Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Weigh the coin. Gold coins are generally heavy, due to gold's density. Base metals, or those low-value metals that counterfeiters often use, are not as dense, so a counterfeit coin is more likely to be underweight. A good digital scale that goes to two decimal places (hundredths) will be sufficient for most basic detection purposes.
Compare the actual weight to the proper weight. The U.S. Mint used tight tolerances in its production of gold coins. If your coin is underweight by more than a gram, it is likely counterfeit. Many low quality counterfeit gold coins are underweight by multiple grams.
Check out the edge of the edge of the coin to make sure that it is the same edge as expected. For example, some gold coins always have reeded edges while some have plain edges.
Seek guidance if the coin is of the proper weight, but you're still not sure of its authenticity. If you purchase a coin that is certified by a major grading service--such as Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Corp. (NGC), Independent Coin Grading (ICG) or ANACS--the service guarantees the authenticity of the coins in its holders. Also, many dealers guarantee the coins they sell as long as the coins stay in their original holders.
A dealer who is a member of the American Numismatic Association should be able to provide assistance if you have a coin that you are not sure of. Unfortunately, if the weight is right, there is no easy way to tell if a coin is genuine, although a rule of thumb is that if the weight is good, so is the coin. Nothing takes the place of experience, and ANA dealers are required to follow a code of ethics that protects the public.