In uncertain times, more people are turning to gold — not just for growth, but for protection. Unfortunately, as demand for physical gold rises, so does the number of counterfeit coins and bars flooding the market.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, knowing how to identify fake gold is essential to protecting your capital. Here’s how to stay one step ahead.
Gold is valuable, portable, and universally recognised — making it a prime target for counterfeiters. Some fakes are crude; others are sophisticated. With modern 3D printing and advanced plating, it's easier than ever to fool the untrained eye.
But there are reliable ways to detect a fake — if you know what to look for.
Coins should have visible details: the year, weight, and purity (e.g. "999.9").
Look for recognisable mint marks: Royal Mint, Perth Mint, US Mint, etc.
Bars should include serial numbers and come with matching certificates of authenticity.
Reputable refiners include: PAMP Suisse, Metalor, Valcambi, Heraeus, and the Royal Mint.
If you're offered gold without proper markings or paperwork, walk away.
Gold is dense. A genuine 1 oz coin weighs exactly 31.1 grams.
Counterfeiters often use cheaper metals that are lighter or slightly heavier.
Use a digital scale with 0.01g precision.
Even a small discrepancy in weight is a red flag.
Use a caliper to measure coin diameter and thickness.
Real coins have precise dimensions, down to fractions of a millimetre.
Fake coins are often slightly too thick or too wide to match the correct weight.
Compare against official mint specifications — available on their websites.
Gold is non-magnetic. If it sticks to a magnet, it's definitely fake.
However, some fakes are made with non-magnetic metals, so passing this test doesn’t guarantee authenticity.
Use this as a quick first check — not a final verdict.
Acid kits can test the karat level — but they can damage the gold if done incorrectly.
Professional dealers often use ultrasound or XRF scanning, which analyse the metal content without damage.
These tests are best done by experts with professional-grade equipment.
This is the single most important rule. If you’re not buying from a trusted, certified source, you’re taking a risk.
At Britannia Bullion, we guarantee:
Fully certified, tax-free British coins
Verified origin and serial-numbered bars
Next-day delivery or secure, allocated storage
No untraceable second-hand stock, no grey-market supply
“If the deal looks too good to be true — it probably is.”
Is the coin or bar from a recognised mint/refiner?
Is there a serial number and matching certificate?
Does it weigh and measure exactly as it should?
Are you buying from a verified dealer with a clear reputation?
The rise in counterfeits is no reason to avoid gold — it’s a reason to buy smarter. When you work with a specialist like Britannia Bullion, you're not just buying metal — you're buying peace of mind.
Download our free guide to gold investing, or speak to one of our gold specialists today. Whether you’re buying your first coin or your fiftieth, we’re here to help you invest with confidence.