Avoiding Fake Gold Bars

Gold bars are a popular way to store wealth, but they are also a favorite target for counterfeiters. Fake gold bars often look convincing at first glance but give themselves away through size, weight, and packaging details. In this guide, we’ll show you what to watch for when avoiding counterfeit gold bars and how to protect your investment.

How Fake Gold Bars Are Made

Scammers often use cheaper metals like tungsten or copper, plating them with a thin layer of gold. Because tungsten has a similar density to gold, counterfeiters can fool buyers who don’t check dimensions carefully.

Signs of Fake Gold Bars

1. Wrong Size and Thickness
   A real gold bar has precise dimensions for its weight. Fake gold bars are usually thicker and larger than genuine ones because they are filled with less-dense metals.
   
   Red Flag: If the bar feels bulky or looks oversized compared to its stated weight, it’s likely fake.
   
   
2. Incorrect Weight
   Even slight deviations in weight can signal a problem. A 1 oz bar should weigh almost exactly 31.1 grams. Counterfeit bars often come in just under or over this mark.
   
   Red Flag: Always use a precise scale to check.
   
   
3. Poor Packaging or Seals
   Trusted refiners and mints seal their bars in tamper-evident packaging with serial numbers and assay cards. Counterfeits often lack these features or use fake seals.
   
   Red Flag: Missing assay cards, damaged packaging, or mismatched serial numbers.
   
   
4. Fake Hallmarks and Logos
   Scammers copy mint logos but often miss fine details. Genuine hallmarks are sharp and clear, while fake stamps may look blurry, uneven, or shallow.
   
   Red Flag: Logos that don’t match the mint’s official design.

How to Protect Yourself

• Buy from trusted dealers: Stick to LBMA-accredited refiners and reputable sellers.
• Know the specs: Learn the correct weight and dimensions for common bar sizes.
• Use simple tests: Magnet checks, calipers, and scales can reveal fakes quickly.
• Get professional verification: When in doubt, ask a dealer to test your bar with XRF or ultrasound.

Key Takeaways

• Fake gold bars are often thicker and larger than authentic bars.
• Counterfeits reveal themselves through incorrect size, weight, packaging, or hallmarks.
• Protect yourself by buying from trusted sources and verifying specs with simple tools.