Are there fake krugerrands? : Yes, there are (a lot off) fake Krugerrands. False Krugerrands have been produced and manufactured in China for a number of years. And even non-genuine gold Krugerrands are plagiarized gold rounds not produced by the original manufacturer. It is quite possible to find gold Krugerrands for lower prices through private sales, but there is a risk of ending up with a fake. You can’t tell a fake krugerrand just with a picture. The easiest way to check is to find the weight and its volume and see if the ping test adds up to what it should be
how much does a fake krugerrand weigh? The counterfeit Krugerrand can deviate from the 33.93 grams weight; it can register at 33.91 grams for exemple. The dimensions are also strikingly similar, albeit with the imitation being marginally slimmer. It’s essential to underscore the significance of a Krugerrand’s weight in validating its authenticity—it should fall within a 0.1-gram range of the specified weight mentioned earlier. To ensure a precise weight measurement, it must be assessed using a scale that measures in increments of one-tenth of a gram. For example, a Krugerrand weights 33,9303 g (or 1,0909 oz t), have a diameter of 32.77 mm and a thickness of 2.84 mm. These parameters (thickness especially) can vary a bit, so there’s always a margin of error.
The weight and size of a genuine Krugerrand
- A genuine Krugerrand weighs exactly 33.93 grams
- A genuine Krugerrand has a diameter of 32.77 mm
- A genuine Krugerrand has a thickness of 2.84 mm
It is important to note that these specifications are for the 1 oz Krugerrand, which is the most common size. Krugerrands are also available in 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz sizes, and each size has its own weight and size specifications
How to Ping Test a gold krugerrand
Krugs are especially great for ping tests, they make a beautiful sound easily analyses by an App. To perform this test, I simply balanced the coin on the tip of my finger and gently tapped it using the metal end of a pencil eraser holder. The copper content in coins gives them that distinctive ringing sound, which is quite fascinating. This test can quite reliably indicate a genuine coin, provided the weight and size are correct. The sound alone is not sufficient to guarantee a coin’s authenticity. The combination of measuring, weighing, and pinging provides a more conclusive assessment of the coin’s authenticity.
Please report the measurements and ping test results here in comment, even if you suspect the Krugerrand is fake. Collective knowledge of how fakes respond to these tests can be valuable for identifying counterfeit coins. Smartphone apps for ping tests are available at affordable prices, making it accessible for most individuals. Keep in mind that while the pattern may indicate a counterfeit, it is not a conclusive diagnostic test.
How to spot a fake krugerrand.
To test a Krugerrand for authenticity, follow these steps:
- Measure (Calipers): Use a pair of calipers to measure the dimensions of the Krugerrand. Ensure that the diameter and thickness closely match the specifications for a genuine Krugerrand.
- Weigh (Jewelry Scale): Place the Krugerrand on a jewelry scale that is accurate to at least one-centh of a gram. Record the weight and verify that it falls within a 0.01-gram range of the expected weight for a genuine Krugerrand, which is exactly 33.93 grams.
- Ping Test (Smartphone Audio Spectrum Analyzer App): Utilize a smartphone audio spectrum analyzer app to perform a ping test. Gently tap the Krugerrand with a non-abrasive object and observe the resulting sound waves on the app. A genuine Krugerrand should produce a distinct and unique ping due to its metal composition. Take note of the audio signature.
Fake krugerrands in tungsten.
Do fake krugerrand tungsten exist? Very good fake Krugerrands have been produced and manufactured in China for a number of years, since 2010. Some fake Krugerrands are made mostly with a core of tungsten and gold plated. The weight of a tungsten fake Krugerrand can be almost the same as a genuine Krugerrand with the same measures. However, if a Krugerrand is significantly lighter or heavier than one ounce, then it has likely been tampered with and should not be trusted. It is important to note that metals with a density comparable to gold that could be used to make a fake coin correct in both weight and size are the platinum group metals and tungsten. The price of the platinum group metals precludes their use. Like all 22 kt. gold coin, a tungsten fake Krugerrand can have correct diameter, weight and thickness.
Modern laser scanning technology and computer-assisted design and manufacturing advancements have empowered individuals to replicate genuine gold bullion coins like the 1 oz Krugerrand. These replicas feature a thick gold electroplated exterior (1.5 grams of gold) covering a tungsten core, resulting in counterfeit coins that match the precise measurements and weight of authentic Maple Leafs. These high-quality counterfeits exhibit intricate details on par with those produced by official mints. Remarkably, they are often available in Asian markets for approximately $300.00 USD, despite containing only about $65.00 worth of gold in their outer layer. It’s important to recognize that these counterfeits are meticulously crafted with the intention to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.
To ascertain the authenticity of this coin, they conducted a “ping test.” In this procedure, the coin is struck, and the resulting sound is observed. If the dimensions and weight match those of a genuine Krugerrand and the coin emits a clear and crisp sound, it is considered authentic. In contrast, coins with tungsten cores produce a dull and muted sound.
The same holds true for other widely recognized bullion coins and bars, such as the 22 kt (.9166) American Gold Eagles and Krugerrands. In these cases, the specific gravity of the sintered tungsten core is merely lowered through the addition of copper and nickel.
Krugerrand vs fake krugerrand tungsten.
The level of detail on both appears identical. However, it’s important to note that the thickness of the item is insufficient for the use of tungsten without causing noticeable warping. Tungsten is significantly harder than gold and would likely exhibit some irregularities if used in this manner. This is one reason why coins are generally considered more difficult to counterfeit than gold bars, as the process of striking coins with a tungsten core could lead to the core breaking or showing signs of tampering.
High quality Tungsten fakes are not traditionally made using casting or forging methods; instead, they employ powdered-metal technology. For instance, in the production of 22 kt. krugerrand coins (917/1000), tungsten is combined with copper and nickel to create the coin’s core. When this core is coated with 40 microns of high-purity gold through electroplating, it frequently passes most specific gravity tests.
Gold possesses a specific gravity of 19.30, while tungsten has a specific gravity of 19.25. Consequently, when a tungsten core is thinly plated with gold, the weight remains accurate to within approximately 0.3%.
This fake krugerrand Is made the correct weight and thickness and diameter. Real The 22 kt Krugerrands are crafted from a combination of gold and copper. In this context, copper has a lower specific gravity compared to gold so the specific gravity of the sintered tungsten core is merely lowered through the addition of copper and nickel. Give me gravity of copper comparing to gold. Copper has a lower specific gravity compared to gold. Gold has a specific gravity of approximately 19.32 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), while copper has a lower specific gravity of around 8.96 g/cm³. This means that a given volume of gold is significantly denser and heavier than the same volume of copper.
NO working method to detect tungsten fake gold krugerrand.
Can counterfeit gold coins made of tungsten successfully evade gravity test?
Yes, indeed. Tungsten-based counterfeits have managed to outsmart not only the specific gravity tests but also the electrical conductivity examinations. This has been a significant concern in the precious metals industry for the past decade, with a history of fraudulent practices likely spanning even further back.
The specific gravity of tungsten and gold is nearly indistinguishable, with values typically cited as 19.25 for tungsten and 19.32 for gold. This subtle distinction allows for the creation of gold-plated tungsten core coins that can successfully navigate most specific gravity tests. Tungsten items are not crafted through conventional casting or forging methods; instead, powdered-metal technology is employed. In the case of 22 kt. krugerrand (917/1000) coins, tungsten is blended with copper and nickel to form a coin core. When this core is electroplated with 40 microns of high-purity gold, it can often pass the majority of specific gravity tests.
Gold possesses a specific gravity of 19.30, while tungsten boasts a specific gravity of 19.25. As a result, when a tungsten core is coated with a thin layer of gold, the weight remains accurate to within approximately 0.3%.
In reference to spectrometer analyzers, particularly the mass spectrometer, it’s important to note that their capability is primarily limited to analyzing the surface of a given material. Detecting high-quality counterfeit items poses various challenges, often necessitating the use of specialized and costly equipment such as Sigma Metalytics® machines, which can exceed $600 in cost. Additionally, ultrasonic test machines, priced around $100, require a certain level of skill for effective operation, as do XRF machines, which come with a hefty price tag of about $12,000. Even the application of comparative sonic signature analysis demands a considerable degree of expertise. The question arises: can these methods reliably detect heavily plated items with 999 fine gold?
Typically, when employing XRF readings on most spectrometer analyzers, the results tend to suggest that the forgery falls within the range of 22.85 carats to 23 carats. However, intriguingly, discrepancies arise when scanning different areas on both the obverse and reverse sides of the coin. Here, readings can vary significantly, spanning from 15 carats to 23 carats. The latest “Delta” spectrometer analyzer has introduced a noteworthy alert: “Gold Coating possible. Investigate. Plating Alert.” This leads us to a crucial conclusion—that even the data obtained from an XRF spectrometer reading may not serve as the definitive solution for establishing authenticity. Therefore, an extremely cautious approach is recommended, and thorough visual inspections are imperative to determine the true nature of the item in question. In summary, exercising utmost caution is strongly advised in such situations.
In situations where individuals need to authenticate gold without resorting to destructive methods, they often turn to ultrasonic testing to detect any variations in the composition of the coin. However, it’s important to note that even this method may not always reliably uncover tungsten-based counterfeit gold coins, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated nature of such forgeries.
Real Gold Fake Krugerrand.
Do they really exist? The specimen depicted in the video, despite being referred to as “fake,” is in fact composed of authentic 22k gold, adhering precisely to the composition of a genuine Krugerrand—22 parts gold and 2 parts copper. This counterfeit coin has demonstrated the ability to successfully pass a comprehensive battery of tests, including but not limited to the ping test, weight verification, dimensional accuracy, specific gravity analysis, electromagnetic evaluations, and electrical conductivity assessments. Remarkably, it complies with all these criteria, even withstanding the scrutiny of a rigorous laboratory-grade metallurgical assay aimed at confirming its elemental composition.
Nonetheless, the individual featured in the video remains steadfast in their assertion that the coin is counterfeit, primarily citing a perceived discrepancy in its coloration. An additional argument advanced is the purported lack of sharpness in the coin’s design, which can be reasonably attributed to wear on the coin die and subtle variances between Krugerrand editions produced in 1978 and 2008. Naturally, the initial coin minted will exhibit crisper detailing than the subsequent ones, and the replacement of coin dies is necessitated by their gradual deterioration over time.
Subsequent to viewing the aforementioned video, one may be inclined to suspect that the aforementioned individual was the one who potentially misled their customer into liquidating the coins at their scrap value. Krugerrands, given their minimal premium over their intrinsic metal value, are known to trade closely to scrap prices, rendering such an endeavor somewhat futile.
Should a counterfeiter seek to produce facsimiles of these coins for illicit financial activities, it is plausible that they would opt for casting methods rather than minting. Casting offers a more cost-effective alternative compared to minting, which demands substantial investments in tooling. Although there may be subtle visual distinctions that hint at the manufacturing technique employed, the video in question lacks any concrete photographic evidence, and the coins have conveniently been subjected to melting down, obfuscating the authenticity verification process.
Consider the following perspective: If one were to invest the considerable effort, resources, and high-precision minting technologies required to create counterfeit coins using authentic gold, it would be counterintuitive to target Krugerrands. Instead, it would be more sensible to focus on rare and vintage coins boasting substantial numismatic premiums. This rationale is underscored by the proliferation of genuine gold counterfeits bearing fabricated PCGS gradings and casings, predominantly associated with antiquated U.S. coinage, among other examples.
In light of these considerations, it seems apt to characterize these items as “non-genuine” rather than strictly “fake” or “counterfeit” since they are indeed composed of the identical alloy as their legitimate counterparts. The distinctions arise from variances in the quality of minting and, consequently, the perceived coloration. In summary, these disparities in coloration and minting quality have emerged as key indicators for distinguishing these non-genuine Krugerrands.
I’ve carefully reviewed this video. I believe the coin is genuine.
It’s worth noting that Krugerrands have undergone several design modifications throughout their history, and the minting process has not always been consistently managed by a single entity, leading to occasional quality variations. Furthermore, the alloy used in these coins can naturally tarnish over time and may be influenced by environmental factors. It’s plausible that third parties could gain access to the dies, or perhaps the night shift may operate the presses during the boss’s absence – one can only speculate.
My question is, what specific criteria have you employed to determine definitively that this particular coin is counterfeit? Your assertion that it’s a fake made from genuine gold adhering to precise specifications and composition raises questions about the testing method that led to this conclusion. As of now, it seems increasingly likely that this coin is, in fact, genuine, and you may have inadvertently convinced yourself otherwise. It’s challenging to fathom because a counterfeiter would invest substantial efforts in replicating a coin with such remarkable precision that it becomes virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. What would be the motive behind such an endeavor, especially when the forgery contains the same type and quantity of precious metal? Considering the extensive time, energy, and financial resources required to replicate this coin, it’s plausible that the costs would surpass not just one coin but perhaps several. I’m genuinely intrigued by your rationale, as I find myself perplexed by the basis of your determination. Nevertheless, your video remains fascinating, and the coins are indeed remarkable. Take care.