often need to be larger or thicker to achieve correct weight.
1 oz Gold Eagle: 32.7mm diameter, 2.87mm thick
1 oz Maple Leaf: 30mm diameter, 2.87mm thick
Magnet Test
Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet attracts the item, it's fake. Use a rare earth (neodymium) magnet for best results.
Limitation: Tungsten-filled fakes also pass this test since tungsten is non-magnetic.
Ping Test (Sound)
Gold produces a distinctive high-pitched ring when struck. Tap the coin on a hard surface and listen. There are smartphone apps that analyze the sound frequency.
Real gold: Long, high-pitched ring (like a bell)
Fake: Dull thud or short ring
Visual Inspection
Examine details under magnification. Look for sharp, crisp details on lettering and design elements. Compare to photos of genuine coins.
Check: Edge lettering, mint marks, date, design sharpness
Red flags: Fuzzy details, incorrect fonts, spelling errors
Professional Verification Methods
Sigma Metalytics Tester
Uses electrical conductivity to verify metal composition. The gold standard (pun intended) for dealers. Costs $700-$1,500 but provides definitive results.
XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Testing
Analyzes elemental composition. Available at coin dealers, pawn shops, and precious metals refiners. Usually $10-$50 per test.
Specific Gravity Test
Measures density by comparing weight in air vs. water. Gold's specific gravity is 19.3. Requires precision equipment but very accurate.
Ultrasonic Testing
Detects internal inconsistencies and tungsten cores. Used by professional grading services and major dealers.
Common Counterfeiting Methods
| Method | How It Works | Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Gold-plated base metal | Cheap metal with thin gold coating | Weight, dimensions, magnet test |
| Tungsten-filled | Gold shell with tungsten core (similar density) | Sigma tester, ultrasonic, XRF |
| Gold-plated tungsten | Full tungsten with gold plating | Dimensions (tungsten slightly different), conductivity |
| Alloy substitution | Lower karat gold than claimed | XRF, acid test, specific gravity |
Tungsten Warning
Tungsten has nearly identical density to gold (19.25 vs 19.3). Sophisticated tungsten-filled fakes can pass weight, dimensions, and magnet tests. Only conductivity testing, ultrasonics, or XRF can detect them reliably.
Red Flags When Buying
- 🚩 Price too good to be true: Gold below spot price is almost always a scam
- 🚩 Pressure to buy immediately: Legitimate sellers don't rush you
- 🚩 Cash only, no receipts: Legitimate dealers provide documentation
- 🚩 Unknown seller on Craigslist/Facebook: High-risk buying environment
- 🚩 Seller refuses testing: Real gold has nothing to hide
- 🚩 No original packaging/assay: Makes authentication harder
- 🚩 Foreign coins from unusual sources: Easier to counterfeit than US coins
Safe Buying Practices
✓ Buy from established dealers
JM Bullion, SD Bullion, APMEX authenticate inventory. Worth the slightly higher price for peace of mind.
✓ Buy coins in original mint packaging
Sealed mint tubes and assay cards are harder to tamper with.
✓ Verify before completing large purchases
For purchases over $5K from secondary sources, pay for professional testing first.
✓ Keep all documentation
Receipts, assay cards, and certificates help prove authenticity when you sell.
Authentication Checklist
- ☐ Weight matches specifications (±0.1g)
- ☐ Dimensions match (diameter and thickness)
- ☐ Not attracted to magnet
- ☐ Produces correct "ping" sound
- ☐ Sharp, correct design details under magnification
- ☐ For high-value purchases: professional testing
- ☐ When in doubt: don't buy