Precious metals intelligence

Counterfeit Gold Detection

Counterfeit gold ranges from obvious gilding to sophisticated tungsten-cored bars. Layered checks catch nearly all retail-grade fakes.

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Dimensions and weight

Genuine bullion hits published specs within tight tolerances. A calibrated scale and digital caliper catch most amateur fakes immediately.

Magnetic and ping

Gold is non-magnetic. A neodymium magnet exposes ferrous contamination. The "ping test" — striking the coin and listening to the resonance — distinguishes gold ring from base-metal thud for sovereign coins.

Ultrasonic and electronic

Sigma Metalytics and similar precious-metal verifiers use electromagnetic conductivity to detect tungsten cores and plated fakes. For larger purchases, this gear pays for itself fast.

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Dealer reference

Check the quote beyond spot.

Use these disclosed references for product premium, buyback bid, payment fee, shipping, and storage checks. Dashboard notes stay independent.

Disclosure

APMEX

Broad bullion catalog

Coins, bars, and market references.

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JM Bullion

Retail bullion pricing

Useful for comparing product premiums.

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SD Bullion

Dealer quote check

Good for bid, ask, and spread discipline.

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Money Metals

Bullion and storage context

Useful for physical-market terms.

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Sponsored/affiliate links may earn commission. Confirm dealer terms, taxes, shipping, storage, and account fit before using a quote.

Data and financial disclosure

MetalBrief publishes market information, tools, indicators, and educational context, not account-specific investment, legal, tax, or financial advice. FX conversions, macro proxies, headlines, RSI, support, resistance, and opportunity scores are derived unless labeled as market data.