I was looking around on the RCM website and came across this information so I thought I'd bring it up for everyone's opinion.
World's first "DNA" authenticated coins — Working with a private partner, the Mint has developed and patented a process called Digital Non-Reactive Activation (DNA) which reads the unique surface structure of every coin to create a unique digital "fingerprint". This data is stored in a database and confirms the authenticity of every coin manufactured by the Mint even as the coin experiences normal wear during its life cycle. This technology can be used to authenticate all manner of circulation, collector and bullion coins
Even if tech works, who has the resources to purchase the other end to confirm, as we seen with fake PAMP bars and such unless there's a consorted effort to combat fakes, they will always be a step ahead.
What next? Coin collecting has gone from coins to slabs to digital fingerprints.
The only fingerprints I want on my coins are mine. Holding them (carefully) in my hands is a big part of the enjoyment I get from collecting. I don't like slabs because I can't see the coins through the plastic. I still keep mine in little paper (acid free) envelopes so I can take them out and enjoy them.
I know counterfeiting is a big problem, but its getting to where often more money is spent on certifying a coin than on the coin itself. I know it will never happen, but I wish we could go back to the days before slabs, and when the grade was a description not a number.
What a waste of time and money by the Mint. Unless they use this to shut down counterfeiters, it is worthless. No coin that the mint produces now or has produced during the last few decades is ever going to be a "collector" coin that needs fingerprints. Please excuse me if I stepped on some toes.
If the RCM would get off their butts and actually do something constructive to stop counterfeiting and foreign imports, anything that they do to try to put lipstick on a pig still leaves you with a pig.
I believe they have had this technology available since about 2004, but it's like john100 said no one has the resources to purchase the required equipment at the other end.
"Dipping" is not considered cleaning... -from PCGS website
Interesting comments So far. I thought it would be embraced as a good measure. I think this technology is in it's infancy and I guess I let my imagination go. Perhaps in twenty years when you buy a coin you"ll be able to confirm it's a RCM product with the swipe of your phone circulating coin or NCLT.
Brainstorm! Implant a chip in coin. Store in said chip purchaser's retina info on it, Chip comes with a micro retina scan.If the original buyer doesn't scan his eyeball at least once a month the chip releases a small amount of corrosive liquid (harmless to us) and..."poof" Problem solved Imho
And for security reasons have Maxwell Smart record buyers info directly. With his shoe.
On collector coins, not necessary. On bullion coins, absolutely. Many people buy gold Maples in RCM tubes, at current prices that's close to $17,000 per tube. A little extra security would be welcome, as there plenty of gold Maple fakes out there.
As a end buyer, how would you know it's not a fake if the wholesaler is too cheap to buy the authenticating equipment, so many bullion dealers still don't have an hand held XRF.
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Posted 01/07/2017 2:20 pm
..but I kind of agree with you..So now we're both in for it...
Brainstorm! 
Implant a chip in coin.
Imho
