Learn How To Distinguish Authentic Gold

There are different reasons why people collect and invest in precious metals. Generally, precious metals are naturally occurring metallic element. They are rare finds. Gold, silver, platinum and palladium are some of the samples of the precious metals. Gold is the most popular compared to others. Since gold is a famous choice among collectors and investors alike, there are people who produce fake coins to make instant profit. If you are like the many who wish to buy gold, here are ways on how to distinguish a fake from a genuine kind.

Bite Test
Gold is fairly speaking very soft. Back in the old days, merchants would bite on gold coins to make sure that the coin is pure metal. Coins before the 20th Century are most of the time made of pure Gold. You would actually see the markings of your teeth whenever you bite a pure gold coin. If markings are not evident or simply if you could not bite the coin, it is not pure because there are other added metals on it which makes it harder. Having said that, do not just look at the appearance of a gold coin. Try to bite it to see if it is soft or hard to bite.

Check The Hallmark
Hallmarking stamped on the metal is one of the definite characteristics of gold to notify the owner the true karat weight of it. The price of gold is dependent on the number of karats of gold. However, the absence of hallmark on a gold piece doesn't mean that the gold is not authentic. There are just some gold coins who have markings to prove their authenticity and it is good for the first time buyers .

Examine The General Characteristics
If you are buying something especially a precious commodity, you will find yourself becoming detail oriented. The same with gold, you are very particular with all the details like the year it was minted, the image featured on the coin and the weight of the gold. Also you will be well acquainted with the over-all characteristics of the gold if you have a particular gold in mind. As a result, You will surely have second thoughts whenever you see Krugerrand being misspelled.
 Validate The Legitimacy Of The Seller
One of the easiest ways to determine if the gold is authentic or not is simply by checking the legitimacy of the seller. You can ask him or her simple questions about the product he or she is selling. Research on the answers before buying it. Expect a lot of smiles and charisma, but don't ever fall easily on it. You can actually research on the person or the company using the internet to find out his or her or the company's background. Check out the former clients and their feedbacks and commentaries. Moreover, to be sure that they are following the laws of gold and trade, check if they are a member of an accredited group.

Scratch Test
You can make a little scratch on the gold piece using a small file. Pick a concealable spot. Apply nitric acid using a dropper. If no change is evident, it means that the gold is real. If you see green color into the scratch damage, then perhaps it is gold plated.

It is important to be wise when dealing with gold. Examine the gold piece and your source. Do not be easily fooled. There might be illegitimate company that may come your way and try to fake you. Don't forget to check out their company. Ask questions. If buying gold, consider the tips above and you will not be sorry. Gold is a valuable metal and it is only prudent that you get what your money is worth.