How We Test Pre-Owned Gold Bullion

When it comes to buying best value (pre-owned) gold bullion, one of the most important factors individuals consider is the authenticity of the gold bar, and how it has been authenticated by the dealer.

At Tavex, we ensure that each item that gets sold to us and that we sell goes through a meticulous process to test gold bullion. This process involves various testing techniques to guarantee that the gold is genuine and meets industry standards.

In this article, we will go through the comprehensive methods we use to test pre-owned gold bullion, from weighing the product to conducting chemical tests.

Why Testing Pre-Owned Gold Bullion Is Important

The market for gold bullion is highly sensitive, and counterfeit or substandard gold could be out there.

Therefore, ensuring that every piece of gold bullion is authentic, properly weighed, and tested for purity is essential. This process not only protects buyers but also maintains the integrity of the precious metals resale market.

Step 1: Weighing the Gold Bullion

One of the first tests we performs on pre-owned gold bullion is weighing the product.

Every type of bullion – whether it’s a bar or a coin – has a specific standard weight based on its purity and size.

Gold coins, for example, are typically weighed in grams or troy ounces, with a standard 1 troy ounce gold coins being weighed at 31.1035 grams per troy ounce.

Why Weight Matters

Weight is one of the most straightforward indicators of authenticity.

Gold is a dense metal, and any deviation from the expected weight can indicate impurities or the presence of counterfeit materials. At Tavex, we uses precision scales that are calibrated regularly to ensure accurate measurements.

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In Stock

1oz British Britannia Gold Coin 2025

We sell 1+ £2,113.86 2047.24 2047,24 2047.24 2047,24 2047.24 2047,24 2113.86 2113,86 2112.83 2112,83 2109.73 2109,73

We sell £2,109.73 2047.24 2047,24 2047.24 2047,24 2047.24 2047,24 2113.86 2113,86 2112.83 2112,83 2109.73 2109,73

We buy £2,047.24

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Common Weight Issues

Occasionally, weight discrepancies arise, either due to wear and tear on older coins or intentional tampering. If the weight is even slightly off from the expected target, further tests are immediately performed.

Step 2: Testing with the GVS Bullion Tester (Magnetic Scale)

Once the weight is verified, we use the GVS Bullion Tester. This is a magnetic scale designed specifically for testing precious metals like gold.

The GVS Bullion Tester applies magnetic fields to detect non-gold materials within the bullion.

How the GVS Bullion Tester Works

The GVS Bullion Tester operates by measuring how the bullion reacts to a magnetic field

Gold is a non-magnetic metal, so if the bullion reacts to the magnetic field in any way, it could indicate the presence of other metals, suggesting it may not be pure gold.

Accuracy of Magnetic Testing

This method is highly accurate and efficient, as it can identify the presence of base metals that are sometimes used to make counterfeit gold items.

If any discrepancies are found or some things seem off, further testing is conducted to confirm the purity and authenticity of the gold.

Step 3: Additional Tests When Values Don’t Match

If the weight or magnetic test results fall short of the standard values, we will do further tests to ensure that the bullion is either confirmed as pure or identified as compromised.

These additional tests can include chemical tests, measurements with a digital vernier caliper, or even cutting the bullion in half for a more invasive examination.

a) Chemical Test for Gold Purity

If the bullion’s weight or magnetic properties do not align with the expected standards, we may conducts a chemical test, also known as an acid test.

The acid test determines whether the gold is genuine by applying nitric acid to a small scratch on the surface of the gold. If the item is real gold, the acid will not affect it. If it’s fake or made from a less pure metal, the acid will cause a visible reaction.

In this test, different strengths of nitric acid are applied depending on the karat level of the gold. The result is quick and provides a reliable indication of the gold’s purity.

b) Measuring Coins with a Digital Vernier Caliper

For gold coins, we will use a digital vernier caliper to measure the coin’s thickness and diameter with extreme precision

Gold coins have strict dimensional standards, and any variation from the expected size can indicate tampering or counterfeit production.

Coins can sometimes wear down over time, leading to minor size discrepancies. However, a digital vernier caliper provides precise measurements that help verify if the coin is still within acceptable limits or if additional tests are required to confirm its authenticity.

c) Cutting the Bullion in Half

In extreme cases where other methods do not provide conclusive results, we may cut the gold bullion in half to inspect its internal composition. This is generally a last resort, as it damages the bullion, but it is the most definitive way to ensure that the bullion is made entirely of gold and not a composite material.

Cutting bullion in half is invasive and is only performed when all other methods fail to provide clear results

It’s used as a final test to reveal any internal metal cores or layers that might indicate tampering.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Tavex, testing procedures are part of a broader commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and authenticity in the gold bullion market.

By employing multiple testing methods, from weighing to chemical analysis, we ensures that every piece of gold bullion we buy or sell is genuine and meets industry standards.

In Stock

2.5g Valcambi Suisse Gold Bullion Bar

We sell 1+ £192.86 164.56 164,56 164.56 164,56 164.56 164,56 192.86 192,86 191.19 191,19 189.53 189,53

We sell £189.53 164.56 164,56 164.56 164,56 164.56 164,56 192.86 192,86 191.19 191,19 189.53 189,53

We buy £164.56

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With the rise of counterfeit gold bullion in the market, consumers need assurance that they are purchasing real, high-quality gold. Our rigorous testing procedures offer buyers peace of mind, knowing that every piece of gold bullion has undergone comprehensive scrutiny.

Key Takeaways

We always ensure we goes above and beyond to ensure that every piece of pre-owned gold bullion they resell is authentic and of high quality.

From initial weight checks to advanced testing with the GVS Bullion Tester, our multi-step process guarantees that only the best bullion reaches the hands of their customers.

If any discrepancies are found during testing, additional measures like chemical assays, vernier caliper measurements, or cutting the bullion in half are taken to confirm the gold’s purity.