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Fake Counterfeit Gold Coins On The Rise

Learn how to spot signs of a fake gold coin, use the ping test safely, and understand when professional testing is needed before buying or selling.

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How to Spot a Fake Gold Coin

As interest in buying gold has increased, more people are purchasing coins from private sellers, online marketplaces and unfamiliar dealers. Unfortunately, some customers later discover that the coins they bought are counterfeit or made from another metal.

One simple preliminary check is the gold coin ping test, sometimes called the flip test. It can help identify a suspicious coin, but it should never be used as the only test.

Listen to the Sound of the Coin

A genuine gold coin will often produce a clear, sustained ringing sound when gently flipped or tapped. A counterfeit or base-metal coin may produce a shorter, flatter or duller sound.

In the video below, you can hear the difference between a genuine gold coin and an imitation coin.

 
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Important: The sound can vary depending on the coin’s size, purity, design and condition. A convincing ring does not prove that a coin is genuine.

How Are Gold Coins Professionally Tested?

Professional authentication may involve several checks, including:

  • Checking the coin’s weight and dimensions
  • Inspecting the design, edge and surface details
  • Testing whether the coin reacts to a magnet
  • Comparing its density with the expected specification
  • Using professional precious-metal testing equipment
  • Carrying out XRF analysis where appropriate

For greater confidence, bring your coin to our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter showroom, where our experienced team can inspect and test it.

Tips for Buying Gold Coins Safely

Buy from an established dealer

Choose a reputable business with a permanent trading address, clear contact details and a proven trading history.

Ask for a detailed receipt

Your invoice should identify the seller and clearly describe the coin purchased. Keep all receipts, payment records and supporting documentation.

Request provenance from private sellers

When buying privately, ask where the coin came from and whether the seller has an original invoice, certificate or other evidence of purchase.

Be cautious of unusually low prices

Compare the asking price with the live gold value and normal dealer premiums. If a coin is being offered substantially below its expected value, carefully investigate why.

Check the coin before paying

Confirm the expected weight, dimensions, purity and design. Where possible, arrange for professional testing before completing the purchase.

Buy and Sell Gold Coins with Lois Bullion

Lois Bullion buys and sells selected gold coins and bars. We also purchase unwanted gold jewellery and other precious-metal items.

You can visit our Birmingham showroom for an in-person assessment, or use our free insured seller pack to send eligible items securely by Royal Mail Special Delivery.

Before selling, you can also use our live gold calculator to estimate the value of your items based on current prices.

Get an instant valuation

Use our live scrap calculator to estimate your payout, then choose the selling method that suits you best.

Step 1

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Step 2

Request your free insured seller pack

Your free seller pack is on its way

Your free seller pack should arrive within 1 working day. Follow the enclosed instructions to send your items securely.

Once we receive your items, our experts will test and value them, then contact you with an offer.

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How It Works

We will send you a pre-paid envelope with instructions on how to send us your items safely.

How the free seller pack works How the free seller pack works
  • Place your precious metals and jewellery into the pre-paid envelope (insured up to £2,500).
  • Take your pre-paid envelope to the Post Office to send the parcel via Royal Mail Special Delivery. Make sure to get proof of your postage.
  • Once received at Lois our experts will test your items and give you a call or email with the price for your parcel. Once accepted you will be provided with a same day payment.
  • Pre-paid postage fee of £9.00 per pack will be deducted from the final payment.

Visit our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter showroom

Prefer a face-to-face valuation? Visit our Jewellery Quarter showroom for a transparent in-person valuation, secure parking and immediate payment. No appointment needed.

Plan your visit

Secure Jewellery Quarter showroom
Bring valuables to a permanent trading address.
Free private parking
Park on-site instead of carrying items through busy streets.
Opening hours
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Sunday Today Closed

Take a 360° Tour of Our Birmingham Gold Shop

Take a 360° virtual tour of our Birmingham Gold Shop before you visit.

Visit our Birmingham Gold Shop →

How to Find Our Free Parking

Watch our short guide showing how to find the free customer parking entrance. The entrance is to the left of our showroom, just before Subway and close to the Chamberlain Clock.

Revised 13 July 2026 Published 6 July 2022 Written by Lois Bullion Editorial Team

Best Prices Paid In the UK !

We buy gold, silver & jewellery! At Lois Bullion, we transform your scrap into cash. With the best prices paid in the UK, it's time to dust off those old treasures and give them a new lease on life.

Simply order a FREE seller pack from our website www.lois-bullion.com. It includes a pre-paid insured envelope for up to £2,500 and step-by-step instructions to send your items securely to us.

We've already disbursed over £180 million to our happy clients, and your precious items could be next in line for a generous payout.

  • Turn Scrap into Cash
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  • Paid out £180 million+
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41 Frederick St
Birmingham West Midlands B1 3HN United Kingdom
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