Spot Fake Credit Suisse Gold Bar

Gold is one of the precious metals that is extremely valued by industries and investors. It is a non-tarnish metal that can be used to produce jewelry and equipment and serves as a form of diversity in portfolios.

While the gold market is profitable, it can be very brutal. To survive the gold market, you should be able to spot a fake Credit Suisse gold bar.

Let’s dive in!

Credit Suisse Gold Bar

Credit Suisse Gold Bar is one popular physical gold bar that investors can easily access.

These gold bars are made by a Swiss financial institution, the Credit Suisse Group, responsible for the minting of fine gold bullion and gold bars.

The Credit Suisse Group was founded in 1856. It began as a financial holdings company and later moved on to producing precious metals.

During the first decade of existence, the company was able to boast of its significant hold over Switzerland while influencing the country’s rise to economic power.

Characteristics of a genuine Credit Suisse gold bar

To help you spot fake Credit Suisse gold bar, we’ve analyzed the characteristics of a genuine bar.

Gold Bar Design

The design of the Credit Suisse gold bullion bar is popular, and it can be easily recognized anywhere in the world.

Each gold bar is molded into a rectangular form, a very thin rectangle with smooth edges and little “shine”.

Each gold bar is stamped with vital information related to that specific bar. The stamp usually consists of a serial number unique to the gold bar, the amount of gold content in the bar, and the number of gold fineness. All these details are stated on the bar to separate them from the rest.

One characteristic that distinguishes the Credit Suisse gold bar from the rest is its Credit Suisse logo. The logo consists of the words CREDIT SUISSE encircled by a rectangular box. All these are stamped above the rest of the gold bar’s information.

After information like the gold bar’s weight, the number of gold content, and the gold fineness surrounded by the rectangular box, there is the  French term “Essayeur Fondeur.”

“Essayeur Fondeur” can be roughly translated as “Melting Tester” in English. It depicts the stamp of the manufacturer.

In Switzerland, various languages were used in various parts of the country when gold bars were first minted. Some of the other languages were German, French, and Italian, but French was one of the predominant languages.

French dominated the commerce industry in Switzerland when the bars were first minted. It explains why “Melting Tester” was written in French, not in any other language.

On the back of the gold bars, you can find diagonal Credit Suisse logos repeated. These logos are similar to the one used on the front of the gold bar.

Although there are unique characteristics and serial numbers that set this gold bar apart from the rest, your best bet at authenticating them is through the use of a professional who tests precious metals.

Specifications

Regardless of its weight denomination, every Credit Suisse Gold Bar has a .9999 gold fineness. The 24 karat quality of Credit Suisse Gold Bars makes them the purest gold bar available in the precious metal market.

Most of the bars made by the Credit Suisse Group are made in Switzerland, so most of their weight is written in a metric system.

Although Credit Suisse gold bars also come in troy ounces, gold bars that come in troy ounces are usually available within ten troy ounces to half a troy ounce.

The Credit Suisse Gold Bars also come in sizes like 1000 grams, 500 grams, 250 grams, to as low as 1 gram.

While the .9999 fineness of the Credit Suisse Gold Bars makes them extremely valuable, it also makes the gold bars susceptible to wear when they are not handled carefully.

Pricing

Gold bars are not regarded as legal tenders, unlike gold coins. Due to this fact, gold bars are unusable during financial transactions. While this is certainly a setback for gold bars, it does not rule out the numerous benefits individuals can get from investing in gold bars.

Gold bars are also superior to gold coins in some aspects. For example, gold bars are easier to produce than gold coins.

If you’re looking to purchase gold bars, the Credit Suisse Gold Bar is one of your great options. These gold bars are recognizable worldwide, but they are also very easy to trade.

Investing in Credit Suisse Gold Bars With IRAs

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are allowed by the IRS to hold precious metals as part of their investment portfolio. However, there are specific requirements that an account must reach for it to be allowed.

So long as they reach the specific requirements, IRAs can add IRS-approved bullion to their portfolio. Some bullions approved by the IRS are gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. They can be added in the form of coins or bars.

Credit Suisse Gold Bars are one of the IRS-approved bullions that can be added to investment portfolios.

Gold bars are a great addition to portfolios as they serve as a great form of diversity and are independent of fluctuations in stocks or bonds.

How to test the authenticity of your gold bar?

Sometimes counterfeits are made so carefully, replicating every characteristic of the Credit Suisse gold bar making it difficult to identify that they’re fake.

Luckily there are various tests that even novices can carry out to test the authenticity of the Credit Suisse gold bar.

Weight Test

Counterfeit gold bars are usually stuffed with cheap metals like tungsten. These cheap metals often alter the weight measurements of the bar, making them contradict the already established gold bars’ weight mark.

 An authentic gold bar fits one of the following weights:

1 gram, 2.5 grams, 5 grams, 10 grams, 20 grams,  50 grams up to 1000 grams.

There’s also 10 tolas, 0.5 troy oz, 1 troy oz, 10 troy oz.

Your gold bar weight should correspond with the indicated gold bar weight. If your gold bar is heavier or lighter, it is not an authentic gold bar. Authentic Credit Suisse gold bar will not be more than its indicated marking.

 Dimension Test

Credit Suisse gold bar manufacturing machines always make bars that have similar dimensions. So one of the ways you can check if you’re with a fake Credit Suisse gold bar is by confirming its height and width. You can do this with a caliper. After measuring the height and width of the gold bar, confirm if it corresponds with a genuine bar dimension. If it doesn’t, then it is fake. 

Ping Test

Real gold will make a distinctive ping sound when hit with a metal rod or object. So you can test if you have a fake Credit Suisse gold bar with you through the ping test because fake bars are not made with real gold. Real Credit Suisse gold bar will make a unique ping sound when hit with another metal.

Discoloration Test

Gold does not get tarnished over time regardless of how it’s handled and how long it has been produced. So you can easily depict fake gold by carefully observing the gold bar for signs of discoloration or unusual tarnishing before purchasing it.

Magnet Test & Does Fake Gold Magnetic?

There’s a rare-earth magnet that precious metal dealers use to confirm the authenticity of physical gold bars. Gold is not magnetic and should not attract magnets regardless of the magnet’s strength. Hence by simply placing a rare-earth magnet on a Credit Suisse gold bar, you can tell if it’s authentic or not. Real gold bars will not stick.

Although this method cannot be trusted because expert counterfeiters are knowledgeable about other non-magnetic metals that exist, they will use the non-magnetic metal and deceive people who decide to rely only on the test to determine the authenticity of a gold bar before they purchase it.

So it is best if you use multiple tests to confirm that your gold bar is authentic.

Float Test

A genuine gold bar will sink when placed into the water due to the high density of gold.

So the float test can be used to determine if your Credit Suisse gold bar is genuine. A genuine Credit Suisse gold bar will sink. On the other hand, a fake gold bar will float when placed in water.

However, like the magnet test, you cannot fully rely on the float test because some counterfeiters can make gold-plated or fake gold bars with heavy materials causing them to sink in the water.

Vibration Test

Studies have shown that gold’s vibrational force can infer its purity level. Genuine gold has its particular vibrational reaction. If the vibration differs from the established vibrational pattern of gold, it’s a counterfeit bar.

This test is a new test that requires a precious metal expert who has extensive knowledge of metal vibrations. Novices who have no extensive knowledge of metal vibration should not try to perform this test.

Fire Assay

Precious metals experts use the fire assay method to check the authenticity of gold bars. It is one of the most stressful testing methods for gold authenticity, but it is also very reliable.

To begin the process, experts gather the following items: borax, soda ash, litharge, flour silica, and gold. These ingredients are combined and melted down using a smelter or anything similar. After melting, the mixture is poured into a mold. Due to the extremely high melting point of gold, it remains solid. It is a method that is suited for only professionals.

How Do I Find My Gold Bar Serial Number?

Each genuine Credit Suisse gold bar is engraved with a unique serial number that marks its authenticity. This serial number is usually stamped onto the bar and featured on the accompanying certificate or assay card. However, counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated in replicating these features. Here are some tips on verifying the authenticity of your gold bar’s serial number.

Check the Engraving

The first step is to examine the engraving on the gold bar closely. Genuine Credit Suisse gold bars have their serial numbers professionally engraved to specifications. The text should be sharp, evenly spaced, and uniform. Any sign of sloppy work, such as uneven characters or shallow engraving, could be a red flag.

Serial Number on Assay Card

Genuine Credit Suisse gold bars have an assay card with the bar’s serial number. This number must match the one engraved on the bar. Any discrepancy between the two is a clear sign of forgery.

Database Verification

Some dealers and organizations maintain a database of genuine serial numbers. While not all Credit Suisse gold bars may be registered, it can still serve as a helpful verification method. Check the serial number against any available databases or contact the dealer to confirm its validity.

Professional Verification

If you need more clarification about the authenticity of your gold bar’s serial number, consult a professional. Reputable gold dealers or assayers can perform tests without damaging the bar to verify its genuineness.

Weight and Dimensions

Counterfeit bars may not conform to the weight and dimensions specified for genuine Credit Suisse gold bars. Cross-reference these specifications with the actual measurements of your bar. Any inconsistencies should raise concerns.

By thoroughly checking your gold bar’s serial number and the accompanying features, you can ensure its authenticity.

What is a Credit Suisse Gold Bar?

Credit Suisse is one of the most prestigious financial institutions in the world, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. One of their services is dealing in precious metals, including gold bars. A Credit Suisse gold bar is a lump of pure gold, ranging from small sizes like one gram to much larger ones, such as 10 ounces or even a kilogram.

Characteristics of Genuine Credit Suisse Gold Bars

Genuine Credit Suisse gold bars have several identifying features:

• Purity: The purity level of Credit Suisse gold bars is generally 99.99%, and this information is stamped on the bar.
• Logos and Marks: The Credit Suisse logo, weight, purity level, and the inscription ‘Essayeur Fondeur’ are typically engraved on the bar.
• Assay Card: The gold bar is accompanied by a sealed assay card, verifying its authenticity.
• Serial Number: Each bar has a unique serial number on the bar and the assay card.

Common Tactics Used in Forgeries

Counterfeiters use a variety of methods to create fake Credit Suisse gold bars:

• Gold Plating: One of the most common methods is using a less valuable metal for the core and coating it with a layer of gold.
• Falsified Documents: Fake assay cards or certificates can accompany counterfeit gold bars.
• Incorrect Logos and Markings: Poorly replicated logos or misspelled words are often telltale signs of a fake gold bar.

Testing for Authenticity

If you’re unsure about the genuineness of your Credit Suisse gold bar, several tests can be conducted:

• Magnet Test: Gold is non-magnetic. If the bar is attracted to a magnet, it is not genuine.
• Acid Test: Professionals can conduct this test, where a small sample of the gold is scraped off and tested with acid to confirm its purity.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound tests can detect the density of the metal, helping confirm if it’s genuine gold.
• X-Ray Fluorescence: This non-destructive method can analyze the metal composition of the gold bar.

You safeguard your investment effectively by understanding what a genuine Credit Suisse gold bar is and how it can be distinguished from counterfeits.

Frequently  Asked Questions

Is there a serial number on gold bars?

Yes, most gold bars have serial numbers, but it depends on the mint that created the bar.

Some mints only put serial numbers on specific weights of gold bars. At the same time, other mints put serial numbers on all of their gold bars.

Can gold bars be fake?

Yes, gold bars can be fake. There are illegal operations in the precious metal market, so there are many fake gold bars. Investors should only buy gold bars from legal sources to prevent the mistake of buying fake gold bars.

Are gold bars stamped?

Yes, by law, all gold bars must be stamped before being placed on the market. Stamps are required for security reasons and also traceability.