Gold Coin Opportunity

Minus access to a gold testing kit or xrf that was about all he could do. People were concerned for his safety.

But what I'd be more concerned about is gold plated tungsten. Any suggestions on how to determine authenticity of gold other than weight, thickness, etc.?

After all, tungsten is closer in weight and density to gold than say, copper (what I believe is more used to counterfeit silver), so weight and density as well as thickness and diameter should be very close to the real deal...shouldn't they?

I'd also be wondering how one would be able to tell the difference between other alloys, i.e., AGE (91.67 pure) or old US gold (90 pure) or 999(9) gold vs gold alloys of say 50-75 pure (in the event that counterfeiters would actually use a gold alloy to "fool" more people, and still make a profit)?

Personally I think it says something about coin people.. Everyone was worried about this guy and was adamant to his safety and well being. The worries appear to be unfounded and the fella has his coins and sounds happy and loved his deal. Perhaps the message here is the world isn't all that bad and people do care about one another and in the end this shows perhaps a insight into what people are about and the REAL nature of people both seller and buyer and all the well wishes and perhaps even prayers and thoughts we all had for coin kid. I think this demonstrates a incredible side of people. And good for you coin kid!!

It's very easy to say that now that we know he's safe.

I think the opposite. I think that the fact that all the members were very worried about his security and his life indicate the moral level of this community and that there are more important things that money.

Tungsten is very difficult to form into coins because of it is not ductile or malleable enough for this purpose. If it was there would be millions of tungsten coins around with gold plating and there's not. That's why fisch type gold verification has been used successfully for decades.

Your comment regarding 70% or 80% gold being used is a possibility but the cost becomes so high that it is not really practical either. Be alert and aware that new and different methods of creating fakes can and will be utilized. But also realize that a little common sense goes a long way.

Why risk a transaction like this? Just go buy them at a local coin shop or from APMEX or other decent online bullion dealers.

I don't understand why everyone has their undies in a bunch over this .........I buy used construction equipment all the time on CL. Often it is several...several thousand dollars. Sometimes, it has to be cash. Mostly it is done in driveways or onsite. Just because it is gold coins .... he is foolish ?

The kid found a great deal, he took precautions, he got a bunch of gold for under melt . Seriously ? Is this all just jealousy ?

Good job kid, you found a deal. You did it right, you made out big time

While I haven't ever bought anything off of CL, I have bought cars from individuals and like you, I had actual money with me and the deal took place on someone's driveway.

When the deal was done, I had a car -- not a fake car.

And to me, that's the big difference.

If I overpaid or bought a crummy car, I still had a car. I didn't have a fake that wasn't even worth scrap. (So far that's never happened, knock wood.)