How to Tell if a 1 oz Gold Bar Is Real

Authentic gold bars have consistent color, clean edges, and sharp stamping. Look for the refiner's logo, weight marking, purity, and serial number. Compare against images from the refiner's website to check for inconsistencies.

Counterfeits sometimes have blurry text, uneven surfaces, or incorrect font styles. However, sophisticated fakes can look convincing to the untrained eye, so visual inspection alone is not definitive.

A genuine 1 oz gold bar weighs exactly 31.1035 grams. Use a precision scale accurate to at least 0.01 grams. Deviations beyond manufacturing tolerance (typically within 0.05g) are red flags. Understanding gold purity standards helps you know what to expect from genuine bars.

Check dimensions against the refiner's specifications. Gold's high density makes it difficult to replicate the correct weight at the correct size with cheaper metals. However, tungsten has similar density, so weight alone does not guarantee authenticity.

Bars from major refiners come in tamper-evident packaging with assay cards. Intact packaging suggests (but does not prove) authenticity. Serial numbers on the bar should match the assay card.

Some refiners offer online verification. PAMP's Veriscan technology, for example, allows authentication through their app. Check if your bar's refiner offers similar services.

For certainty, professional testing is available. XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzers can verify gold content non-destructively. Specific gravity testing compares density against known values. Reputable dealers and some coin shops offer these services.

If you are concerned about a bar's authenticity, professional testing is worth the modest cost. It provides documentation that can also support future resale. Understanding how gold bars are made can also help you recognize genuine products.

The best protection against counterfeits is buying from reputable sources. Established dealers stake their reputation on authenticity and typically verify products before selling. The risk increases dramatically with unknown sellers or too-good prices.

If a deal seems unusually favorable, be skeptical. Counterfeiters target bargain hunters. Paying market price from a known dealer is far safer than saving a few dollars on a questionable source.