Calculation | Value |
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Total Weight | 0.00 g |
Pure Metal Content | 0.00 g |
Estimated Purity (%) | 0.00% |
Full Spot Value | $0.00 |
Liquidity Value | $0.00 |
Payout | $0.00 |
Margin | $0.00 |
Margin as % of Payout | 0.00% |
This calculator provides estimates. Actual values may vary.
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Welcome to our comprehensive Reference Guide – your one-stop resource for modern bullion products and refining insights. Explore detailed information on precious metals across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. We break down each product’s total weight, purity, and net metal content, covering everything from government‑minted coins and private refinery bars to historic collectible coins. Additionally, our guide dives into the technical processes behind refining, including assay methods, industry purity standards, and sustainable recovery practices, helping you stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
Karat jewelry represents a unique intersection between investment-grade precious metals and wearable art. Unlike bullion—which is valued solely for its high purity and weight—karat jewelry must balance gold content with durability, intricate design, and superior craftsmanship. This makes its valuation more complex, as both the metal’s intrinsic value and the aesthetic or brand premium come into play.
In summary, understanding karat jewelry means appreciating both its intrinsic gold value and the added premium for design and artistry. A multi‑method testing approach—including visual, chemical, and electronic tests—ensures you accurately assess a piece’s true worth, helping you make confident, informed decisions whether you’re buying over the counter, as a collector, or as part of a side business.
Refining converts lower-purity or mixed-metal scrap into high-purity bullion. Modern refineries employ a combination of traditional and advanced techniques, including:
These methods are often used in sequence to optimize throughput and purity: smelting concentrates the metal, chemical processes dissolve and separate it, and electrorefining produces market-ready high-purity bullion.
Refined precious metals are held to strict purity standards established by industry bodies such as the LBMA, ASTM, and ISO. For example:
Regulatory bodies such as LBMA, ASTM (e.g., ASTM B562 for gold, ASTM B413 for silver), and ISO (e.g., ISO 24018 for 1kg gold bars) help standardize these processes and ensure that assay results are consistent and trustworthy.
Refiners recover precious metals from a variety of scrap sources – such as jewelry filings, dental scrap, electronic waste, and catalytic converters – and calculate payouts based on the net recoverable metal.
Understanding these details helps ensure transparency in transactions and that you’re paid fairly for the material submitted for refining.
Modern precious metals refining is not only about achieving high purity; it’s also evolving to be more efficient and sustainable. Key innovations include:
These advancements not only enhance metal recovery and purity but also significantly reduce the environmental footprint of refining operations.
When buying gold or other precious metals, ensuring authenticity and accurate purity is paramount. A combination of tests helps you verify that you’re getting genuine metal. Below is a comprehensive guide that explains the science behind each method, practical usage tips, and strategies to mitigate risk and maximize profit.
The Science Behind It: A jeweler’s loupe (usually 10x magnification) lets you inspect an item for clear hallmark stamps and quality engravings. Genuine gold items have consistent markings (such as “10K”, “14K”, “585”, or “750”) and display the expected color and heft. Although the “feel” or perceived density is subjective and develops with experience, it remains a valuable initial indicator.
Practical Application: Begin with a visual examination. Use your loupe to find hallmarks in inconspicuous areas (like the inside of a ring or the back of a pendant). Note any signs of plating, uneven finishes, or inconsistent markings.
Benefits: Quick, non-destructive, and low-cost. Limitations: Cannot confirm purity alone; counterfeiters can mimic markings. Rely on experience and use this test as a first step.
The Science Behind It: Gold and silver are non‑magnetic. A strong neodymium magnet will not attract real gold, whereas ferromagnetic base metals (like iron or nickel) will be drawn to the magnet. The magnet slide test uses eddy currents: when a magnet is slid down a non‑magnetic surface against a genuine gold or silver item, the induced eddy currents create a magnetic counter force that slows the magnet’s slide.
Practical Application: Bring a strong magnet close to the item. If it sticks, the item likely contains non‑gold metals. For flat coins or bars, perform a slide test by gently sliding the magnet down a smooth surface; a slow, controlled descent suggests the proper conductivity of genuine metal.
Benefits: Fast, non-destructive, and inexpensive. Limitations: Non-magnetic counterfeits (e.g., brass, copper, or tungsten-based items) will pass a simple magnet test, so the slide test is important for further verification.
The Science Behind It: This classic method depends on the chemical reactivity of metals. A small amount of gold is rubbed onto a dark testing stone. Acid solutions, calibrated for specific karats, are then applied. Pure gold is inert and resists the acid, whereas alloy metals in lower-karat gold react and dissolve.
Practical Application: Lightly file an inconspicuous spot on the item to expose the true metal. Rub the item on a touchstone to leave a streak, then apply drops of acid (starting with a weaker solution for 10K, then moving to 14K, etc.) to bracket the item’s true purity.
Benefits: Inexpensive and provides a qualitative measure of purity. Limitations: It’s slightly destructive (leaves a minor scratch) and requires careful handling of acids, which can degrade over time.
The Science Behind It: Electronic testers measure a metal’s electrical conductivity, which correlates with its alloy composition. A handheld probe applies a small electrical current; based on Ohm’s law, the resulting resistance indicates the metal’s purity. Gold, being highly conductive, shows characteristic readings that vary with karat.
Practical Application: After filing a small area to remove plating, place the probe on the item. The device quickly displays the karat value (e.g., 14K or 18K). It’s an ideal non-destructive alternative to acid testing, especially for items where you want to avoid chemical exposure.
Benefits: Fast, non-destructive, and ideal for routine checks. Limitations: Works best on gold and platinum only; it cannot test silver. Results can be skewed by surface plating if not properly prepared, and regular calibration is required.
The Science Behind It: XRF analyzers emit high-energy X-rays that excite the atoms in a sample, causing them to emit secondary (fluorescent) X-rays at characteristic energies. By measuring these energies and intensities, the device determines the elemental composition of the item.
Practical Application: Place the item on the analyzer’s window (or use a handheld unit) and run a scan, which typically takes about 30 seconds. The device then provides a breakdown of the percentages of gold, silver, copper, and other elements present, helping you confirm the item’s claimed purity.
Benefits: Highly accurate and non-destructive; it provides a detailed composition analysis. Limitations: Only tests the surface (about 1 mm deep), so thick plating can mask the core material. XRF units are expensive and require proper calibration and training.
The Science Behind It: The Sigma PMV uses a high-frequency electromagnetic field to induce eddy currents within the item. It then measures the metal’s resistivity and compares the result to preset profiles (such as “Gold 22K” or “Sterling Silver”). This method assesses the bulk properties of the metal, rather than just the surface.
Practical Application: Place a coin or small bar on the sensor pad, select the appropriate preset, and let the device quickly indicate whether the item’s internal composition matches the expected profile.
Benefits: Fast and non-destructive, it is particularly effective for detecting items with a fake core or inconsistent alloy. Limitations: It provides a pass/fail result without an exact purity value and requires the correct profile to be selected. It is best used in conjunction with other tests.
The Science Behind It: Based on Archimedes’ principle, this method measures density by comparing an item’s weight in air to its weight when submerged in water. Genuine gold has a known density (approximately 19.3 g/cc), so deviations can indicate a fake or a different metal.
Practical Application: Weigh the item in air, then submerge it in water and measure the apparent weight loss. Calculate the density and compare it to standard values for gold or silver. This method is most effective for uniform items like coins or bars.
Benefits: Non-destructive and based on a fundamental physical property. Limitations: It requires precise measurements and a controlled setup. Items with complex shapes or inclusions (like stones) may give misleading results. Additionally, metals like tungsten have densities close to gold, so this test should be used alongside others.
The Science Behind It: When struck, coins and bars vibrate at characteristic frequencies that depend on their density and elasticity. Gold and silver produce a clear, sustained ringing sound, whereas base metals tend to emit a dull thud.
Practical Application: Gently tap or “ping” the item—either manually or using a dedicated tester or smartphone app—to listen to its resonance. A genuine coin or bar should have a consistent tone that matches known standards for that metal.
Benefits: Quick, cost-effective, and completely non-destructive. Limitations: The test is somewhat subjective if relying solely on your ear. Ambient noise or minor differences in alloy composition may affect the sound. It is best used as an initial screening tool in combination with other methods.
No single test is foolproof. Here’s how to integrate these methods effectively:
By carefully integrating these methods, you can confidently verify the authenticity and purity of gold and other precious metals—ensuring you pay a fair price and avoid costly mistakes, whether you’re buying over the counter, collecting as a hobby, or pursuing a side business.
Product Name | Mint/Origin | Weight | Purity | Net Gold Content | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Gold Eagle (1 oz) | United States Mint | ~1.0909 troy oz total | 22k ≈ 91.67% | 1.000 troy oz Au | Introduced 1986. Fractionals: 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 oz. |
American Gold Buffalo (1 oz) | United States Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .9999 (24k) | 1.000 troy oz Au | First 24k gold coin from US (2006). Buffalo nickel design. |
South African Krugerrand | Rand Refinery (S.A.) | ~1.0909 troy oz total | 22k ≈ 91.67% | 1.000 troy oz Au | Began 1967. The original modern gold bullion coin. Fractionals exist. |
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | Royal Canadian Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .9999 (24k) | 1.000 troy oz Au | Launched 1979. Fractionals: 1/2, 1/4, 1/10, etc. |
British Gold Britannia | The Royal Mint (UK) |
~1.093 troy oz total (pre‑2013 22k) 1.000 troy oz total (2013+ .9999) |
.917 (pre‑2013) .9999 (24k) after 2013 |
1.000 troy oz Au | Debuted 1987. Fractionals available. Purity changed to .9999 in 2013. |
Austrian Gold Philharmonic | Austrian Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .9999 (24k) | 1.000 troy oz Au | Since 1989. Euro‑denominated. Fractionals: 1/2, 1/4, 1/10. |
Chinese Gold Panda | People’s Bank of China |
Pre‑2016: 1.000 troy oz 2016+: 30 g (~0.9645 oz) |
.999 (24k) | 1.000 oz or 30 g net Au (depends on year) | Annual Panda design. Fractionals: 1/2, 1/4, 1/10, etc. |
Australian Gold Kangaroo | Perth Mint (Australia) | 1.000 troy oz total | .9999 (24k) | 1.000 troy oz Au | Started 1986 as “Nugget.” Annual design changes, fractionals down to 1/20 oz. |
Mexican Gold Libertad | Casa de Moneda (Mexico) | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 (24k) | 1.000 troy oz Au | No face value (legal tender by weight). Fractionals: 1/2, 1/4, etc. |
British Gold Sovereign | The Royal Mint (UK) | ~0.256 troy oz total | 22k (~91.67%) | ~0.2354 troy oz Au | Minted since 1817. Half Sovereign ~0.1177 oz net gold. |
Product Name | Origin | Weight | Purity | Net Gold Content | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mexican 50 Peso (Centenario) | Mexico | ~41.67 g total (~1.339 troy oz) | .900 | ~1.2057 troy oz Au | Large gold coin minted 1921–1947 (often re‑struck). |
Pre‑1933 U.S. Double Eagle | U.S. Mint | ~1.075 troy oz total | .900 | ~0.9675 troy oz Au | “$20 Saint‑Gaudens” minted 1907–33. Historic collectible bullion. |
Latin Monetary Union 20 Francs | Europe (France, Swiss, etc.) | 6.45 g total (~0.207 troy oz) | .900 | ~0.1867 troy oz Au | E.g., French “Rooster,” Swiss “Vreneli.” Standard for LMU 20 Franc coins. |
Austria 100 Corona | Austrian Mint | ~1.0926 troy oz total | .900 | ~0.9803 troy oz Au | Often re‑struck with “1915” date. |
Austria 4 Ducat (restrike) | Austrian Mint | 13.96 g total (~0.449 troy oz) | .986 | ~0.4430 troy oz Au | Very thin, large diameter. “1915” restrikes are common. |
British Half‑Sovereign | The Royal Mint (UK) | ~0.129 troy oz total | 22k (~91.67%) | ~0.1177 troy oz Au | Smaller version of Sovereign. Typically 3.99 g total mass. |
Product Name | Refiner/Mint | Weight | Purity | Net Gold Content | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PAMP Suisse Bars | PAMP (Switzerland) | 1 g up to 1 kg total | .9999 | Matches labeled weight (1 oz, 100 g, etc.) | “Lady Fortuna” design & assay. LBMA recognized. |
Credit Suisse | Valcambi for Credit Suisse | 1 oz, 10 oz, etc. | .9999 | E.g. 1 oz bar yields 1 oz net Au | Classic Swiss bars, each with unique serial & certificate. |
Valcambi CombiBar | Valcambi (Switz.) | 50×1 g, 100×1 g, etc. | .9999 | E.g. 50 g bar = 50 g net Au | Breakable segments. LBMA accredited. |
Perth Mint Bars | Perth Mint (Australia) | 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg | .9999 | Net Au = labeled weight × .9999 | Govt mint. Kangaroo minted bars + cast bars. |
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) | RCM (Canada) | 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg | .9999 | Net Au = labeled weight | Serialized, advanced security. Maple leaf stamp. |
Johnson Matthey (vintage) | JM (historic) | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz | .9999 or .999 | Net Au = labeled size × purity | Discontinued brand. Highly regarded on secondary market. |
Engelhard (vintage) | Engelhard (USA) | 1 oz, 10 oz, etc. | .995 or .9999 | Net Au = labeled weight × purity | No longer produced. Collector premium for older bars. |
Argor-Heraeus | Argor-Heraeus (Switz.) | 1 g–1 kg minted/cast | .9999 | Net Au = label (e.g. 1 oz, 100 g) | LBMA Good Delivery. Sealed w/ official assay. |
Rand Refinery | Rand Refinery (S.A.) | 1 oz minted, etc. | .9999 or .995 | Net Au matches label | Known for Krugerrand blanks. Global brand recognition. |
Istanbul Gold Refinery (IGR) | IGR (Turkey) | 1 g–1 oz minted, 100 g cast | .9999 | Net Au = labeled size × purity | LBMA accredited. Tamper‑sealed assay packaging. |
Metalor | Metalor (Switz.) | 1 oz minted, 100 g, 1 kg cast | .9999 | Net = labeled weight | Major Swiss refiner, LBMA Good Delivery. |
Asahi Refining | Asahi (USA/Japan) | 1 oz minted, 100 oz cast | .9999 | Net Au = labeled bar weight | Former Johnson Matthey. LBMA recognized. |
Good Delivery 400 oz | Various LBMA refiners | ~350–430 oz range | ≥ .995 | ~400 oz net Au (depending on final weight) | Institutional standard bar (~12.4 kg). |
Product Name | Mint/Origin | Weight | Purity | Net Silver Content | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Silver Eagle | U.S. Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | Debuted 1986. $1 face. Most recognized U.S. silver coin. |
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | Royal Canadian Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .9999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | Began 1988. $5 CAD face. 4‑nines silver. |
British Silver Britannia | The Royal Mint (UK) | 1.000 troy oz total |
.958 pre‑2013 .999/.9999 after 2013 |
~1.000 troy oz Ag (post‑2013) | Introduced 1997. £2 face. Upgraded purity in 2013. |
Austrian Silver Philharmonic | Austrian Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | Began 2008. €1.50 face. Features orchestral instruments. |
South African Silver Krugerrand | Rand Refinery (S.A.) | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | Released 2017 for gold Krugerrand's 50th anniversary. |
Chinese Silver Panda | China Gold Coin Corp |
1.000 troy oz total (pre‑2016) 30 g after 2016 |
.999 | 1.000 oz or ~0.9645 oz (30 g) | 10 Yuan face. Annual panda design changes. |
Australian Silver Kangaroo | Perth Mint (Australia) | 1.000 troy oz total | .9999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | Began 2016. $1 AUD face. 4‑nines silver. |
Australian Silver Kookaburra | Perth Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 or .9999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | Annual kookaburra designs since 1990. $1 AUD face. |
Australian Silver Koala | Perth Mint | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 or .9999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | Began 2007. Koala motif changes yearly. |
Mexican Silver Libertad | Casa de Moneda (Mexico) | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | No face value, but legal tender by weight. Iconic Winged Victory design. |
Somali Silver Elephant | Bavarian State Mint (for Somalia) | 1.000 troy oz total | .9999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | African Wildlife Series. 100 Shillings face. |
Armenian Silver Noah’s Ark | Geiger Mint (for Armenia) | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 | 1.000 troy oz Ag | 500 Dram face. Began 2011. Depicts Mt. Ararat & Ark. |
Ukrainian Silver Archangel Michael | National Bank of Ukraine | 1.000 troy oz total | .999 (or .9999) | ~1.000 troy oz Ag | 1 Hryvnia face. Began 2011. Features Archangel Michael. |
Product Name | Weight | Purity | Net Silver Content | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. 90% Silver (pre‑1965) | $1 face ~0.715 troy oz total | .900 | $1 face ~0.6435 oz Ag | Dimes, quarters, halves minted 1964 & earlier. |
U.S. 40% Silver Halves (1965–1970) | $1 face ~0.295 troy oz total | .400 | $1 face ~0.118 oz Ag | Only Kennedy halves 1965–70. |
U.S. War Nickels (1942–45) | Each ~5.00 g (~0.161 troy oz) | .350 | ~0.056 oz Ag each | Mintmark over Monticello dome. 35% silver. |
Morgan Dollar (1878–1921) | ~26.73 g total (~0.859 troy oz) | .900 | ~0.7734 troy oz Ag | Iconic design by George T. Morgan. |
Peace Dollar (1921–1935) | ~26.73 g total (~0.859 troy oz) | .900 | ~0.7734 troy oz Ag | Followed Morgan. Same net silver ~0.7734 oz. |
1982 George Washington Silver Half | ~11.34 g (~0.365 troy oz) | .900 | ~0.3285 troy oz Ag | Modern commemorative half‑dollar. |
Product Name | Refiner/Mint | Weight | Purity | Net Silver Content | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Generic 1 oz Silver Rounds | Various Private Mints (USA) | 1 oz, 2 oz, etc. | .999 typically | Same as labeled weight × purity | Low premium. Often Buffalo or “Walking Liberty” motifs. |
PAMP Suisse Bars | PAMP (Switzerland) | 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg | .999 or .9999 | Net Ag = bar weight × purity | “Fortuna” design. LBMA recognized. |
RCM Silver Bars | Royal Canadian Mint | 10 oz, 100 oz, 1 kg | .9999 | Net = label × .9999 | Serialized, advanced security. |
Engelhard Silver Bars (vintage) | Engelhard (historic, USA) | 1, 5, 10, 100 oz | .999 | Net Ag ~ labeled size | Discontinued brand. Sought after by collectors. |
Heraeus / Argor‑Heraeus Bars | Germany / Switzerland | 1 oz to 1 kg | .999 | Net Ag = label × .999 | LBMA recognized. Often come with assay cert. |
Sunshine Mint Bars | Sunshine (USA) | 1, 5, 10, 100 oz | .999 | Net = labeled size | MintMark SI security feature. Popular brand. |
Valcambi Silver Bars | Valcambi (Switz.) | 1 oz, 100 g, 1 kg, CombiBars | .999 | Net Ag = label × .999 | Swiss refined. Also offers breakable “CombiBars.” |
Asahi Silver Bars | Asahi (USA/Japan) | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz | .999 | Net = labeled size | LBMA recognized. Former JM/Engelhard facilities. |
Metalor Silver Bars | Metalor (Switz.) | 1 kg cast, 10 oz minted | .999 | Net = label × .999 | Stamped w/ serial. Major Swiss refiner. |
Istanbul Gold Refinery (IGR) | IGR (Turkey) | 1 oz, 1 kg, 100 oz | .999 | Net Ag = label × .999 | LBMA accredited. Often sealed w/ assay. |
Geiger Security Bars | Geiger Edelmetalle (Germany) | 10 oz, 500 g, etc. | .999 | Net = labeled bar × .999 | UV markings, unique serial. High security design. |
Scottsdale “Stackers” | Scottsdale Mint (USA) | 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz | .999 | Net = label | Interlocking edges. Premium brand for stacking. |
1000 oz COMEX Bar | Various LBMA refiners | ~1000 troy oz (±10%) | ~.999 | ~1000 oz net Ag | Large “good delivery” for institutional/COMEX trades. |
Platinum bullion coins are typically struck to a 99.95% purity standard and are legal tender with symbolic face values. Notable examples include:
Private refiners produce platinum bars in sizes ranging from 1 gram to 1 kilogram, typically at 99.95% purity. Leading products include:
Platinum’s bullion history includes early Russian platinum ruble coins and later modern issues that set the standard for purity. Highlights include:
Palladium coins are less common but follow a similar high-purity standard (99.95%). Key examples include:
Palladium bars, typically produced at 99.95% purity, are offered in 1 oz and larger sizes by refiners such as PAMP Suisse and Valcambi.
Palladium’s bullion history includes early commemorative issues and limited-run coins. Highlights include: