Many people invest in gold bullion to protect their wealth with a physical, reliable, and private asset. Therefore, it’s crucial that these gold bars be 100% genuine. If you’re hoping to gain peace of mind and protect yourself from fluctuations in the global economy, use the following guide to avoid buying counterfeits.

How to Tell the Difference Between Real & Fake Gold Bullion

1. Know What to Look For

If you’re preparing to purchase gold bullion, do your research on the details of the exact model you plan to buy. Pieces over one ounce must have a serial number left by their unique refinery during production. If the gold bar does not have a serial number, it’s not genuine. You should also know the expected weight of the metal bar you’re interested in purchasing. It should have this number written on it and weigh that amount when placed on a scale.

2. Compare & Contrast

When going to view gold bullion in person, bring an image of a genuine bar from a book or a reputable website. Check that the bar you’re considering has all of the same markings as the image. Compare the look of the text, the seal of the refinery, and even the border around the seal. These details should match exactly since they’re impressed by a machine, not by hand. If there are any differences, you may be looking at a counterfeit. 

3. Conduct a Test

If the gold bullion passes your visual assessment, you can verify its composition with a series of tests. For example, you can approach the bar with a magnet. If it’s attracted, the bar is not silver or gold, as these metals have no magnetic properties. There are also acid-based tests for gold and silver bullion, through which you can tell the composition of the metal by the acid’s color change. With advancements in technology, there are now even smartphone apps that allow you to “ping” the bullion and test its composition based on the sound it makes.

If you’re interested in buying genuine gold bullion, it’s imperative to work with a reputable dealer. Luckily, Coins Plus is known as Cincinnati’s only "National Award Winning and PNG Dealer,” and they regularly contribute to the Redbook and Bluebook, industry-touted pricing guides. In addition to selling rare coins and gold bullion, they also purchase genuine pieces. For more information on this established Ohio coin dealer’s services, visit their website or call (513) 621-1996.