Gold coins security measures

[1nvest]

Canadians up the ante on the title for the worlds most secure bullion coin

Formerly the title was held by the Brtainnia security features
https://www.gold.co.uk/gold-news/2020/o ... oins-2021/

But now Canada is introducing additional 'DNA' measures

https://www.mint.ca/en/bullion/bullion-dna

If the size/weight/appearance (hologram type features) all look good, and it 'rings' OK, then alone that's reasonable comfort. Next it looks like we might be able to take a zoom picture with a phone app that cross references the micro-differences 'dna' with that of the mints own record that would be nigh on impossible to fake. Comparable to each coin having its own unique serial number.

Ring test https://www.youtube.com/embed/c-DBGNYTVAY?autoplay=1 .... if it don't sing (ring cleanly, but instead is more of a dull thud) ... then beware.

The move from 22 carat to 24 was also a security measure.

Just hope that if the Royal Mint do follow that 'dna' lead that ...

1. It's open to all
2. The database access fee is reasonable - say no more than a few quid to upload a image and have a coins 'dna' validated.

[stevensfo]

Canadians up the ante on the title for the worlds most secure bullion coin

Formerly the title was held by the Brtainnia security features
https://www.gold.co.uk/gold-news/2020/o ... oins-2021/

But now Canada is introducing additional 'DNA' measures

https://www.mint.ca/en/bullion/bullion-dna

If the size/weight/appearance (hologram type features) all look good, and it 'rings' OK, then alone that's reasonable comfort. Next it looks like we might be able to take a zoom picture with a phone app that cross references the micro-differences 'dna' with that of the mints own record that would be nigh on impossible to fake. Comparable to each coin having its own unique serial number.

Ring test https://www.youtube.com/embed/c-DBGNYTVAY?autoplay=1 .... if it don't sing (ring cleanly, but instead is more of a dull thud) ... then beware.

The move from 22 carat to 24 was also a security measure.

Just hope that if the Royal Mint do follow that 'dna' lead that ...

1. It's open to all
2. The database access fee is reasonable - say no more than a few quid to upload a image and have a coins 'dna' validated.

Maybe a good idea for Brits to stick to Britannias and sovereigns. I know that tungsten and titanium can be gold plated and fool some people. I once bought a foreign gold coin and noticed a very small mark/hole. The jeweller explained that they buy lots of coins and sometimes do a test with a tiny amount of nitric acid. The look of the mark tells them immediately if it is 100% gold or plated.

Ironically, gold bars are apparently easier to fake, yet very easy to check.

I remember that they had some in Dubai airport for a measly 35 thousand quid, but apart from the embarrassment of having my credit card call interpol, I don't think the shop would like me using a dremel to test its authenticity.

Steve

[1nvest]

A "ring" test will tend to identify the likes of tungsten core coins, this image is of a one ounce American Eagle that had around half/ounce of the gold machined out and replaced with tungsten (so right size/weight/appearance)



But that would be flagged as bad if tested with the likes of a Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier PMV PRO



that any good dealer should have the likes of available and more often wont mind you asking for them to test a coin (as buying the kit yourself is expensive - the pro version costs around £2K, other smaller versions are available for around £1K).