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How to test gold coins at home right now
If you have recently bought gold coins you might wonder how you can check their authenticity. Below we will give you a few simple ways how to test gold coins at home without the need for expensive gold tester kits.
Table of Contents
1. The Gold Coin Ping Test: A Simple Method to Test Gold Coins at Home
The gold coin ping test is a very quick way to test wheter your gold is real or not. If you gently strike your precious metals with another coin it will make a long, high-pitched ringing sound as opposed to base metals, whose respective sounds will be much shorter and duller. To perfrom the ping test for your gold coin do the following:
- Lay the gold coin flat on one of your fingers
- Strike it gently with another coin
- Listen for a high-pitched long ringing sound.
If you are in doubt what you should hear, listen to this youtube video.
2. Test with a Gold Coin App
If you want to go the extra mile you can also verify the “ping” of your gold coin with an app. Their are several gold coin apps out there that let you do this for free. The one that we like the most is “pingcoin” for android. As of time of writing pingcoin currently supports 35 different gold and silver coins that you can test for free through the app. They support most of the major coins such as the krugerrand, maple leaf and the american eagle.
By recording the sound produced by your coin the app is able to tell you if the coin is genuine or fake. The app will compare the characteristic sound of the coin to reference values that were recorded previously. For each coin and for each frequency a tolerance threshold is displayed. If the coin’s frequencies falls within these thresholds, it will almost certainly be genuine.
3. Test Your Gold Coins’ Weight and Size
The following test is also a fairly simple way to test your gold at home. Bullion coins come with a specific set of weight and size. This will give you a reference point to test your gold coin’s authenticity. Since gold is one of the densest metals on the planet, it’s close to impossible to replicate the exact physical properties such as seize and weight. For example a fake Maple leaf would need to be thicker or wider to exactly match the weight of the real one. Similarly, a Fake Maple Leaf that has the exact dimenions of the real one will be noticeably lighter.
Below you can find the weight, size and thickness of the most traded bullion coins world-wide.
| Gold Coin | Weight (g) | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz Krugerrand 2023 | 31.1035 | 32.77 | 2.84 |
| 1 oz Maple Leaf 2023 | 31.1035 | 30 | 2.79 |
| 1 oz Kangaroo 2023 | 31.1035 | 32.10 | 2.80 |
| 1 oz American Eagle 2023 | 31.1035 | 32.70 | 2.75 |
| 1 oz Vienna Philharmonic 2023 | 31.1035 | 32.70 | 2.75 |
| 1 oz Britannia 2023 | 31.1035 | 32.69 | 2.79 |
| Silver Coin | Weight (g) | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz Krugerrand 2023 | 31.1035 | 38.7 | 3.1 |
| 1 oz Maple Leaf 2023 | 31.1035 | 38 | 3.15 |
| 1 oz Kangaroo 2023 | 31.1035 | 40.6 | 2.75 |
| 1 oz American Eagle 2023 | 31.1035 | 40.6 | 2.98 |
| 1 oz Vienna Philharmonic 2023 | 31.1035 | 37 | 3.2 |
| 1 oz Britannia 2023 | 31.1035 | 38.61 | 3 |
4. The Magnetic Gold Test: A Reliable Technique to Test Gold Coins at Home
For this test you will need a stronger than average magnet, meaning that the magnet should be capable of pulling up a metal such as your coin.
Gold and silver are not magnetic. Fake gold, or gold that is not pure will likely be attracted to the magnet if you hold it close. If your gold coin does nothing, it is another indication that your gold coin is pure and you are not dealing with a counterfeit.
5. Frequently asked questions about testing gold and silver at home
Can you test gold with vinegar?
Yes. Place a few drops of vinegar onto your gold coin. If the drops change the color of the metal, then it is not pure gold. If the color stays the same it is pure gold.
Does 14k gold stick to a magnet?
No. If its real gold the gold will not stick to a magnet, because gold is not magnetic. Fake gold will attach itself to the magnet, or will leap to the magnet.
Can bleach tell if gold is real?
All precious metals can be tested through the use of an acid test that will only harm fake materials. However, we recommend using one of the above methods, which are less cumbersome.
Will silver stick to a magnet?
No. Silver is not magnetic and will not stick to a magnet. If it will, or if it slides quickly it is not silver. Keep in mind that just because the magnet does not stick it does not necessarily mean that it is silver. You should perform more tests, listed above.
What tools do I need to test gold and silver coins at home?
Common tools for testing gold and silver include a magnet, a magnifying glass, a scale, acid test kits, and a caliper. Some tests can be performed with household items like vinegar or ceramic plates.
How accurate are home testing methods for gold and silver?
While home testing methods can provide a good indication of authenticity, they may not be as accurate as professional testing. If you need a definitive answer, consider consulting a professional appraiser or jeweler.
Can I use the same methods to test both gold and silver?
Some tests, like the magnet test or weight test, can be used for both metals, but others may be specific to gold or silver. Always refer to the instructions for the particular test you are using.